Organic Focus Organic Council of Ontario Newsletter
Spring 2013
In this issue: Organic Council of Ontario Activities
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OCO Round-Up
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2013 AGM
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Take Action
5
Membership
6
Upcoming Events
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Spring is well underway and we trust this newsletter will find our producer members gearing up for season, our trade members ready for the spring trade show season, and our staff looking for rest following our busiest time of year! Since we last reported to the membership, we have been at and spoken or organized training at the Guelph Organic Conference, Eco Farm Day, the COG Toronto Conference, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association convention, the NFU AGM in Lucknow, OCO’s AGM, and a speakers’ series visit to the Big Carrot. We have also attended the Canadian Federation of Agriculture AGM, AgInvesting Forum in Ottawa, Ontario Livestock and Poultry Council meeting, and the Sustain Ontario Advisory meeting. Add to the travel load our work on the ‘Flocking Options’ Campaign, the RR Alfalfa Campaign, LLP Consultations, chicken quota conversations with CFO’s policy advisor, Meat Working Group teleconference calls, Bring Food Home Planning Committee, Farm Food Finance Forum planning for May, and our Board meetings and you’ll see why we are eager for planting season!
With so much going on, we wanted to take a moment and highlight some activities of particular interest and importance to our membership. As part of our current CAAP Regulatory Affairs 9 project, we are looking at alternative financing Update for local and organic businesses. Out of that effort, we have collaborated with several Market & Consumer 10 partners and are pleased to announce the Food Affairs Farm Fish and Finance Forum May 25 and 26, www.sustainontario.ca/foodfinance to register. Get Engaged w/ 11 This strategic forum will bring together food, Ontario organics farm and fisheries leaders, innovators and 12/ entrepreneurs with social finance leaders, Of Note... 13 investors and collaborators to explore the opportunities and challenges in growing local, sustainable food systems. This is an in-depth, 14 Finance Forum action-oriented forum with opportunities to learn from leaders, colleagues and advisors in Producers’ Corner 15 the food and finance fields and to participate in strategic conversations to move key issues OMAFRA Update
Board of Directors/ Staff
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Volume 7, Issue 1
forward. Another timely issue is the NFU call to action on April 9th to say NO to RoundUp Ready Alfalfa. OCO has been working on this campaign for more than 18 months, and we have exhausted all options. As we go to pint, the registrations sit on the Minister of Agriculture’s desk awaiting his signature. Gerry Ritz told Cattlemens’ AGM attendees on March 17 of 2012 that there was no rush to commercialize this crop, and that his Ministry considers GMO approvals on a case by case basis and would look at all the implications. Clearly not all have been looked at (we still don’t’ have any idea of the feral alfalfa population in Ontario, for example, so we can’t know the contamination potential as one example). OCO was able to get a letter from the OFA asking for a rejection of registration until more information is gathered and the farm community properly consulted. We need OCO members to direct your supporters to www.organiccouncil.ca/april9 for a list of RR Alfalfa actions taking place around Ontario on April 9th. The third item on our agenda is a CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS in the 2013/14 Ontario Organic Roadshow. We will be rolling out the “Think Before You Eat” Campaign. Developed through the OVCRT, OCO has been championing this campaign and getting feedback from the sector over the past 18 months. We will be visiting events and retailers throughout the province to promote the campaign, the Canada logo and the new Foodland Ontario Organic branding to help people find local AND organic foods. If you have an interest in the Roadshow, ideas for events, or a desire to sponsor our awesome journey, contact the office or jodi@organiccouncil.ca
Jodi Koberinski, OCO’s Executive Director
Organic Focus
Spring 2013
OCO Round-Up
2013 Ontario Organic Award Winners
OCO’S 2012-13 Winter Activities
JANUARY Research into alternative financing models for local and organic
Outstanding Horticultural Producer – Cherryvale Organic Farm: Andrew Miller
Outstanding Grain Producer – Hack Farms: Uli Hack
Outstanding Dairy Producer – Yeandle Farms: Jeff Yeandle & Bob Gilroy
Outstanding Processor/Value-added – Frogpond Farm (Winery): Jens Gemmrich Outstanding Direct Farm Marketing – Cedar Down Farm: Jeff Boesch & Leslie Moskovits
producers Hosted an information/resource booth at the Guelph Farmers’ Market Addressed misinformation on GMOs in the media in response to Mark Lynas and Margaret Wente; Letter to Editor published in Globe and Mail Delivered presentation at the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Rolled out featured member section on the OCO website Presented to 70+ 4th year Ag students in Dr. Rene Van Acker’s class at the University of Guelph on “The Future of Canada’s Food System” Board Member John Devlin delivered an excellent workshop on re-invigorating the organic movement at the 2013 Guelph Organic Conference. Nutrionist, lecturer and author Julie Daniluk joined our panel along with ED Jodi Koberinski and youth activist Rachel Parent, founder of Children’s Right to Know Campaign for labeling GMOs Hosted the 3rd Annual Ontario Organic Awards Distributed new “Transition to Organic” brochure to CBs
FEBRUARY Attended Canadian Organic Growers ‘Organic Consumer Day’
Outstanding Retailer – The Stone Store
Organic Innovation Award - PineHedge Farms: Josef Heinzle
Education Award – Martha Gay Scroggins
Volunteer Award – Fran & Tony McQuail: Meeting Place Organic Farm
Lifetime Achievement Awards (2) - Dave Reibling & Lawrence Andres
conference– participated in panel discussion on the value of certification Orchestrated an interview with Dr. Seralini, Dr. Ann Clark and youth activist Rachel Parent at Organic Consumer Day Attended Eco Farm Day 2013 with OCO booth & co-hosted a farm business skills workshop with the Ecological Farmers of Ontario with guest Richard Wiswall Delivered a presentation at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Conference’s organic stream ED Jodi Koberinski attended Canadian Federation of Agriculture AGM Meeting with Ag Committee member MP Frank Valeriote to discuss regulatory reform for Novel Foods and the RR alfalfa crisis
MARCH Completed sponsorship drive for the new “Where to Find Local
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’s WINNERS & THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! THE 4th ANNUAL AWARDS WILL TAKE PLACE IN FEBRUARY 2014.
