We're an
Ontario-based movementof Regenerative Food Buyers,
Farmers and Land Managers
Our Mission
Ecosystem Hub provides both educational opportunities and turnkey ecological monitoring services using holistic management that will achieve regenerative outcomes on your farm. We also provide educational opportunities for consumers with an interest in creating regenerative outcomes through their purchasing decisions, lifestyle choices and more. The only way to achieve regenerative outcomes is if management is holistic. Our aim is to improve the regenerative potential of your food production and/or agricultural systems in order to restore lands, engage customers and support a healthy, high performing organization. When we achieve these goals, entire communities benefit and can lead healthier, fulfilled lives.
All ecological monitoring and training services are provided by Cory Van Groningen, a Field Professional with The Savory Institute, through Ecosystem Hub, a Hub candidate within the Savory Network.
Education for Farmers and Land Managers
Ecosystem Hub is pleased to offer ecological monitoring training services that guide land managers on using holistic management to achieve regenerative outcomes. Our in-person courses take place in Ontario and our online courses are open to all land managers regardless of geographic location.
Education for Regenerative Food Buyers
If you’re a consumer with an interest in applying regenerative outcomes not only to your food purchasing choices but to your lifestyle—for example, using holistic management at home in your own garden—we’ve got courses to educate and inspire you. Using expertise from The Savory Institute, the Ecosystem Hub team is here to share knowledge and actionable guidance that contributes to healthy, thriving ecosystems and communities.
Services for Farmers and Land Managers
Ecosystem Hub is pleased to offer turnkey ecological monitoring services that are performed by Cory Van Groningen, a third generation Ontario farmer and field professional in holistic management with The Savory Institute. These services are ideal for land managers who want to achieve regenerative outcomes through holistic management.
Who We Are
Ecosystem Hub is led by Cory Van Groningen of Harvest to Gather (VG Meats, Rowe Farms, Olliffe Butcher Shop). Harvest to Gather is on a mission to produce healthy, delicious food you can feel good about, and it all starts on the farm. Cory is certified by The Savory Institute —please visit their website to learn more about their mission, processes and achievements to date.
What is Regeneration?
Regeneration is when the actions we take leave something in better condition than it was before that action was taken. For example, we can farm in a way that considers local ecosystems and ensures that no damage is done— or, we can farm in a way that;
- actually improves the ecosystem processes,
- energy flow (photosynthesis),
- mineral cycle (in the atmosphere and soil and water),
- water cycle,
- and biodiversity.
One goal involves keeping the status quo while the other is rooted in making a difference. At Harvest to Gather, we always choose to make a difference— and by consciously shopping for regenerative products, so do our customers.
“Ultimately, the only wealth that can sustain any community, economy or nation is derived from the photosynthetic process – green plants growing on regenerating soil.”
– Alan Savory
What Are Regenerative Outcomes?
A regenerative outcome is the goal of holistic management. Simply put, it’s what happens when holistic management is applied successfully —something that’s not guaranteed without dedication, knowledge and effort.
A phrase like “holistic management is the only way we achieve regenerative outcomes” is a mouthful that can be hard to understand in real life terms, but it’s pretty simple once you break it down. Regenerative practices are defined as any action that a person chooses that may or may not lead to regenerative outcomes—the practice and the outcome are two separate things. The practice itself exists outside of any context but in reality, that context is critical.
Here’s An Example Of A Regenerative Practice:
To achieve regenerative outcomes (a positive result from a regenerative practice), you need to think beyond the initial act. Let’s talk about planting a tree. You can plant a tree just to tick a box and say you did it. You pop it into the ground, throw a little water on it and hope for the best. It doesn’t matter what type of environment the tree is in, whether or not you’ve tilled the soil, or if you have a plan to care for the tree after it’s been placed in the ground—it’s been planted, and the box has been ticked.
With this approach, it doesn’t matter if the tree lives or dies because you’re focused on the act rather than the outcome. However, if your goal is for the tree to thrive for years to come, you’re going to go further. The tree will be placed in healthy soil in an appropriate environment. It will be watered and pruned as needed, soaking in the natural sunlight from the great spot you chose for it. It will grow big and strong and healthy because you put systems into place to support this outcome. In this scenario, planting a tree is a regenerative practice that leads to a regenerative outcome. This should always be the goal!
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