A Day on the Farm: St. Francis Herb Farm Tour
Behind the Herbs: Our St. Francis Farm Tour
On September 18, 2025, our Amaranth team joined the very first retailer farm tour at St. Francis Herb Farm in Ontario. It was more than just a visit, it was a chance to step behind the labels, see the passion and science at work, roll up our sleeves for some hands-on herbal learning, and discover what a herb farm really is.
The Journey Begins
The day started at Toronto’s Enercare Centre, where we boarded the bus with fellow retailers. This wasn’t your typical road trip — Julie Daniluk, RHN (author of Meals That Heal Inflammation) kept us entertained and inspired with insights on healing foods all the way to the farm. By the time we arrived, we were energized and ready to dive in.
A Farm-Fresh Welcome
We were greeted with the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly at home: butternut squash soup, warm homemade buns, hearty beef stew, and fresh salad. As we enjoyed lunch, Julie shared highlights from her book tour, including research on how inflammation plays a role in overall health. Her presentation sparked ideas we can’t wait to share as future tips and facts on our blog.
Exploring the Heart of St. Francis
After lunch, we split into two groups, some toured the organic herb farm while others explored the GMP-certified production facility. Later, we swapped so everyone got the full experience.
Herb Farm Highlights
Guided by Dr. Lisa Murray-Doran, a local naturopath.
Learned how to create a DIY healing salve (more on that below!).
Sampled tinctures in a guided tasting — each one offering a unique story of flavor and function.
Inside the Facility
Walking into the production facility felt like entering a world of precision and care:
We suited up in hairnets, jackets, and boot covers to protect the herbs.
Sparkling-clean floors, machinery, and walls reflected their GMP certification and strict hygiene standards.
Every herb was labeled and traceable, ensuring complete quality control from start to finish.
With 33,000 sq. ft. of space and has approx 80 employees all together - In the production facility it's approx 40 staff the scale was impressive, yet the process still felt deeply connected to the farm’s roots.
This part of the tour also answered a common question we often hear: do you need a license to sell herbs in Canada? The answer is yes. Farms like St. Francis must comply with Health Canada’s regulations and maintain GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. From the moment we suited up to the spotless production lines, every detail showed us how regulation ensures safe, effective, and trustworthy herbal products.
How to Make a Salve (DIY from the Farm!)
One of the highlights of the day was Dr. Lisa’s demonstration on making a healing salve. We even left with the ingredients to try it ourselves. Here’s how you can, too:
Ingredients & Materials:
Fresh or dried herbs (calendula is a great choice 🌼)
Olive oil (or another carrier oil)
Beeswax
Mason jar
Small pot & containers for storing
Steps:
Pack a mason jar tightly with your herb of choice, then cover completely with oil.
Place in a sunny window for 6–8 weeks to let the herb infuse.
Strain and pour the infused oil into a pot.
Add beeswax (more beeswax = firmer salve).
Melt together, then pour into small containers.
Let cool, label, and use on dry skin, cuts, or scrapes.
This simple process connects you directly to the healing power of plants, exactly what St. Francis is all about.
Farming with Intention
We also learned more about the farm’s practices and goals:
Farming restarted just three years ago, after regulatory changes made it possible.
All herbs are certified organic and grown with sustainability in mind.
Seeds are saved and repurposed from harvests.
Recent harvests include 5,500 kg of mullein and 200 kg of milky oat.
Herbs are carefully dried at 38°C to preserve potency.
Their vision is to grow more of their own herbs to supply production, bringing farm and formula even closer together.
Closing the Day
As the sun dipped low, we shared one last meal together, local beef and veggie burgers with fresh salad, before heading back to Toronto. It was the perfect end to a day filled with connection, learning, and inspiration.
Final Reflections
The St. Francis Herb Farm tour wasn’t just about seeing how products are made, it was about understanding the heart and values behind them. From sustainable farming practices to spotless production lines, every detail reflected their dedication to quality and care.
We left feeling grateful to be part of their very first retailer tour and excited to share what we learned with our community. After all, the best part of days like this is bringing those stories back to you!
