Central Experimental Farm

The Central Experimental Farm (CEF), commonly known as the Experimental Farm, is an agricultural facility, working farm, and research centre of the Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The farm is centrally located in Ottawa, Canada. Located on 4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi) of land, the farm is a National Historic Site of Canada and most of its buildings are protected and preserved as heritage buildings.

The CEF's original intent was to perform scientific research into agricultural methods and crops. While such research is still being conducted, the park-like atmosphere of the CEF has led to its becoming an important place of recreation and education for the residents of Ottawa.

Several other departments and agencies have encroached onto the CEF property, such as Natural Resources Canada, National Defence (HMCS Carleton on Dow's Lake), and the Ottawa Civic Hospital (helicopter pad).

The CEF is bordered by the Rideau Canal (a National Historic Site as well) to the east, Prince of Wales Drive to the South-East, Baseline Road to the south, and the Merivale and Fisher Roads in Carlington to the west, and Carling Avenue to the north.

History

The Victorian era was a time of great interest in the advancement of natural sciences and many nations built zoos, observatories, botanical gardens, and experimental farms. Canada followed suit and as the result of lobbying by John Carling, the Minister of Agriculture, and William Saunders, the first director of the research branch, the "Act Respecting Experimental Stations" came into force in 1886. The land owned by local Ottawa farmers including John Mulligan (1799–1886) was sold to the government to create the experimental farm.