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and Organic” magazine, fundraising goals reached Ongoing development of our New Directions research proposal led by John Devlin Participated in webinar with UN Rapporteur on the Right to Food in Canada’s Presentation on his findings at University of Guelph Orientation for OCO’s 4 new interns through the Job Creation Program Met with the new lead for the USC`s Bauta Family Initiative on Seeds project to discuss opportunities to make USC`s efforts on this important regional seed industry development projec Hosted 2013 OCO AGM in Guelph featuring key note speaker Rick Smith and opening remarks by Deb Stark
Volume 7 Issue 1
OCO Round-Up 2012 Communications Update
5 separate television appearances including w/ the Global National News, Rogers 2020, CBC’s ‘Deconstructing Dinner Television Series & CTV Morning Express
Radio interviews with CKNX, Commons Radio and more!
40+ articles written for the OCO website, member newsletters; some distributed by other media/ organizations
Letters to the Editor published in the Globe & Mail and the Ontario Farmer
Organic Council of Ontario mentioned 10 times in agricultural print press (that we know about)
Social Media: 50% increase in followers on both Twitter & Facebook
Website Stats: on average 171 Views per day, Ontario Organic Directory most popular page
Member Profiles now on website—www..organiccouncil.ca/meet-our-members
Announcing the 2013-2014 OCO Board of Directors!
Chair: Matt LeBeau, LeBeau Advance, Marketing Representative Vice Chair: Jenn Pfenning, Pfennings Organic Farm, Producer Representative Director, Regulatory Affairs: Ted Zettel, Organic Meadow Cooperative, Member at Large Treasurer: John Devlin, University of Guelph, Consumer Representative Secretary: Francesca Rivas, UNFI, Wholesaler Representative Director: Tom Manley, Homestead Organics, Processor Representative Director: Dave Lockman, Pro-cert Organic Systems Ltd., Certifier Representative Director: Lisa Jones, The Stone Store, Direct to Consumer Representative To be determined: Association Representative
Welcome Aboard, Board!
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Organic Focus
Spring 2013
2013 AGM
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2013 Annual General Meeting By Jodi Koberinki— After last year’s incredibly successful and inspiration program at our AGM, we were a little concerned we would be a hard act to follow! Our team did not disappoint, having pulled together an incredibly timely and informative program that attendees are still calling us about. For our 7th AGM, we were pleased to have the Deputy Minister, Dr. Deb Stark, not only give opening remarks but stay on an extra 30 minutes to answer questions and have conversation with our membership. The Deputy Minister spoke to the importance of our sector in addressing the shifting consumer demand for organic and in pioneering techniques that our colleagues across agriculture are adopting. She also spoke about the importance of local food for all Ontarians, and spoke of the government’s intention to re-introduce the Local Food Act (which has since been re-introduced). We spoke with the Deputy Minister about the need to regulate organic within the province, and the need to fund the work of the Council.
Photo: Deputy Minister Deb Stark Greets AGM 2013 Attendess
Following Deputy Minister Stark, we invited Gwen McBride, Director at OMAF for Growing Forward 2, to come and speak with our sector on the role organic businesses are playing in delivering the kinds of results GF2 seeks in terms of shared responsibilities, protecting water and soil, building domestic markets, and innovation. Ms. McBride also stayed on for some time answering specific questions from the membership. We were very proud as an organization to offer such direct access to decision makers within OMAF and to get some first-hand information and to get a show of support from the Ministry for our sector. Ted Zettel, who looks after Regulatory Affairs on behalf of the Board and sits as the Ontario member on the Organic Federation of Canada (where he also serves as Chair), gave an update on the situation with Standards maintenance and review. Despite the recent COTA announcement that might have suggested otherwise, the funding crisis for ongoing Standards Maintenance and Revision remains. The announcement from the federal government funds government staff and a short term, one time support to address immediate needs. We find ourselves in the same boat we are in now in 2 years if we don’t put in place an industry-funded solution. Ted discussed a study of options being looked at, and presented the case for his preferred solution: a CB level fee added on at the point of certification for both standards maintenance and support for regional groups like OCO. The members in attendance felt it would be important under such a system to find a way to include retailers, distributors and importers in such a system as they are not required to certify to sell organic foods. Further work will be done on this topic, please stay tuned to our website and newsletters to learn more about this important issue. Elizabeth Stewart, our Co-Farmer Campaign Coordinator presented on the first year of campaign. While our goals for raising funds from the campaign have fallen well short of even the most conservative expectations, there have been many benefits from our activities. While not recommending we do away with this membership category, Elizabeth concluded that a classic membership relationship – and the financial resources needed to recruit and retain people in a classic membership relationship – will not be cost effective for OCO. Continuing to gather this Co-Farmer network is a huge asset for our organization in terms of member value. Our information-sharing and education efforts have been extremely effective through the program, and we’ve driven value for OCO members participating in our various Co-Farmer events. Elizabeth invited the membership and the new Board to consider a multi-pronged approach to our fundraising that will blend membership with donations, product sales (like a calendar and books), and events. Our keynote address was delivered by the very charming and “say-it-like-it-is” Rick Smith, author, environmentalist and latest addition at the Broadbent Institute, a policy think tank. Rick spoke eloquently and irreverently about the dangers of pesticides in the food system, the moral high ground the organic sector has in this area, and the absolute necessity of our sector to communicate unequivocally the ecological and health imperatives that demand we grow our foods organically. The afternoon business meeting highlights came during our sector “caucus” meetings. Three new Board members were elected: welcome aboard Francesca Rivas (distributors’ sector), David Lockman (certifier’s sector) and Brenda Aherne (retailers/ direct to consumer sector). The producers had the most engaging conversation of the groups, deciding to allow for the first time within OCO’s membership structure a membership category for farmers that support organics but don’t certify. We recognize as an organization that has a certification policy that without a provincial regulation, the waters are very muddy. We also recognize there are legitimate reasons some producers choose not certify- without taking their support away from the certification process or our desires for clarity in the marketplace. We will be working with some of our producer members to craft a sign on clause that will verify support for the organic system and allow non-certifying farmers to support our mission as farmer members. Congratulations to the producers in attendance, this issue is not a simple one, when we can join our voices collectively as business people engaged in developing the organic sector we all win!
