Organic Focus - Winter 2011/12 by Organic Council of Ontario

Organic Focus Organic Council of Ontario Newsletter Winter 2011

Volume 5, Issue 3

Organic Council of Ontario Activities In this issue: Organic Council of Ontario Activities

OCO Round-Up

Upcoming Events

Industry News

4/5

Members

Of Note...

OMAFRA Update

Regulatory Affairs Update Market & Consumer Trends

Get Engaged!

Board of Directors

Season‟s Greetings from the Organic Council of Ontario! 2011 has been an extremely productive year for your Council, with the autumn and early winter a frenzy of activity for staff and volunteers. The highlight of the fall for staff was the re-launch of our updated website. The new look and architecture will help us improve communications with membership, reach consumers, and streamline our membership and internal communications as well. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your OCO Communication Coordinator, Jacob Pries, for his work on this task. Jacob will be refining functionality over the winter of our directory, and adding a newsfeed feature. The Ontario Organic Roadshow wrapped up its festival tour and we turn our focus to the indoor consumer shows in 2012. We have details on the Roadshow to date on page 2. In October, OCO participated in a number of Organic Week initiatives, including making a Roadshow stop at the Organic Garage and attending a lobby day on Parliament Hill. Our participation in that event led to a follow up meeting with MP Ben Lobb of Grey-Bruce. Mr. Lobb expressed the need to “show” and not “tell” MPs that organic production is a viable option. To that end, Mr. Lobb extended an invitation to OCO to plan a field day in his riding in the spring for MPs. Ted Zettel, as the OCO representative at Organic Federation of Canada, presented on the Growing Forward II proposal to the Standing Committee on Agriculture. OCO made written submissions for Growing

Forward II priorities and to the CFIA on their proposed Low Level Presence (GMOs) Policy proposal. Ted continues to advocate through his role as OFC Chair for permanent, stable funding to maintain the organic standard and the work of the Standards Interpretation Committee. Ted and I also participated in the Organic Value Chain Round Table meetings in Ottawa in November. The OVCRT appointed a new industry Chair, Gunta Vitins. Gunta has many years of experience in the organic sector within government, NGOs, and the private sector. Her experience and understanding from these three vantage points is invaluable in the work of the Round Table. The key issues raised at the OVCRT included: lack of access to OVCRT-commissioned studies and an “ask” of government to be forthcoming with timely release of research; the need to pay attention to supply/ demand issues; and a presentation of the Phase II work on the Canada Organic Brand Strategy (OCO will have an update at the Guelph Organic Conference during our three hour Trade Symposium on Friday January 27th). SAVE THE DATE! Our AGM will be in Guelph at Ignatius on march 7th. We will have an excellent program and hope you will join us and bring a colleague!

Jodi Koberinski, OCO Executive Director

Organic Focus

Winter 2011

OCO Round-Up

2nd Annual Ontario Organic Awards and Dinner Join us the Saturday of the Guelph Organic Conference January 28, 2012, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph (map) Tickets: $45 or $40 OCO members / students (+ HST) Dinner and music at 7pm Awards at 8pm Cash bar and music to follow the awards RSVP early to ensure tickets!

Organic Award Nominations – Due by Jan 6th To Nominate for the Awards you may submit our online form or download(.pdf /.docx) and send your nominations to our office For more information about the Awards, nomination criteria, being an event sponsor or food donor, please contact our Events Coordinator. Check out the 2011 Organic Awards Recipients! http://www.organiccouncil.ca/events/awards2012

OCO’s 2nd Annual Dinner at Hart House November 25th was our second annual OCO Fundraising Dinner at historic Hart House at the University of Toronto. The event featured a 4 course gourmet meal, live Jazz, and a keynote speaker. The event was a huge success, with many members purchasing tables and hosting company or personal Holiday Season parties at our event. Keynote speaker Dr. Ralph Martin (Chair of Sustainable Agriculture at University of Guelph) spoke eloquently about the challenges we are facing in the food system. He contextualized the current food system’s crisis as a response to a 20th century need. He then elaborated on what shifts in the food system need to occur to bring us into the 21st century: sustainability and food quality. Thank you to our sponsors of the event and to everyone who made the night so memorable!

Organic Council of Ontario hit the road with an Ontario Organics Roadshow this year. With matching support from the Ontario Market Investment Fund and the sector, we are touring the province to promote the new national organic standard and the Foodland Organic brand- together, these programs help Ontarians find both local AND organic foods. 15 Festivals and Events. 4000km traveled. Over 10,000 views of our logos and banners. Over 5000 samples given. Hundreds of conversations. Thousands of views of OCO videos and slideshow info. Hundreds of emails gathered. Co-Farmer Campaign initiated. Foodland Organic brand introduced. OCO and our team of dedicated Organic Ambassadors traveled the province promoting certified organic foods on behalf of our sponsors and membership. Thanks and gratitude to our early Roadshow sponsors, without whom the project would not have been possible: Yorkshire Valley Farms, Fieldgate Organics, Organic Meadow, Ontario Natural Food Co-op, Neal Brothers, Filsingers, The Big Carrot and our government partners at the Ontario Market Investment Fund. Our TWO REMAINING EVENTS for the Roadshow take place this winter: London Food and Wine Show Jan 12 14 and the Green Living Show, April 13-15. We will have a large organic pavilion at thewse events- it is not too late to join us as an exhibitor or as a sponsor. Call the office or email jodi@organiccouncil.ca to get involved! Financial support for this project was provided by the province through the Ontario Market Investment Fund and the following industry partners:

