Regular updates will include lots of interesting information that is important!

Local organic apples will be hard to find due to extreme weather events.

Guelph, Ontario: Summer-like temperatures in February and winter-like temperatures in April have caused havoc in Ontario’s orchards.
Two weeks of extremely warm weather in February followed by multiple frost events have left Ontario’s fruit producers forecasting drastic reductions in production.
Filsinger’s Organics has been growing apples since 1953 in Ayton, Ontario and farm manager Brandon Weber has never seen anything like this before. “We’ve experienced 17 hard frosts this year already, most of which came after 2 very warm weeks that resulted in the trees budding early.” He says there is not much they can do about these extreme weather events and they are really at the mercy of Mother Nature. Their season has been “pretty much wiped out” although they cannot know how bad it will be as they could still see more frosts before the end of May.
Brian Gilroy, a Georgian Bay area apple grower who is chairman of the Ontario Apple Growers, said the loss to fruit growers and the economy will easily be more than $100 million. On top of the lost yield or no crop at all, orchard workers and spinoff industries such as juice, packing, storage and farm supplies will be affected.
Mary Milanovich of Apple Creek Farm, a Drayton Ontario certified organic apple grower with 800 apple trees, said “we will see significant loss in production, at least 50%, although we really cannot quantify it yet.” Milanovich points out that some varieties of apples have been more affected than others, many being completely wiped out, with others that tend to bud later in the season having fared slightly better.
The apples that do still grow this year will likely be of lower quality and will only be suitable for processed products such as apple cider or apple butter. Even then, Weber notes, they will likely have to replace what they normally grow here with organic apples from British Columbia or the United States.
As a result, consumers will be hard pressed to find Ontario apples this year. Jacob Pries of the Organic Council of Ontario says “consumers should expect to see higher prices at the till for the apples that are available. Higher prices are likely to continue over the next several years as farmers attempt to recoup losses from this year.” Many of the expenses associated with growing apples will still be necessary, as pests are still an issue even with little or no crop. Weber points out that if they don’t control for pests this year it will cause increased pest problems over the next years, so they still have to spend money and time on pest and fungus control even for trees with no apples.
As the effects of climate change such as extreme weather events become more frequent, new methods to ensure apples can withstand colder temperatures, higher pest pressures, or droughts are needed. According to research biologist Douglas Nichols of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association, research is being done to develop hardier varieties, but it is happening at a slower pace than may be necessary. Other methods of ensuring resilient orchards that may show some promise include increasing soil fertility through use of trace minerals. However, with frosts as low as -8 C. as have been seen this year, Weber and Milanovich say that there was little that could have been done to save their crops.

The Organic Council of Ontario is the voice on organic issues in Ontario and is putting more organic food on Ontario’s plates. Organic Council members from along the organic value chain, from producer to processor to eater, work together to raise the profile of organics as a good news story for health, climate change mitigation, and sustainability.

Media Enquiries:
Jacob J. Pries, Communications Coordinator
Organic Council of Ontario, ‘Putting More Organics on Ontario Plates’

t: 519.827.1221 | m. 226-979-1943 | twitter @orgcouncil
5420 Highway 6 N. Suite 232, Guelph,ON, N1H 6J2
www.organiccouncil.ca

The video was made by Powerline Films and stars some of our amazing members!

Organic Council of Ontario – Organic Food Production in Ontario from Sustain Ontario on Vimeo.

Producers/Processors in the Video:

Aubin Farm : aubinfarm.com

Mapleton’s Organic : mapletonsorganic.ca

Cherryvale Farm : cherryvale.ca

Yorkshire Valley Farms : yorkshirevalley.com

Frogpond Farm : frogpondfarm.ca

Naturally Norfolk : naturallynorfolk.com

Birchwind Holsteins : organicmeadowcoop.com/index.php?page=ron-and-deb-vice

Country Herbs

Please fill our this quick survey: http://www.canview.com/p/?p=4092LINK&pw=OpenLink.

We are asking organic growers, processors, distributors, retailers and others in the sector to spare a few minutes for this survey.

This information will help farms, business owners and other organizations engaged in the organic sector to better position, manage, change or expand.

If you have any questions contact Theresa at tschumilas@organiccouncil.ca

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) commissioned Informa Market Research to conduct this survey.