Volume 7 Issue 1
Take Action
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Join an RR-Alfalfa Action Day on April 9th! RR-Alfalfa— there is still time to act! CBAN has “I think the question needs organized ‘Action Days’ together with other organizations such as the Council of Canadians and to be asked just exactly why the National Farmers Union on April 9th across these products are being Canada. As of March 26th, 2013, there are 13 developed. I haven’t heard a confirmed action days across Ontario. To view a list human cry from conventional of confirmed action days click here (www.cban.ca/ farmers suggesting that april9). There is still time to stop GM alfalfa from these types of products are being approved. actually needed.”
CBAN has prepared a video of farmer testimonials available here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkWfGXlU8gA.). There does not seem to be any support for GM alfalfa among so-called conventional farmers at all— making it very difficult to understand the entire push for approval in the first place. As one farmer points out in the video, “I think the question needs to be asked just exactly why these products are being developed. I haven’t heard a human cry from conventional farmers suggesting that these types of products are actually needed.” Other things you can still do: Email/call/send a letter to your MP or Gerry Ritz, Federal Minister of Agriculture (no postage required)
Email, call or write your Member of Parliament and the Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz on April 9 (or before or after) gerry.ritz@parl.gc.ca Tel: 613-995-7080 Fax 613-996-8472 By mail (no postage required) Hon. Gerry Ritz, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6. Some people say that letters are more influential than other actions. Although this is hard to measure, there definitely is still time to act. The more letters and signed petitions received, the more MPs will be to display that Canadians do not want or need RR Alfalfa. Collect signatures! To receive a copy of a petition to collect signatures Email info@cban.ca. Signatures should be collected and sent to the CBAN office by April 12th, 2013.
Organic Focus
Spring 2013
Membership
From the OCO Membership Desk As you will see, the list of renewing members is a long one! We thank all renewing members for your continued support and we are grateful to have some of you on board again. Although membership fees do not cover all of OCO’s expenses by any means – OCO is a membership organization and we are here to represent the organic sector. We encourage our members to get involved and attend our events and AGM, like many of you did, and to contact us at any time with your opinions. A reminder as well that the member newsletter is also a platform for you to share information with each other— so feel very free to contact us with anything you would like to see in the newsletter. January and February are perhaps the busiest months at OCO. We prepared for the Guelph Organic Conference and the Ontario Organic Awards which took place on the Saturday night of the conference. Congratulations once again to all the winners which are listed on page 2. Perhaps the most amazing part of being involved with OCO is being surrounded by people who are working hard to make an effort to change the food system – or keep it how it should be – in different ways. The Organic Awards allowed us to acknowledge the hard work being done in the sector. In addition to the Guelph Organic Conference, we attended other events such as Organic Consumer Day in Toronto and Eco Farm Day in Cornwall – both events hosted by Canadian Organic Growers. The two events both had an amazing line up of speakers including Professor Eric Seralini and Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians. Now that our AGM has come and gone we look forward a successful summer. It already looks like the weather this year is a lot more on track than last year. We hope that you enjoyed the AGM this year and we were very pleased to have the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Deb Stark, join us on that day. Happy Spring Time, Mary
New/ Renewed Members: Renewing Members: Andrea and Bill Munk (Peppersoft Inc.), Ann Slater (Fresh Organic Vegetables), Arwa de Groot (Mapleton’s Organic Inc.), Barry & Sarah Harrison (Mazak Farms), Brock Lowry (Blackstone Agriculture Inc.), Burt Hodgins (Adeline Farms Ltd.), Carolyn-May Steiss (CSNN Mississauga), Cathy McGregor-Smith (McSmith’s Organic Farm), Chris Boettcher (Boettcher Family Farm), Chris VanderVloet (Vlodale Farms Ltd.), Colette Murphy (Urban Harvest Organic Seeds), Dave Lockman (Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd.), David Housser (Housser Farm), Denniss McCarrell, Doug Hodgson (Uphill Farm Organics), Gabrielle Latke (Crofters Food Ltd.), George Stevers, Harry Peeters (Helling Holsteins) , Heather Lekx (Ignatius Farm CSA), Hugh Martin, James Sculthorpe (Yorkshire Valley Farms Ltd.), Janet Kaplan (Rainbow Natural Foods Inc.), Jeff Yeandle (Yeandle Farms), Jeremy & Mary Ann Schmidt, Joan & Phillippe Joye (Joyview Farms Ltd.), John & Connie Moelker (Moelker Bros. Farms), Josef Hagen (Hagen Farm), Josef Heinzle (Pinehedge Farm), Joshua and Elizabeth Schmidt (Smith Creek Acres), Katy Borgstorm (Organic Meadow Co-operative), Keven McComb (Camperdown Farms), Lammert Koonstra (Sprucecourt), Manfred & Inge Gerstgrasser (Ferme Gerstgrasser), Maple Woods Organic Farm Inc., Marte & Joanne Pronk (ThisL Do Farm), Matthew Martin, Michael & Heidi Krol (Curldale Farms), Nelson & June Gerber (The Unfactory Farm), Orrie & Andrea Cumpson (Sonset Farm), Patricia Kozowyk (Baba Link Organic Farm), Pieter Biemond (New Care Farms Inc), Randy Gofton, Randy Whitteker (Ontario Natural Food Co-op), Rick & Erma Gras, Robert Halliday (Liveoak Holsteins), Ron & Debbie Vice (Birchwind Holsteins), Ruth Knight (Organic Consultant Inc), Samuel R. Bowman (Bowman’s Organic Produce), Simon Jacques, Steve Green (Windsor-Essex Community Supported Agriculture), Stewart Slater (Eschol Farms), Ted & Mary Lou Minten, Ted, Douglas & Jen Eng (Zephyr Organics), Thomas Boon (Boondale Farms ), Tom Cassan, Tony & Fances McQuail (Meeting Place Organic Farm), Wayne Weber (Weberlane Holsteins), William & Tilly Scheurman (Scheurman Farms Ltd.), William & Nancy Chapman, Ken & Cathy Heintz (Bambrook Farm), Steve and Marg Hartman (Ostendville Farms), John and Mary Brunsveld (Lizton Acres Ltd.), Mike Walsh (LH Gray & Son Ltd), Chris Dancey (Dancey Family Farm), Lyn-Dys Health Food, Gaye Trombley (Avalon Orchards), Derek Brouwer (Brouwer Farms), Gary Proven (Country Herbs), Bernd Licht (PureSource), Jill Baxter (N2 Ingredients), Hank DeBoer (De Boer Poultry Farms Ltd.), Mario Fiorucci (The Healthy Butcher), Jens Gemmrich (Frog Pond Farm), Wolfgang Pfenning (Pfenning’s Organic Farm), Volker Storjohann (Brant Flour Mill), Carol Fennema (Fenwood Farm), Jason O’Brien (Laurentian Valley Farms) New Members: Angela Donnelly (Front Door Organics), Arian Quinn (Kaley’s Acres Organic Farm), Christina Dallimore (Whole Foods Market- Unionville), France Fournier (Whole Foods Market – Oakville), Joel Aitkin, Lisa McAllister (Whole Foods Market – Yorkville), Rose O’Leary (CSNN – Richmond Hill), Vivian Lee (CSNN- Toronto), Linda Baumberger (Sonnenrain Farms), COG Toronto, Sue Reimer (Reimer Vineyards)
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Upcoming Events
Volume 7 Issue 1
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A strategic forum on unleashing the strength of social finance and impact investing for food, farm and fish entrepreneurs. The forum When: April 12-14th, 2013 will connect social finance leaders with investors and entrepreWhere: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto neurs to build a stronger food economy and sustainable food sysSee page 11 for more info and contact details. tem. This is an action-oriented forum with opportunities to learn For the first time, OCO is organizing an Organic Expo within this from leaders in the field and participate in strategic conversations year’s Green Living Show. It is expected that 40.000 people will to move key issues forward. OCO is partnering with Sustain Onattend this year’s show. We will be presenting about organic logos, tario, Farm Start & other organizations to host this event. organics for health and more! Breakfast on the Farm OCO Speaker Tour When: June 22nd, 2013 When: Spring/Summer 2013 Where: Heritage Hills Farm, New Dundee, ON Where: various locations across Ontario For the first time this year, a ‘Breakfast on the Farm’ will be hosted OCO’s ED, Jodi Koberinski, will travel to many different events by Farm and Food Care. OCO is a confirmed vendor at the event this Spring and Summer to speak on the topic of organic health. which is mirrored after a successful pilot project in Michigan. To Jodi will speak at this year’s Green Living Show, at the Canadian participate Email mary@organiccouncil.ca, subject BOTF. For more Holistic Nutrition Conference, at Whole Foods Market and more. details visit www.organcicouncil.ca/BOTF or call the OCO office. For speaker tour details and visit www.organiccouncil.ca/ speakertour. Feast of Fields Organic Expo at the Green Living Show
Food, Farms, Fish and Finance: Exploring the delicious, When: September 8th, 2013 diverse and delicate potential for social finance and impact Where: Cold Creek Conservation Area, ON investing in our food system The annual outdoor food event hosted by Organic Advocates brings together farmers, chefs and the public to raise awareness of When: May 25th & 26th organics. Where: Centre for Social Innovation, Annex, Toronto
Member Profiles New Member: Reimer Vineyards
Renewing Member: Urban Harvest Seeds
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, www.reimervineyards.com
Toronto, ON, www.uharvest.ca
Art & Sue Reimer have been making wines for over 25 years. What began as the product of a hobby in the basement has matured over the years to become award-winning amateur wines. Their farm, located in the scenic Niagara-on -the-Lake region, was first purchased 27 years ago before the couple had two children. Their years of experience and testing and trying have lead to the production of award winning wines. The farm was certified in 2012 and organic practices have been followed on the farm since 2000. A cottage rental is also attached to their winery.
