Organic Council FAQs
What is the difference between the Organic Council of Ontario and other organic trade associations?
What is the structure of OCO and does it really represent the organic sector in Ontario?
What is the mandate of the Organic Council of Ontario?
Who can become a member of the Organic Council of Ontario?
How do I become a member of the Organic Council of Ontario?
How are sectors determined? I feel I participate in activities that fall into 2 or more of your voting categories.
How will communication occur between members and the Organic Council of Ontario?
How does OCO fit into the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC/FBC)?
Where can I find out more information?
What is the difference between the Organic Council of Ontario and other organic trade associations?
The Organic Council of Ontario is the only trade association to represent the entire organic sector in Ontario. Other associations may represent a specific sector of organics (for example, farmers), or focus on issues pertaining to organics at a national level. While these organizations provide benefits to the organic sector, the Organic Council of Ontario was established in order to address the need for a unified voice of organics in Ontario, and to provide support for the growth of organics in Ontario.
What is the structure of OCO and does it really represent the organic sector in Ontario?
The Organic Council of Ontario is a membership-based non-profit organization. Each seat on OCO's board of directors, represents a sector of organics: associations, certifiers, direct to consumer, producers, marketers, processors, wholesalers and members at large. To ensure the stability of the Council during its start-up phase, the four founding members remained as directors until 2009. All other seats are elected annually by the membership Annual General Meeting held in March. It is the goal of the Organic Council of Ontario to recruit membership from throughout Ontario’s organic sector and to develop. This year's AGM will be held March 25th, 2010 from 9:30-4:30 at Loyola House just north of Guelph, ON.
What is the mandate of the Organic Council of Ontario?
The Organic Council of Ontario aims to provide leadership and support the continued growth of Ontario’s organic sector. The Council is currently guided by a Strategic Plan which is available here.
Who can become a member of the Organic Council of Ontario?
Membership is open to anyone who has all or a part of their business operating in Ontario, who was a farm in Ontario, or who is a resident of Ontario. Members must currently be involved in the organic sector or demonstrate intent to be active in the sector within one year.
How do I become a member of the Organic Council of Ontario?
Submit an application form (online or printable) and membership fee for your sector.
How are sectors determined? I feel I participate in activities that fall into 2 or more of your voting categories.
You may only select one member sector when completing the membership application form. Each voting member will receive one vote for their sector representative at the AGM. Applicants who find they represent more than one membership sector should choose the category that best reflects their main business. In the event that the business is split evenly across categories, the applicant may select the membership category. The Organic Council of Ontario board of directors will approve all membership applications, and reserves the right to determine the most suitable category for an applicant. Please contact the OCO office if you have any questions.
How will communication occur between members and the Organic Council of Ontario?
The Organic Council of Ontario is committed to promoting and supporting the interests of its members. Members may contact the OCO office, their sector representative or any board member with feedback or questions. The Organic Council will distribute a quarterly newsletter with updates, and well as periodic email and mailings. Workshops, seminars or focus groups may be organized in order to obtain member feedback on the goals and objectives of the Council.
How does OCO fit into the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC/FBC)?
The Organic Council of Ontario is supportive of the newly developed Organic Federation of Canada (formerly CORC), whose mandate is to represent the organic industry while working with provincial, territorial and federal governments as partners on national organic regulatory issues. The OFC is comprised of one organic industry representative from each province, and one representative from the organic trade sector. The Organic Council of Ontario elects the OFC representative for Ontario.
Where can I find out more information?
You may contact the OCO office at any time.
Address: 5420 Highway #6 Unit 237 R.R. #5 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
Phone: (519) 827-1221
Email: info@organiccouncil.ca
Alternatively, you may request to speak with your sector representative or any member of our board.
Last Updated: 2010-02-15 12:52:45