Volume 5 Issue 3

Upcoming Events

London Food and Wine Show January 12, 13, & 14 2012. Progress Building, Western Fair Grounds. 900 King St. E. London, ON. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at door. Come check out OCO‟s pavilion, where friends mix & mingle! www.westernfairdistrict.com/events/attend/wine_and_food_show EFO Workshops during the Guelph Organic Conference Join us for two great days of workshops this January and embrace the winter by learning something new! Please note that these workshops are separate for the Guelph Organic Conference. This year’s terrific line-up includes:

2nd Annual Ontario Organic Awards and Dinner Join us on the Saturday of the Guelph Organic Conference January 28, 2012, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph (map) Tickets: $45 or $40 OCO members / students (+ HST) Dinner and music at 7pm, Awards at 8pm. Cash bar and music to follow the awards RSVP early to ensure tickets!

Canadian Organic Science Conference As part of the Canadian Organic Science Cluster, the national initiative in strategic research in organic agriculture, the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada will hold a national organic science conference in Winnipeg Essentials of Ecological Farming – New Farmer Focus Feb. 21-23. Meetings are meant to provide a forum for presentations and Learn the basic principles that are essential to successful ecological farmdiscussions of organic research in Canada and beyond. Leading scientists ing! We‟ll cover soil biology and fertility, basic crop rotation and weed will present current advances in the field of organic agricultural practices. control, livestock husbandry and manure management/composting, and Early registration is now open, with regular registration closing on Feb. 7. touch on farm business economics and organic certification. Two successTo learn more or to sign up, visit the OACC website. ful new farmers will share case studies of their farms, presenting how they apply many different organic management strategies for successful growing! EcoFarm Day - "Vibrant Businesses in Organic Agriculture" When: Thurs Jan 26 & Fri Jan 27 9am – 4pm Where: OMAFRA Building, 1 Stone Road, Guelph (NW corner of Stone February 25, 26th, 2012. Ramada Inn, 805 Brookdale Ave., Cornwall, ON. Welcome to Eco Farm Day - eastern Ontario's premier farm conference. OrRd. and Gordon St.) ganic, transitional and conventional farmers of field crops, market gardens, and Cost: $120 EFO members, $140 for non-members. livestock rely on Eco Farm Day for the best training, information, and commerce Digging Deeper into Soils – Exploring and Understanding Differ- opportunities. Over 350 people come back every year for the social event, the networking, the positive atmosphere, and the great food! ent Approaches to Monitoring Soil Health and Fertility   Saturday Conference, February 25, 2012 - Lunch is included: Many different approaches to soil testing have been used and promoted In advance, postmarked by Feb 11, 2012 by organic farming practitioners. How does a farmer make sense of the * Regular Adult - $56.50 ($67.80 at door) conflicting info these approaches present? How do you interpret an analy* Current or new COG Member - $45.10 ($56.50 at door) sis so it tells you the real story, or fits with what you‟re seeing in the field * Student or Senior - $28.25 or bin? Explore the various approaches and methods of soil testing and Saturday Evening Gala, February 25, 2012 - Per person - $56.50 analysis such as Reams, Albrecht, Bio-dynamic, Soil Food Web and others. Bring your soil tests! When: Thurs Jan 26, 10am – 4pm Where: OMAFRA Building, 1 Stone Road, Guelph (NW corner of Stone Rd. and Gordon St.) Cost: $35 EFO members, $50 for non-members.

EcoFarm Day - Organic Council of Ontario presents BuyerGrower Forum Sunday February 26th * Breakfast - 9AM * Keynote and panel presentation - 10AM * Lunch - 12 noon Ecological Beekeeping * Grower-buyer round tables - until 2PM Pollinators are one of the most essential parts of a healthy agro$56.50 per person (HST included); Breakfast and lunch included ecosystem, and are critical to both farming and food. Learn some of the HST - please note that 13% HST will be added to the registration fees. most important ways that you can keep and encourage healthy bees using http://www.cog.ca/ottawa/ecofarmday/ENhome.html ecological apiculture practices, and troubleshoot with other beekeepers. Join us for this participatory session! Organic Council of Ontario’s 2012 Annual General Meeting When: Fri Jan 27, 10am-4pm Where: OMAFRA Building, 1 Stone Road, Guelph (NW corner of Stone March 7th 2012, 9 am until 4pm. Location: Loyola House Retreat Centre, 5420 Hwy 6, N. Guelph, ON. Rd. and Gordon St.) Cost: OCO members - Free, Non-Members - $35. Cost: $35 EFO members, $50 for non-members. Lunch: Organic and Local lunch provided. Contact: Karen in the EFO office at 1-877 822-8606 or info@efao.ca.

oacc.info/cosc

RSVP: info@organicouncil.ca or 519-827-1221 Board members for election: Processor rep, Marketer rep, Producer rep, Certifier rep. If your sector is needing a new rep and you would like to learn more about what Board participation entails, please our office. Greenliving Show April 13 - 15 2012 Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Join Organic Council of Ontario‟s pavilion, highlighting the great organic fare available from Ontario.