At Urban Harvest there is a dedication to providing their customers with organic seeds, seedlings and gardening supplies that promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of the planet. Everything sold is 100% certified organic and varieties are especially chosen for their unique qualities by seasoned urban gardeners. All of the seedlings are grown in or near the Greater Toronto Area to support local economies. From vegetables to herbs to flowers and wildflowers – many different varieties are available. A nursery is open in the summer, and an online store is available at http://www.uharvest.ca/shop/.
Have an upcoming event? OCO can help promote your events and exhibitions in our Newsletter, eNewsletter and our online events page. It’s easy. Simply send the details to mary@organiccouncil.ca.
Organic Focus
Spring 2013
OMAFRA Update
Highlights from OMAF’s ON Organic Newsletter Full newsletters are posted on the OMAF website at:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/organic/news/news-organic.html
Production Insurance Update: Organic Deadlines on May 1, 2013 It’s that time of year again and Production Insurance (PI) deadlines for spring seeded crops are fast approaching. Agri-corp offers PI coverage for both organic and conventional crops. Here are some PI options for your organic crops:
Specialized organic plans are available for organic corn, organic soybeans, organic fresh market carrots, organic fresh market cabbage, organic winter wheat and organic winter spelt. Proof of certification is required to receive a claim payment at the organic claim price. The forage rainfall plan works equally well for both organic and conventional producers. As always, other crops or crops in transition can be insured under the general production insurance plans.
The deadline to apply for organic corn, organic soybeans and coverage, without winterkill, for organic winter wheat and organic winter spelt, and the forage rainfall plan is May 1, 2013. For more information on these production insurance plans or other business risk management programs delivered by Agricorp please visit agricorp.com or contact them at 1888-247-4999.
Funding Opportunities Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) making a FINAL call for applications to the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). The program will fund short-term, innovative projects that fit the CAAP project objectives. Deadline to Submit Application: March 14, 2013 Date of Meeting: April 25, 2013. Please Note: All CAAP projects must be completed by October 31, 2013. Submit application(s) as soon as possible to ensure the optimal lifespan for your project(s). CAAP funds projects that help the sector remain competitive and adapt to: Seize opportunities
Respond to new and emerging issues Path find or pilot new solutions and opportunities to on-going issues
For complete details about CAAP, please refer to the CAAP Guide or contact a program coordinator regarding the fit of your project under CAAP.Telephone: 519.822.7554, Fax: 519.822.6248 Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program What is it? Export Market Access (EMA) is a $5 million initiative, jointly sponsored by the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). It is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs) increase their access to global markets. What is the benefit to your company? Generally the EMA program will cover 50% of the eligible costs in four specified areas. Non-repayable contributions generally range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000 (with the exception of capital bidding projects which generally would not exceed $35,000). Who Qualifies? For more information visit http://exportaccess.ca/howtoapply.shtml or www.exportaccess.ca.
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Volume 7 Issue 1
Policy & Regulatory Affairs Update
Content for this update was provided by Ted Zettel. The Organic Council of Ontario chooses a representative for the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC)/ Fédération biologique du Canada (FBC). The OFC has been established in response to the federal government’s request to be able to communicate with one organic sector on regulatory issues. It also addresses the organic sector’s commitment to a voice and responsibility in the ongoing development of organic standards and regulations. The OFC/FBC is registered as a not-for-profit organization to advance federal policy dialogue from the perspective of the organic sector. Ted Zettel is OCO’s current representative on the federation as well as the Chair of the OFC. field. Since there is no provision in the Organic Product Regulation (our national law governing organics) to mandate a surFor over two years there has been no work on the yet charge, it would be voluntary, at least in the initial stages, and unfinished Canadian Organic Standard as no party was willing to could only be accomplished with the approval of operators, and come up with funding. After an intense lobbying effort by the the cooperation of Certifying Bodies and the Canadian Organic Organic Federation of Canada, in cooperation with the Canadian Office (CFIA). We would like to implement this system in time Organic Trade Association and Canadian Organic Growers, and a for the 2014 certification year, so there is time for open dialogue. study by the Organic Value Chain Round Table, the impasse apPlease involve yourself in exploring this important issue. pears to be ended. Acting on instructions from senior Agriculture and Agri-food Canada officials, OFC is preparing an applicaIn addition to the surcharge, OFC is actively seeking tion under the new “Growing Forward 2” framework for a 5 year industry sponsors, particularly among the retailers and importers project designed to take us through a full review of the Standard of organic food who depend on a solid regulatory environment, and set in place a permanent maintenance process. Under this but contribute nothing toward sustaining it, since they do not stream of GF-2, government funds can cover 75% of the total certify. cost, with the remainder contributed by industry; 10% in the form of in-kind (volunteer hours) and 