January

Presentation at Queens Park on organic sector priorities for Pre-budget Hearings

Meeting with Hans Feldmann, Minister’s policy aide

Meeting with Mike Schreiner, Leader of Green Party of Ontario

1^st Annual Ontario Organic Awards

Guelph Organic Conference

Hosted Trade Symposium

Local and Organic Workshop featuring Denise Zaborowski of Foodland Ontario

Traders Breakfast

Canada Organic Office conference call

Canadian Organic Extension Network (COEN) and Ontario Organic Extension Network (OOEN) meetings

Meeting with Soy2020

Meeting with Local Food Plus

February

Agriculture Standing Committee Consultations (Ottawa)

Knowledge Transfer and Translation Conference (Guelph)

Establishment of the Marketing Ontario Organics Working Group

EcoFarm Day (Cornwall)

COG Toronto Conference

EnviroPig Panel Discussion at University of Guelph featuring Lucy Sharratt of CBAN

Data Collection discussions with SPINS

Canadian Organic Extension Network Meeting

Meeting with Egg Farmers of Ontario with presentation from CFIA

Meeting with Chicken Farmers of Ontario

Meeting with Ontario Livestock and Poultry Council

Meeting with Foodland re: Foodland Organic

Meeting with OFVGA

Media Coverage of GE Forum w/OCO interview: “Crop Threats Raised at U of G Forum” Guelph Mercury, Feb 7 ‘11

Media Coverage of GE Forum w/OCO interview: “Modified crops pose threat, forum hears” Front Page, Guelph Mercury, Feb 8, 2011

Media Coverage of Foodland Organic w/OCO interview and photo: “Organic Foodland Ontario Label Offers New Opportunity” Ontario Farmer, Feb 8 , 2011

Media Coverage of OCO Awards: “Industry Pioneers Honoured for Lifetime achievement” Ont Farmer, Feb 22 ‘11

Media Coverage of GE issue w/Full OCO interview: “Organic Growers seek Protection from GE contamination” Ontario Farmer, Feb 22, 2011  “… we’d like to see that there’s some policy in place that the polluter pays.” – Jodi Koberinski, OCO

March

Meeting with Deputy Minister Burke to discuss priorities, policy, competing claims and the value of organics.

Meeting with Gord Surgeoner

GE Panel with Guelph MP Frank Valeriote, Italian Canadian Club, Guelph, March 10^th

Media Coverage of GE Conversation w/OCO interview: “MP Makes Progress Encouraging Organic-Biotech Dialogue” Ontario Farmer, March 8, 2011

OCO AGM

Initiate Data Collection project with Farmers Markets Ontario

Processor Survey Initiated

South-Western Ontario Farmer/ Buyer Networking event in London.

Participation in Bring Food Home Conference Programming Committee

Organic Meadow Symposium – outreach

Beechwood Ag Services Farmers Meeting presentation on value of OCO

COABC Conference to discuss sustainability of the Canada Organic Regime

OVCRT meetings in Winnipeg- Ted Zettel

Participation in Standards Interpretation Committee and Technical Review Committee

Approved for New Directions Grant “Information Systems Development for the Organic Sector” – Theresa Schumilas research lead

Approved for OMIF “Ontario Organic Roadshow”

Front Page article in Guelph Mercury

Action taken after request from member re: allegations of organics fraud

Food and Farming Strategies Workshop

Media Coverage of OCO GE Forum: “Anti-GMO Group petitions to bar U of G’s Enviropig” On Farmer, Mar 22 ‘11

OOEN Meeting

Meeting with Alliance of Ontario Food Processors @Conestoga College

April

Attended Premier’s Summit (Permanent Business Risk Management program announcement was the policy highlight of the event. Presentations from Marsan Foods, the Greenbelt Foundation, Metcalfe, an ethnic food processor and a functional food developer/ marketer underscored OMAFRA’s current focus on building processing infrastructure.)

Green Living Show (Toronto)

Attended Environmental Sustainability Research Forum

ON Trace Forum

Guelph Chamber of Commerce Breakfast

Sustain Ontario Advisory Meeting (Holland Marsh)

Meeting with COTA

COEN Meeting

Hired Part-time book keeper and Part-time Events Coordinator

May

Foodland Ontario Organic released

Queens Park Market Event (Toronto)

Media Coverage of Member business growth w/ OCO quote: “Over the top organics” Farmers Forum, May, 2011  “… we’d like to see that there’s some policy in place that the polluter pays.” – Jodi Koberinski, OCO ED.