Have an upcoming event? OCO can help promote your events and exhibitions in our Newsletter and our online events page/calendar. It’s easy. Simply send the details to info@organiccouncil.ca

Organic Focus

Industry News

Winter 2011

Organic Week 2011 Re-Cap The second annual National Organic Week was celebrated across Canada Oct.15-22, with hundreds of community events and participating retailers helping us showcase organic products and practices to consumers across the country. This year's Organic Week included integrated communications through various social media channels and a revamped website, featuring official and related events, related videos and the Globe and Mail Special Report on Organics (PDF version available). COTA would like to thank our many sponsors and partners for helping to make Organic Week such a success. Organic Week a Huge Success The Organic Council (OCO) spent the second annual Organic Week focused on retail outreach, consumer outreach and lobbying efforts in Ottawa. This included awesome events at retail stores and the „Stop the Mega Quarry‟ event Foodstock. Special thanks to Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA) and Canadian Organic Growers (COG) for all their work for the week. Retail Outreach As part of our retailer outreach we sent out 85 information packages to retail stores, including 600 Foodland Organic Recipe books. We partnered with Ontario Natural Food Co-op (ONFC) to host a Retail Display Contest. If you are a retailer, don‟t forget to submit your Retail Display Photos to info@organiccouncil.ca Meet The Producers day at Healthy Foods and More At the outset of the week we worked with COG – Perth Waterloo Wellington and Healthy Foods and More in Waterloo to have a „Meet the Producers‟ day. We had 10 local producers including Transpire Organic CSA, Mapletons, Pfennings, Harmony Organic, Laepple Organic Farm, Apple Creek Farm, LIVE Organic Food Bar, ONFC, Vibrant Farms, and Organic Works Bakery. We had an information booth were we share with customers the importance of where your food is grown and also how it is grown. Photos from this event are on our facebook! Organics on the Hill OCO joined our colleagues from across Canada for day of meetings on Parliament Hill. We began the day with sage words from Elizabeth May on strategies for being heard in Parliament. We also had a presentation from JP LeCroix with recommendations for moving forward with organic promotion based on his work with the sector on the Organic Bran Strategy. After the morning session, we attended short meetings with MPs and Senators to discuss three specific organic sector issues: the need to fund the standards process; low-level presence policy; and support for organic transition under the Growing Forward Framework. OCO led the session with Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, a Conservative and member of the Standing Committee on Agriculture. Mr. Lobb was willing to listen, and has accepted our request for a follow up meeting with OCO farmers in his riding in midNovember. We ended the day with capacity crowd of Senators and MPs for a three hour organic reception. OCO made connections with the NDP Agriculture Critic Malcolm Allen, and his Lib-

eral counterpart Frank Valeriote. Both MPs have indicated they would be interested in further conversation with OCO on what can be done to grow our sector. Organic Week also saw Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announce $195,000 through the AgriMarketing Program to help COTA brand Canada within the global organic sector. The funding will help build brand awareness within established target markets, participate in international trade shows, contribute to capacity development and identification of new exporters, and capitalize on demand opportunities. Organic Garage: Ontario Organic Roadshow Stop # 13 We finished out O-Week with an Ontario Organic Roadshow stop in Oakville at OCO member Organic Garage. The event was a success, with hundreds of shoppers taking advantage of OWeek specials, sampling our sponsors‟ products, and learning more about organics. We introduced the new Foodland Organic branding, gave information on the Canada Organic Standard, and answered questions. We sold Fieldgate Organic sausage on a bun - a huge hit on a cool day. Samples of the Yorkshire Valley Chicken, served on Neal Brothers‟ tortilla chips, had the product sold out before mid-afternoon. We educated consumers on the benefits of whole milk products, and had school children very excited about Organic Meadow‟s full fat yoghurt. OCO looks forward to working with members in the future to continue the festival-approach to sampling we test drove at this event. CHFA Show This year‟s CHFA show was a huge hit for the Organic Council of Ontario. We worked with COTA and Foodland Ontario to introduce the new Foodland Ontario Organic brand to the CHFA membership during the education series. We partnered with OMAFRA to promote Foodland Ontario Organic on the show floor at our booth. Our Organic Week promotion included a retail membership drive and retail display contest, which were both heavily promoted through our booth. We had several retailers sign license agreements at the show to be able to use the Foodland Organic brand in store. OCO staff Jodi Koberinski and Jacob Pries would like to thank members ONFC having us as their guests at their 35th Anniversary Gala- a highlight of the trade show. Sharing great food, music and conversation with stakeholders throughout the sector brought a sense of community to the event. Foodstock Together with the Canadian Organic Trade Association, we handed out over 1000 fliers to the folks who came to share some food in an effort to help protect Ontario‟s waterways and farm land. It was a rainy, blustery day, but everyone was happy to learn more about organics. A few of our pictures from the event are on our facebook page. It was great to see so many people, chefs, and artists out to protect the land, our local economy, and our ability to grow food.