15% industry cash. Our Brand Name Directory launched friends at AAFC have made it very clear to us that in the longer Our latest project, http://organicinputs.ca is now an active webterm, beyond this 5 yr program, we are on our own and need to site housing a searchable database of Brand Name inputs for use fund Standard Maintenance without their help. There is certainly in organic production. This is the long-awaited, universal, namerit in paying the tab ourselves as it is widely recognized that tional list that the organic movement has been wanting and needeventually “the one who pays the piper gets to call the tune”. ing since the beginning. It has been developed in a partnership The evolution of the Standard is too vital for the integrity of the between the Organic Federation of Canada and “Peppersoft”, a Organic Movement to be given into the hands of government. young software development company that specializes in serving Funding of Standards Revision – Impasse Resolved
Industry Cash Needed Coming up with that industry cash, while it is a relatively small amount when spread out over all of Canada’s organic operators, is not going to be an easy task. There is no mechanism in place to collect a fee from organic operators. Organic farmers are well aware that they already pay into commodity groups and General Farm Organizations through legislated systems which work for the mainstream farmer, but often fail to bring about the representation needed for our minority interest. Attempts by the Organic Council of Ontario and others to retrieve some of that check-off money have proven it to be a time consuming, fruitless exercise. Discussions within the Organic Federation of Canada, involving representatives of all the provinces have progressed to the point where OFC is floating a proposal to collect a “surcharge on certification” from every operation across the country. At the same time, it is recognized that we have no stable funding mechanism to support the sectoral voice. OCO and our counterparts in other provinces, are a necessary piece of the regulatory process; we cannot speak to government or influence their decisions unless we are organized, and staying organized requires funding. What we propose is that the single certification surcharge would have two purposes; 1) to maintain the Organic Standard and 2) to provide core funding for the provincial sectoral voice. This is not a novel idea, or without existing precedent. In both BC and Quebec, operators are already paying a more substantial certification surcharge which is used to support provincial regulatory activities. These two existing fees would have to be integrated into a national system to create a level playing
the organic community. So far, the database combines products listed on the official Quebec directory, the ACORN list from Atlantic Canada, and products approved by CB’s that have already chosen to cooperate by sending us their lists. We need your help in making this the go-to service for finding compliant inputs. While filling out your application for certification can you send the list of products you will be using this year to getlisted@organicinputs.ca ? Also, encourage your certifier to get on board, and spread the word that the directory is up and running. Small Scale Certification One of the holes in Canada’s organic law is that it does not give CFIA authority to enforce unless a product crosses a provincial or national boundary. In both BC and Ontario, we know that there are large and growing numbers of people who are selling food as organic without certification, and they are able to continue because of this loophole. In Vernon we heard an interim report on a study into this phenomenon, which challenges our prevailing notion of a “one-size-fits-all” regime to govern the use of the word organic. Many of the newest entrants into the organic movement do not fit the mould of the “organic establishment” (It seems scandalous to use such a phrase!) and some are dropping out of certification. This is an alarming trend, and is forcing those of us who are, in effect, the keepers of the status quo, to look at other options for evaluating compliance. A report, at ; http://certifiedorganic.bc.ca/infonews/conference2013/ presentations.php presents some interesting findings which should be part of our discussions on how to close the intraprovincial loophole here in Ontario.
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Organic Focus
Spring 2013
Market & Consumer Trends
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Price Still a Factor Limiting Organic Food Purchases By Mary E. Wales— In October of 2012, Farmers Feed Cities (FFC), which describes itself as a ‘campaign supporting all farmers’, published the results of its ‘Informed Philosophy of Food’ study. The corresponding press coverage spread from coast to coast in Canada—receiving heavy attention by all types of media. However, the original press release published by FFC highlighted the overall opinion of the organization—that all food is safe and Health Canada is doing it’s part to assess the safety of GM foods. Furthermore, the press coverage emphasized eating local over eating organic and pointed to the fact that only a small amount of farms in Canada are organic. In response to the article, OCO member Andrew St. Jean wrote an article entitled ‘Farmers Feed Cities Philosophies of Food Study: A Hidden Agenda’ which received a lot of views on the OCO website. OCO’s Communications Coordinator, Mary E. Wales, along with Andrew, then hosted a conference call to discuss the tone in the article. We were able to receive the original statistics from the study—which painted an entirely different picture than that reported on by FFC. The following article was written and FFC has agreed to write about the organic sector in a more supportive way from now on.
A recent study undertaken by Farmers Feed Cities (FFC) shows that organic foods are popular among consumers. Almost all of the respondents, or 97%, concur that food is important to them, and the study explores just what is on Canadians’ minds when it comes to the food on our plates.
consumers are voicing their concern around the issue in different ways.”
