Bob Garthson

Bob has a rich background in education, social work, and agriculture. He has degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Certificate in Special Education. Bob has worked as a teaching assistant, social worker, manager of a cattle ranch, federal officer, and teacher. He has held leadership positions in the Ontario Secondary Teachers Federation and represented the Canadian Teachers Federation on the Education International Technical Education Committee. In the agricultural sector, Bob founded Valley Pines Organics in 2003, focusing on organic, biodynamic, and regenerative gardening. He has been an executive member of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario and involved in various agriculture and food policy councils and committees. Bob is also active in environmental and community organizations, such as the National Farmers Union, the Northumberland Council of Canadians, and the Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign. He has been gardening using organic and regenerative practices since 1956 and has grown a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruit. Bob is committed to establishing more community gardens and promoting healthy local food, with connections to organic farmers and educators in Cuba.