Industry News

Volume 5 Issue 3

OCO’s Workshops at Guelph Organic Conference We are hosting three workshops: a trade symposium, a social media workshop and a youth workshop. Please see details below. We look forward to seeing you there! OCO Trade Symposium: Organic Aquaculture, State of the Industry, and GMO Policies

of product or $2 million, this workshop will have concrete takeaway lessons you can apply tomorrow to your business. Hypenotic has worked with OCO, LFP, Fiesta Farms, Our annual half day trade symposium this year looks at the proposed Aquaculture Standards, State of the Industry Report, and and other like- minded businesses. GMO Policies. There will be ample time for audience participation, Check out their site! http://hypenotic.com/ sure to be a lively morning. YOUTH WORKSHOPS Issues: This year we are organizing for the first time two youth 1) Aqua-culture standard led by Ted Zettel for input to proposed workshops. We will also provide activity space for young children standard while their parents are attending sessions. We are offering two 2) „State of the industry‟ update with Theresa Schumilas on current youth-led sessions: OCO research: production, sales outlets, processing sector challenges Hour One: Introduction to Co-operatives for Youth 3) Understanding growth on the organic value chain including Young people thinking of farming or food businesses today lack the current branding strategy update by J.P. Lacroix. Guests will be capital and access to credit so easily found in previous generations. engaged in sector planning. Co-operatives offer an opportunity for business ownership, farm 4) GMO policies concerning organics with input to go to form secession planning, housing and consumer activity. Come learn policy positions OCO leads multi-stakeholder effort with OFC from youth involved in co-ops from farm to plate! help (OFC: Organic Federation of Canada). Hour Two: Youth Voices from Ontario Organic Farms For more information or to register please visit the Guelph Organic Conference Website: www.guelphorganicconf.ca/workshops/friday/ Leveraging Social Media for Organics Barry Martin, Hypenotic Websites, Twitter, Bing, Facebook… where is the business or organization with scarce marketing dollars to begin? Without understanding how social media fits into your overall marketing strategy and what it takes to make these new tools work for you over time, your online efforts simply won‟t produce. Where should you put resources? Come to this dynamic workshop with social media expert Bary Martin. Whether you sell $20,000 a year

What‟s it like growing up on an organic farm? What opportunities are out there for youth interested in farming and food as a career? What do these young people think the future of farming in Ontario should look like? We will present a panel of youth to share inspiring stories, answer questions and invite conversation. ONGOING We will have crafts and activities focused on organics for young people 6-12 for the entire Sunday workshop period. Parents can sign young children up, we will have 2 ECE workers and additional volunteers on hand to keep your child engaged. Pre-registration required

New Projects from Canadian Organic Growers (PWW) With support from OCO, EFO and the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI)*, Canadian Organic Growers PerthWaterloo-Wellington (COG PWW) is creating new tools and programs to strengthen the organic farming sector. Certified Organic Seed Database Find Organic Seed Right Here! Canadian Organic Growers Perth-Waterloo-Wellington is pleased to announce the release of its latest support tool for organic farmers: an online, searchable database of exclusively certified organic seed. You can access the tool at www.FindOrganicSeed.ca and read more about it on The COG Blog. Organic Produce Price Tracker Starting July 18th and continuing throughout the year, you will be able to visit www.organicpricetracker.ca to search for farmers‟ market and wholesale/bulk prices for certified organic produce in your region. The project is still looking for farms to participate by providing their prices, particularly wholesale or bulk prices. Your farm will not be identified and your prices will be factored into a range displayed for your region, but you will be supporting a project that benefits the organic farming community as a whole, especially new farmers. Please contact Tegan Renner at COG PWW if you would like to get involved: outreach@cogwaterloo.ca or 226-251-3012. *The AMI is part of the Best Practices Suite of programs for Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Organic Focus

Winter 2011

Member Profiles

Member Profiles: From the OCO Membership Desk: Hello OCO Members! I am so happy to welcome all of our new members to the OCO Team! This has been a great year for us to get out and engage with the public as well as various organic businesses. Our new initiative for the coming year will be to focus on engaging the consumer in expanding the organic sector through our Co-Farmer campaign. There has been significant interest and we have had 7 consumers join! As consumers are a cornerstone in the organic value-chain it is important to provide connections and education to facilitate growth and demand. We look forward to adding more strength to our consumer voice! Also, a big THANK YOU to all of our renewed members! We cannot do this work without your continued support. We also encourage you to get involved in other ways to ensure we are serving your interests. We have a Marketing Ontario Organic working group as well as a few spots on our board coming up for nomination at our AGM in March! Lastly, I must say my Goodbyes to all of you as I head off to pursue full-time education. I will miss everyone here at OCO but especially all of our members who have inspired me over the years! I have learned so much and will take with me a passion for Ontario’s organic industry, from Farm to Plate and everything in between. As I cannot give OCO up completely you will see me at some of our upcoming shows (London Food and Wine, Guelph Organic Conference, Organic Awards Ceremony and Green Living Show). I will be volunteering as an organic ambassador as my favourite part of the job was connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds and having the opportunity to discuss organics at the ground level. For anyone wanting to keep in touch please email melissa.miller@organiccouncil.ca and I will forward you my personal email. Thank you all for the great memories and learning experiences, I am very proud to be a part of this sector! Remember – We always love to hear from you! Please contact us if you have any questions, news or want to chat about Organics. We’re here for you!