One important attribute - price - is stopping Canadians from filling their carts with more organic food. 64% of those surveyed agree that the cost of organic food is prohibitive, while The study is based on data collected in the Fall of 2012 a surprising 71% feel that organic food does not offer good through two online surveys of 1,504 randomly selected Cana- value for money. Encouragingly, 31% are willing to spend dian adults on the Angus Reid Forum (3008 respondents in more for certified organic products. total). According to FFC, the results were statistically weighted according to age, gender, region and education to In terms of the perceived benefits, just over half of those surensure a sample representative of the entire population of veyed think that organic food is better for their health, while Canada. 63% agree that organic food is better for the environment. With reduced pesticide use and management practices aimed When it comes to organic and genetically modified food, the at improving soil fertility, organic agriculture offers many results were astounding and draw on some particular issues environmental benefits. the organic sector will have to address to improve access to organic food. With price identified as a limiting factor despite the perceived benefits of eating organic foods, policies and programs which While 29% of the Canadians surveyed buy organic food are targeted at reducing the costs of organic foods and supwhenever possible, even more, or 43%, noted that they pur- porting direct-to-consumer sales or shortening the value chain chase non-genetically modified food whenever possible. Fur- will go a long way toward improving access to organics. thermore, it was found that 59% of those surveyed do not Furthermore, despite the perceived health and environmental believe that genetically modified food is safe for consumpbenefits, businesses may have a challenge when it comes to tion. explaining the higher prices of products to their customers. An activity for OCO could be to develop fact sheets available “Many Canadians question the safety of genetically modified for OCO members providing information about why organic foods and would prefer to know whether they are eating foods are priced differently. According to this research by foods which have been made with GM ingredients,” notes FFC, it seems that price continues to be a central factor limitJodi Koberinski, Executive Director of the Organic Council ing organic food purchases. of Ontario. “Whether it is GM labelling propositions or demands for a strengthened, evidence-based approval process –
A reminder to check www.organiccouncil.ca/news for breaking news releases from OCO staff, as well as other organizations and media —www.organiccouncil.ca/news. Have something to share? Email Mary@oraniccouncil.ca or contact the OCO office.
Volume 7 Issue 1
Get Engaged with Ontario Organics!
11
Organic Focus
Spring 2013
Of Note...
12
A Reminder: Foodland Ontario Organic A Foodland Ontario marketing survey conducted in 2011 indicated that more than one-quarter of shoppers surveyed would buy organic more often if they knew it was from Ontario. To appeal to Ontario consumers who shop for organic products and help them to choose Ontario organic foods first, Foodland Ontario has a new resource for producers and processors to identify their food as both certified organic and local. Producers and processors who want to use the logo on their promotional and marketing materials will need to verify that their products are certified to the Canadian Organic Standard as well as meet the Ontario food definitions found on the Foodland Ontario website: http:// www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/industry/ind-definitions.html. A reminder that this logo is available! The Foodland Ontario logo is recognized by 9 out of 10 principal grocery shoppers in Ontario and it is still the best way to help shoppers identify local Ontario food. In 2007, the program was expanded to include meat, dairy products, eggs and specialty foods. For more information on how to get the Foodland Ontario Organic logo, contact the Client Services Officer, Sandra Jones, at sandra.jones@ontario.ca or 519-826-3947 (toll free 1-888-466-2372 ext. 63947).
Food and Farming by Tom Manley – Where are the trees? Published by CFN, on March 26th, 2013— As we drive down the country roads, we see vast fields being cleared and trees piled in windrows for disposal – usually burning – to make room for more cropping. With the high value of farm commodities, some view rural land as more valuable for corn and soybeans than forest, habitat or recreation. I recall a discussion a few years ago with a farmer in the process of clearing fence lines between fields, tree lines along the road, and an acre of Manitoba maple where the old barns once stood (after he tore them down). His answer was: “Manley, I know where you are coming from. I bought this land. I have debt to pay. Each acre must produce. Trees do not belong here, they belong over there.” And he pointed to a distant forest on someone else’s property. It has gotten to the point that some municipalities are considering bylaws to restrain the clear cutting frenzy. Proponents of a moratorium on tree cutting in Chartham-Kent put forward a bylaw proposal in February. Although it was defeated, it is clear evidence of a growing conflict in rural areas. Very few people today remember the infamous 1930s Dust Bowl in the Mid-West that severely damaged over 30 million hectares. Ontario suffered a similar problem. Excessive clear cutting was the principal contributing factor. The nearby Larose Forest in Prescott County was replanted (after being felled by settlers for agriculture) to prevent the rapid advancement of sand dunes that engulfed a village. The Warwick Forest in North Stormont is a similar case. The Oak Ridge Moraine area in south-central Ontario was rescued from becoming a dust bowl at the same time. The Chatham Daily News contains an oped with a long list of values for tree cover. In particular, the World Health Organization recommends 12% tree cover for a balanced healthy ecosystem that meets the needs of private land owners and their community. Farmers can easily reap the rewards of modest tree cover on private property in soil retention, erosion control, water retention, predator habitat, temperature mitigation, livestock health, wind break, and the list goes on. We can all see that crop yields suffer next to trees and farmers are convinced to cut them down. But there is plenty of research that demonstrates that the crop improvement in the field downwind of a wind break more than compensates for stunted growth next to the trees. Should the private landowner sacrifice profit to subsidize the public good? Instead, let’s make this a discussion of how something like a balanced tree cover can be both in the private interest and the common good.
Volume 7 Issue 1
Of Note...
13 (–30% sales from farms under $500,000 annual sales)
The 2011 Agriculture Census Released By David Cohlmeyer— In December 2012, Statistics Canada released much of the agricultural data from the 2011 census. I thought it would be interesting to track how much Ontario agriculture has changed since I became actively involved with farming in 1988. So I made a list of comparisons during the 20 years between the 1991 census and the 2011 census. Percent change in Ontario from 1991 to 2011 +33%
increase in Ontario’s population
+207% increase in imported food + 38% increase in total food sales +460% increase in the number of organic farms +3000% (i.e. +20% per year) increase in sales of organic food –26%
number of farm operators
–4%
acres being farmed
–23%
heads of beef cattle
–27%
dairy cows
+26%
chickens
–16%
acres for horticulture
–48%
acres of orchards
+111% farm capitalization (88% is land and buildings) +82%
annual farm expenses
+26%
average annual farm sales
(+206% sales from farms over $500,000 annual sales) –62%
farm earnings (EBITDA)
+450% years to retire farm capitalization –67%
farm operators under 35 years old
+7%
farm operators over 55 years old
+13%
average age of farmers
With a 33% increase in population, one would think there should have been a corresponding increase in local food production. In fact, there was a considerable (18%) decline. This is certainly not contributing to a secure food supply. For me, the scariest number is the –67% reduction of farmers under 35 years old. (Who is going to teach this complex profession to our grandchildren?) The other frightening figure revealed in this analysis is the increase in time it statistically takes for a farm to retire its capitalization. Due to higher land costs and lower earnings, this has gone from a reasonable 12 years to an impractical 66 years. With today’s unrealistically low food prices, only careful attention to selling into niches (such as Certified Organic) can hope to provide a viable farm business. David Cohlmeyer is a Sustainable Good Foods Consultant who assists many types of farmers and distributors to build their brand to fill market niches, to calculate full costs of production to assure profitable pricing, and to manage cash flow to maintain a sustainable business. Visit his website at www.davidcohlmeyer.ca.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Breakfast on the Farm & Bring Food Home Conference OCO is accepting food donations for the first Breakfast on the Farm event taking place on June 22nd, 2013 (see page 7). Email Mary@organiccouncil.ca for details. OCO and Sustain Ontario are looking for sponsorship for the bi-annual Bring Food Home Conference. This year’s conference will take place in Windsor, Ontario, on November 17th –19th, 2013. Details on sponsorship packages and benefits are available at http://bringfoodhome.com/partners/. Contact Mary@organiccouncil.ca or bringfoodhome@sustainontario.ca.
Organic Focus
Spring 2013
Finance Forum
12
Volume 7 Issue 1
Producer’s Corner
13
Organic Farmers Hunt for Cash Crop Farmers Published by FFC Express on March 8th, 2013 By Owen Roberts— Organic food consumption is increasing everywhere, but organic production is not keeping pace. That means producers and processors are missing out on a profitable niche, and consumers are not getting as much local product as they could. Yorkshire Valley Farms, Canada’s leading fresh organic chicken producer, wants to change that. The company, whose main farm is near Peterborough, Ont., is looking for conventional farmers who are open to considering organic production and growing certified organic feed. “It all starts in the soil,” says Yorkshire Valley Farms president James Sculthorpe. “We need organic feed to grow organic chickens, so we’re trying to move some conventional growers over to organic. For sustainability, we want to remove some of the barriers about growing organic crops.” Many of those barriers are based on a lack of knowledge and education about organic production possibilities. With that in mind, Yorkshire Valley is hosting an information day on March 13, in Norwood, Ont. The company hopes to convince some conventional farmers that organic production is worth a look. Guest speakers will cover such topics as cost of production, production practices (including transitioning to organic), and profitability. Sculthorpe notes that farmers are businesspeople who “want to pursue the greatest return on their investment”. “We suggest they consider organic,” he adds. He says one reason organic production should appeal to conventional farmers is the sector’s growth. Although it’s still a niche, organic livestock production is one of the fastest growing sectors in Ontario, with organic poultry yielding an annual growth rate of 30 per cent over the past five years. But for the sector to be sustainable, organic feed supplies need to increase. Finding and nurturing more Ontario sources is critical if the sector is to meet the needs of consumers demanding local food, Sculthorpe says. “Without farmers putting more land into organic production, consumers end up with inflated costs for organic food,” Sculthorpe says. “We have some of the best farmland anywhere in Ontario, and we have the potential to be a leader in organic production.” For more information contact OCO member James Sculthorpe of Yorkshire Valley Farms at james@yorkshirevalley.com or call
Board of Directors 2013 5420 Highway 6 North
Matt LeBeau Chair LeBeau Advance
Jenn Pfenning Vice Chair Pfennings Organic Farm
Tom Manley Director Homestead Organics
Marketing Representative
Producer Representative
Processor Representative
Ted Zettel Director, Regulatory Affairs Organic Meadow Cooperative
John Devlin Treasurer University of Guelph
Member at Large
Distributor Representative
Francesca Rivas Secretary UNFI Wholesaler Representative
Dave Lockman Director Pro-Cert Ltd.
Lisa Jones Director The Stone Store
Certifier Representative
Direct to Consumer Representative
Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 Phone: 519.827.1221 E-mail: info@organiccouncil.ca
To be determined‌.: Association Representative
web: www.organiccouncil.ca
The Organic Council of Ontario and its members represent Ontario’s organic farmers, producers, processors, marketers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, certifiers and others. OCO provides leadership and support for the continued growth of the organic sector. OCO works with media, government, national bodies and represents Ontario within the Organic Federation of Canada.
Staff 2012 Jodi Koberinski Executive Director:
Elizabeth Stewart Co-farmer :
Jodi@organiccouncil.ca
Elizabeth@organiccouncil.ca Mary@organiccouncil.ca Accounting @organic council.ca
www.organiccouncil.ca
Mary Ellen Wales Communications:
@orgcouncil.ca
About this publication: Organic Focus is the quarterly newsletter sent to OCO members. Email Mary@organiccouncil.ca for more info.
Lesley Bulman Accounting
organiccouncilofontario
The next OCO newsletter will be sent out on June 21st, 2013.
If you have anything that you would like to see in the next issue, Email Mary@organiccouncil.ca. Advertising is free for OCO members.