Taste of Nature - Everything you see comes straight from nature. Nothing artificial, no fillers and no chemicals with names as hard to pronounce as they are to digest. From the Himalayans to the tropics to our own backyard, we hand pick only the best 100% certified organic ingredients. Go ahead and try a Taste of Nature bar for yourself – it‟s the wholesome, nutritious snack that delivers a world of great taste. These bars are created and packaged in Markham, ON! www.tasteofnature.ca

Life Choices - With growing success in Canada and after many requests from our US friends, we launched nationally in the US under the brand Living Right Natural Foods. With every new product and line, Life Choices and Living Right use only premium organic and natural ingredients that help contribute to a balanced diet and are great tasting – products the entire family can enjoy in keeping with our mission of: “Making the Right Choices Easy.” www.lifechoicesfoods.com

Interested in having your business in our Member Profile section? Please send a description of you and your business that you wish to have published along with a picture or two to: melissa@organiccouncil.ca

New Members/ Renewed Members New: Toronto Botanical Farm Market, Taste of Nature, Sticklings Bakery, Peppersoft Inc., Life Choices, Mazak Farms PLUS – 7 new Co-Farmer Members! Renewed: Yorkshire Valley Farms, Kenneth Trider, Rainbow Natural Foods, Nelson Roth Farm, Angelo Alexopoulos, Sunshine Pickles, BCI Marketing, Nothing but Nature, Burnbrae Farms, FieldGate Organics, Lakeside Produce, Garden Party, Marcia Stevers, Everdale Farm, Neal Brothers, N2 Ingredients, Saugeen Country Dairy, George Stevers, Lyn-Dys Health Food

Of Note….

Volume 5 Issue 3

Updates From Canadian Organic Trade Association International Trade COTA attended the 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress and General Assembly in the Republic of Korea, with a Canada Organic trade booth and presentations on the development of the Canadian organic sector. Additionally, COTA and OTA representatives presented on the successful Canada-U.S. Equivalency agreement. Following the World Congress, COTA's Matthew Holmes was elected to IFOAM's World Board, the only representative from North America. IFOAM is the worldwide umbrella organization for the organic movement, uniting more than 50 member organizations in 116 countries.

New organic leaders COTA is pleased to welcome two familiar faces to new roles in Canada's organic sector. On Nov. 15 at the Ottawa meeting of the Organic Value Chain Roundtable, an industry advisory body to the federal government, Gunta Vitins was acclaimed as the new industry co-chair. Vitins currently serves as COTA President and OTA VP Canada, and works as an independent consultant. On Nov. 17, the Canadian Organic Growers (COG) announced Beth McMahon is its new national Executive Director. McMahon has most recently served as Executive Director of ACORN (Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network) and has a background in non-profit management and fund+raising. COG is a national charitable organization representing a diverse membership from organic producers to consumers. COTA has partnered with both organizations for years, and looks forward to continuing this good collaboration. Congratulations, Gunta and Beth!

COTA submits comments on GMO thresholds, natural claims COTA submitted two formal comments relating to government consultation. In one, COTA advocated against any loosening of current government regulatory oversight or review on “low level presence” thresholds for unapproved GMOs shipped into Canada. COTA also expressed acute concern on behalf of the organic sector for the potential loss of market access and increased cost to organic producers and companies to mitigate this risk, and called for the government to protect Canada's organic sector from such risks. In the second, COTA wrote in favor of CFIA draft guidelines to restrict the use of “natural” claims on meat products, suggesting that such claims in Canada are currently unregulated, do not meet standards or consistent definitions, and are causing widespread consumer confusion. Anyone wishing to see COTA‟s formal submission can send a request to Matthew Holmes.

New Research Supports Equal Yields and Higher Profits from Organic A study of over 13 years of data from the Iowa State University Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm indicates that organic systems can hold their weight in both overall yields and profits when compared to conventional agriculture. The side-by-side comparison of corn-soybean rotations shows that organic crops can successfully compete with conventional, even during the three-year transition period to organic. The Long-Term Agroecological Research Experiment (LTAR), a long-term side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional system using identical crop varieties, began in 1998 with support from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Led by Kathleen Delate, professor of agronomy and horticulture at ISU, the LTAR is one of the longest running crop production comparison studies in the country.

Perhaps most impressive is the dramatic difference in soil quality between organic and conventional systems. LTAR research shows that nitrogen increased by 33 percent in the organic plots, with higher concentrations of carbon, potassium, magnesium, and calcium measured by researchers. These dramatic results make it clear that organic farming systems use nutrients more efficiently while successfully sequestering carbon. The study's findings concur with a recent Rodale Institute study with similar conclusions on yields and profits. Important research like the studies conducted by Iowa State University and the Rodale Institute have the ability to shape and shift the way organic agriculture is viewed by consumers and producers alike. This data demonstrates that organic agriculture is a legitimate competitor to conventionally grown produce, providing increased profits and often greater yields to producers.

The study found that over 13 years, organic corn, soybeans, and oats have demonstrated equivalent or slightly greater yields than their conventional counterparts. Plus, the premium price paid for organic crops, combined with the money saved from using herbicide and pesticide alternatives, can result in a premium of roughly $200 per acre over conventional For more information http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/11 systems. This number comes from data showing returns to -15-2011/long-running-experiment management: the money left over for a family living after deducting labor, land, and production costs.

Organic Focus

Winter 2011

OMAFRA Update

Highlights from OMAFRA’s ON Organic Newsletter Full newsletters are posted on the OMAFRA website at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/organic/news/news-organic.html

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will be holding Good Manufacturing Practices workshops for Ontario food processors throughout the 2012 winter. These workshops explain food safety practices and help processors apply them at their facility. Using real-life, practical examples, attendees will learn how to improve food safety where they work from objective instructors with industry experience.

Develop a Personalized Facility Food Safety Plan – Register Today! Sanitation and Pest Control Learn the importance of: an effective sanitation program, the 7 Sanitation Steps to minimize food safety hazards and apply them in your facility, the significance and incorporation of a pre-operational inspection and the strategies for pest identification and prevention activities. · February 8, 2012 – Guelph, ON · February 15, 2012 – Mississauga, ON Preventative Maintenance & Calibration, Environment Learn how to apply preventive maintenance and calibration practices to the equipment and devices in your facility that may impact food safety and how to implement practical control measures to address interior and exterior areas of concern in your facility. · March 19, 2012 – Guelph, ON Workshops run from 9am – 4pm. Cost: $45 + HST Additional Opportunities: One on One Sessions – Book a free session with a Guelph food safety advisor to: Review Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP, traceability and food defence plans specific to your facility, obtain tools to train your employees or practice preparing for an audit.

Keeping Food Safe. We’re Here to Help! For more information on workshops or One on One Sessions contact: Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 E-mail: advantage@ontario.ca www.ontario.ca/foodsafety

Please Note: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) Starting January 1, 2012, accessible customer service comes into effect for all Ontario businesses and organizations with one or more employee. For more information please visit the website at: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/

Volume 5 Issue 3

Policy & Regulatory Affairs Update Québec adopts the Canadian Organic Standards

Only one organic standard from January 1st 2012 for Quebec organic operators Quebec has announced that as of Jan. 1, it will adopt Canada‟s national organic standards, further streamlining the organic sector in the province with new federal rules. Ted Zettel, OFC Chair and OCO Board member (regulatory affairs), speaking to the Quebec participants in the Forum Réglementaire held in Drummondville (QC) on December 6th, voiced that the Filière biologique du Québec (FBQ) is considered a leader on the national organic stage; its experience with provincial regulation, its history of strong, well developed and well funded farm lobbying gives FBQ the ability to cooperate and get things done. Quebec farmers were very attentive, especially since they have now to harmonize their practices with the Canadian Organic Standards. The requirements for exercise and outdoor access for livestock may well make them modify their barns and organic plans. But, compliance with one standard alone can be much simpler. The FBQ has clearly stated that it will now focus on standards revision funding, intraprovincial organic regulations in provinces where Quebec certified products compete with non-certified products and on the issue of GMOs. The Canada Organic Office is also pleased with the Quebec adoption of the COS. Michel Saumur presented to the participants the Equivalency Agreements with the US and the EU. But, for Quebec operators, the harmonization of organic maple syrup standards with the US remains a major issue. If harmonization is not in place, Canada could well consider organic maple production as a critical variance between the COS and NOP standards. To read more - http://cartv.gouv.qc.ca/en/quebec-organic-designation-specification-manual

OFC on the prohibition of the claim “Certified Organic” OFC summarized the comments received on their blog and prepared a position paper on the need for intraprovincial regulations to put an end to the confusion around organic claims. This paper will be presented to each provincial government, in an effort to convince provincial governments to implement internal organic regulations. The OFC Board stated that the objective is to have one seamless standard from coast to coast, with CFIA and the provinces having the capacity to decide on various ways of monitoring the internal organic market, as the agricultural sector is accustomed to asymmetrical arrangements in the management and monitoring of its activities.

Organic Aquaculture Standards The members of the Committee on Organic Aquaculture have adopted by a majority the latest draft of the Aquaculture Organic Standards. The Chair and working group chairs have reviewed the negative comments and circulated resolutions and actions to resolve the remaining negative votes; the members of the Committee have to respond by January 3rd, 2012 to the proposed actions. If the Committee agrees with the proposed actions, the standard will advance for a second level review and a review by the Standards Council of Canada. The second level review by the CGSB Panel on Process Assurance entails a procedural review of all actions related to the approval of the standard, ensuring that relevant CGSB and Standards Council of Canada policies and procedures have been adhered to. Following these approvals, the standard shall be published, hopefully in the spring of 2012. The countdown has begun... Being a member of the Committee on Organic Aquaculture, The Organic Federation of Canada strongly recommends that when the new aquaculture standard is balloted and becomes active, it should be accompanied by a public relations and communication strategy to explain the standard and to illustrate the reasoning behind some of the more contentious clauses, thus preventing the spread of misinformation which creates a public perception of distrust. The issue of the ecological impact of salmon farming and the low availability of organic feed for organically farmed fish are not fully resolved and the reputation of the Canadian organic industry is of primary importance.

Organic Federation of Canada’s Blog

Please share with us what you enjoy about being a farmer, and above all, an organic farmer on the OFC Blog at http://ofcfbc.wordpress.com/ Regulatory Update from Organic Federation of Canada

Organic Focus

Winter 2011

Market & Consumer Trends

Ontario Organics Local continues to be the dominant trend in food in 2011. OCO worked to create the Fooldand Ontario Organic brand, which OMAFRA released this past spring. The January/ February 2012 Issue of Fresh Perspectives, the Foodland Newsletter, features an introduction to the Foodland Ontario Organic symbol, with the ending line “Look for in-season Ontario organics at your local farmers‟ markets and supermarkets now”. Foodland will be working closely with retailers in 2012 to introduce marketing materials for the new Foodland Ontario Organic designation. Please contact Sandra Jones, Client Services at OMAFRA if you would like to sign up and have access to the brand: phone: 519-826-3947 Toll free: 1-888-466 -2372 ext. 63947 Consumer Concerns that just don’t go away: Pesticides Listening to the backlash in social media and the “news” about organic food has been an entertaining part of our work! Crop Life‟s derision of Organic Week with the Sun News staff one example of ways the mainstream are attempting to frame the conversation about “consumer concerns”. Perhaps most concerning is the media myth that people just aren‟t concerned about pesticides anymore. With bT found in maternal cord blood, a recent CBC story on pesticide residues, and consumer pesticide questions to OCO, consumers indeed are paying attention to pesticides. And consumers ought to be concerned. Three independent, government funded US studies released in 2011 found that children whose mothers were exposed to common agricultural pesticides are more likely to experience impaired or delayed cognitive development. “Less pesticide exposure during the maternal life stage means less risks to your babies for a variety of diseases that will only manifest years later. Since women eat more during their pregnancy, one significant way to reduce their pesticide exposure is to eat organic foods.” - Dr. Chensheng (Alex) Lu of the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard School of Public Health. Environmental Health Perspectives, http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/home.action

An older 2002 study from University of Waterloo shows that children ages 2-4 on a “conventional” diet have 9 times as much pesticide residue in their urine than children fed about a 75% organic diet. And what about the CBC report on residues on organic apples? OCO worked with colleagues at COTA, COG and our regional partner organizations to carve a common response based on the integrity of our products: the report demonstrates that organic remains the best choice for avoiding pesticide exposure!

Organic Food Best Way to Avoid Pesticides OCO Press Release (December 8th 2011): Canadian produced Organic food is the best choice for consumers wanting to avoid pesticides; it is food they can trust. Canada has a robust organic regulatory regime that is fully traceable and reduces pesticides pollution on food and in the environment. According to Jodi Koberinski, Executive Director of the Organic Council of Ontario, “consumers are increasingly looking for assurances they are protected from synthetic pesticides, chemicals and genetically modified organisms which are heavily relied upon in conventional food production. These chemicals are known to spread beyond their intended usage, often contaminating surrounding fields or farther. Pesticide residues are found in water, soil and as far away as the arctic, places where there is no agriculture.” Repeated government studies in the US and Europe have shown organic produce has much lower or no pesticide residue when compared to nonorganic. The recent information released by the CBC shows that conventional apples had over 10 times more total residues than organic apples. Consumers may pay more for organic for the assurance that synthetic chemicals are not sprayed directly onto their food. Trace amounts of synthetic pesticides that have been found on some organic produce, such as apples, are the likely result of spray-drift from conventional farms or from post-harvest handling: these are not chemicals that organic farmers are allowed to apply. Drift and contamination may occur because of extremely widespread use of synthetic pesticides in conventional food production. Some chemicals, such as Thiabendazole (as discussed in the CBC report) are used in conventional apple production as a post harvest dip. According to the Environmental Working Group conventional apples are one of the dirtiest fruits because of heavy use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides. Consumers know they can trust organic because The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is active in ensuring organic farmers follow the laws meant to protect consumers and farmers. The CFIA will rescind an organic certificate if fraud is found. Matthew Holmes, Executive Director of the Canadian Organic Trade Association acknowledges that "unfortunately, people are waking up to the fact that we live in a polluted world. Agricultural pesticides are in our Arctic ice, in our bloodstreams and in our local produce. We need to find a different way for agriculture that doesn't contribute to this toxic load: organic is the only system that is governed by consistent national standards and government oversight which offers this, and consumers should choose organic if they truly want to reduce pesticides and chemical residues in our environment and in our population." In keeping the chemicals off their fields, organic farmers are helping reduce the amount of persistent chemicals in the environment. According to Ted Zettel, president of the Organic Federation of Canada “the organic farm is built on a plan to nourish the soil and optimize production using methods that mimic those in natural systems. Our customers know that these principles, on top of being environmentally sustainable, are the foundation for a healthy diet. Our farms build health from the ground up. Healthy soils, healthy plants, healthy animals, healthy people! It’s all connected.”

Volume 5 Issue 3

Get Engaged with Ontario Organics! & Classifieds

OCO is Hiring a Co-Farmer Campaign Coordinator Are you a motivator with a passion for sustainable food systems? Want to make a difference with your skills? The Organic Council of Ontario seeks a champion to drive our membership. Organic Council of Ontario works with government, industry, NGOs and consumers to put more organic food on Ontario plates. A membership-based organization, OCO represents the full value-chain of organics from producer to eater. As the voice of organics in the province, OCO needs to build our membership providing two benefits to the organization: 1) increasing membership builds credibility for our policy and program work and 2) new members move us towards sustainability as an organization. To that end, OCO is launching in 2012 our “Co-Farmer” Campaign. Aimed at consumers, our goal is to attract 3,000 new annually renewing members to the organization. Consumers want to take action on sustaining food systems. OCO is positioned to provide leadership in Ontario‟s organic movement, and increasing consumer support for our work will move us toward our goal of doubling organics in the province over the next 5 years. The Campaign Coordinator will work with OCO Staff and Board to develop and implement our consumer campaign strategy, including retail outreach, social media, and events-based recruitment activities. Experience with fundraising, membership development and sales are strong assets. The winning applicant will also be responsible for driving the industry membership, which we plan to double over the next two years. Previous work in the organic, environmental, or social justice sectors an asset. Partnering with the executive director of OCO, the Co-Farmer Campaign Coordinator will create and implement a short and long term strategy for the recruitment of new members, with a focus on consumer members. Attending community events and hosting inhouse functions, the successful applicant will promote our organization, highlighting the benefits of membership to the public and to industry. The Campaign Coordinator will be responsible for tracking metrics and writing reports to be submitted monthly to the executive director. The Campaign Coordinator must manage and track the project budget. Additionally, the Campaign Coordinator will recruit, train and oversee additional team members as needed. The successful applicant must be both independent and a team player. Our hire will be comfortable performing duties under minimal supervision, while working to meet the goals of the team. Proven salesmanship and the ability to inspire and motivate prospective members are key, as are communication and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will also be required to meet predetermined goal under specific deadlines. This position requires the successful candidate to work non-traditional hours including nights and weekends. The position will be full time with a combination of salary (dependent on experience) and commission (percentage of funds raised) and will be a 12 month contract with potential to renew for an additional 6 months. Remuneration is contingent upon experience and meeting membership targets. Interested parties can email jodi@organiccouncil.ca and the title “Co-Farmer Campaign Coordinator”. Call 519 827 1221 with questions. DEADLINE JANUARY 13 th 4pm, interviews the following week.

OCO Annual General Meeting March 7th 2012, 9 am until 4pm. Location: Loyola House Retreat Centre, 5420 Hwy 6, N. Guelph, ON. Cost: OCO members - Free, Non-Members - $35. Lunch: Organic and Local lunch provided. RSVP: info@organicouncil.ca or 519-8271221 Board members for election: Processor rep, Marketer rep, Producer rep, Certifier rep. If your sector is needing a new rep and you would like to learn more about what Board participation entails, please our office.

Organic Awards 2011 Organic Council of Ontario is hosting the

2nd Annual Ontario Organic Awards at the Guelph Organic Conference January 2012 Nomination due Jan 6th 2012 If you would like to be part of the nominations committee or the planning committee, please contact our office.

In OCO’s Office

How you can help put more organics on Ontario‟s plates! OCO Working Groups are:  Marketing Ontario Organics,  Regulatory Affairs,  Policy Development/Ethics,  Food Safety Issues. OCO is offering internships: We are looking for individuals interested in aiding in our research, outreach, and communications activities. Must be able to provide own transportation.

For details visit organiccouncil.ca or contact our office.

Board of Directors 2011 Matt LeBeau Chair LeBeau Advance

Ted Soudant Vice Chair Field Gate Organics

Marketing Representative

Processing Representative

Ted Zettel Director, Regulatory Affairs Organic Meadow Cooperative

David Konrad Director Quality Assurance International

Michelle Jory Director Ecological Farmers of Ontario

Member at Large

Certifier Representative

Association Representative

Bernd Licht Treasurer Puresource Inc.

Maureen Kirkpatrick Secretary Big Carrot

Distributor Representative

Direct to Consumer (Retail & Restaurants) Representative

Gavin Dandy Director Everdale Organic Farm & Environmental Learning Centre

5420 Highway 6 North Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

Producer Representative

Gilbert Arnold Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

Ex-Officio

Staff 2011 Jodi Koberinski Jacob Pries Executive Director Communications

Melissa Miller Membership

Tara Scott Accounting

Phone: 519.827.1221 E-mail: info@organiccouncil.ca web: www.organiccouncil.ca

The Organic Council of Ontario and its members represent Ontario‟s organic farmers, producers, processors, marketers, d i s t r i b u t o r s , retailers, restaurants, certifiers and others, providing leadership and support for the continued growth of the organic sector.

OCO is a strong voice for the sector with media, government, national bodies, and represents Ontario on the Organic Federation of Canada.

The Organic Council of Ontario gratefully acknowledges financial support provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Save the Date for OCO’s 2012 AGM Organic Council of Ontario‟s 2012 Annual General Meeting Date: March 7th 2012 Time: 9 am until 4pm Location: Loyola House Retreat Centre, 5420 Hwy 6, N. Guelph, Ontario. Cost: OCO members - Free, Non-Members - $35. Lunch: Organic and Local lunch provided. RSVP: info@organicouncil.ca or 519-827-1221 Several board positions are up for election. If you would like to learn more about what Board participation entails, please our office.