June

Marketing Ontario Organics Working Group Day-long Strategy Session

Canadian Nutrition, Society for Healthy Eating (June 2, U of G)

First Roadshow event at Ignatius Farm

Meeting with Roxanna Roshan – Skills Development and Training Needs project

Farmstart AGM

Discussions of funding for SIC

Participation in Aquaculture Standards Discussions

Continued discussions with EFO, Farm On, Farm Start re: Partnership Grant and OOEN

Powerline Video shoot begins

OCO office moves

July

Meeting with Agriculture Minister Carol Mitchell to discuss our sector’s issues ahead of the July Meetings of the Federal/Provincial Ministers in PEI.

Website Strategy Session with Hypenotic

London Home County Folk Festival (London)

Hillside Music Festival (Guelph)

Letter to the On Farmer editor re: E. Coli outbreak connection to Organics (July 12, 2011, On Farmer)

August

Conscious Food Festival (Toronto)

Harvest Picnic (Dundas)

Development of Traceability Fund Initiative Grant

Meeting with Foodland Ontario Staff

Greenbelt Foundation Round-Table Discussion (Toronto)

Outreach to members for Roadshow opportunities

Meeting with Bryan Gilvesy re: organic messaging strategy and foundation possibilities

Soft Launch of our 3 ‘Why Organic’ Whiteboard Videos

September

REACH! Huron County

Feast of Fields Ottawa

Feast of Fields King City

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (Woodstock)

Taste! Prince Edward County (Picton)

Savour Stratford

Niagara Food Fest (Welland)

COG PWW’s Organic Vegetable Market Price Tracker (sponsored in part by OCO) Launched

Meetings with Members re Roadshow Opportunities

Foodland Ontario Marketing Meeting

CAP Meeting

Media Coverage of Hugh Martin’s retirement: “How Curiosity Shapes Career Direction” Ontario Farmer, September 27, 2011

October

Launch of New OCO Website (thanks Hypenotic!)

Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) Show (Toronto)

Workshop on Foodland Organic for retailers and processors

Organic Week

Organics on the Hill, lobbying event with COTA and COG in Ottawa

Retail Display Contest

Stop the Quarry with COTA (Roadshow Stop)

Healthy Foods and More (Roadshow Stop)

Organic Garage (Roadshow Stop)

Whiteboard Videos shown at Norfolk County Fair, (Simcoe)

Meeting with TFO

Meeting with Dr. Ralph Martin

CFIA EU Call

Foodland Ontario Marketing Meeting

Meeting with Ontario Independent Poultry Producers

OCO participated on the OVCRT Marketing Working Group to develop the Phase II activities for promoting the Canada Organic brand, including consulting on a survey for operators.

Participate in OFC, SIC and Technical Review Committee activities:  Ted Zettel participated in OFC meetings. Addressed regulatory issues arising from critical variances with the US Organic program.

Low-level Presence Conversation (Toronto)

Made submissions regarding Growing Forward II priorities

Bring Food Home Conference. Including 2 workshops (One on Environmental Goods and Services with Bryan Gilvesy from ALUS, and Pat Learmonth on behalf of conservation partners in the Kawarthas. The 2nd was organized by EFO, FarmStart and OCO, as a follow up meeting amongst Ont. extension providers.)

Attended Sustain Ontario’s AGM

Media Coverage of Organic Sector w/OCO interview: “2011: A Tough Year for Organic Farmers ” Better Farming Magazine, October 2011  .

November

Meeting with Conservative MP Ben Lobb (Huron Bruce) re: Financial support for standards upkeep; low-level presence; and financial support for transitioning to organic.

Media Coverage of ‘Natural’ Claim Issue w/OCO interview: “Ottawa Opens Debate on Proposed ‘Natural’ Labeling ” Ontario Farmer, November 1, 2011

Royal Winter Fair (Toronto)

OCO Consumer Booth at RBC (Guelph)

Communicated to OMAFRA the importance of an Organic specific position within OMAFRA

Provided Organic 101 Training to staff at major retail outlet

Nominated representatives for Standards Interpretation Committee

‘Certified’ Label issue discussion with COTA, COO. Position statement issued.

OCO Hart House Fundraiser (Toronto)

Participated in Low Level Presence Consultations (Toronto)

Meeting with Chicken Farmers of Ontario

Media Coverage of BFHC: “Disconnect still exists between farmers and food system” Ontario Farmer, November 8, 2011

Media Coverage of BFHC’s Keynote speaker, Raj Patel. Ontario Farmer, November 15, 2011

December

Media Coverage of COG’s Price Tracker: “Tool Helps Peg Organic Produce Prices” Ont Farmer, Dec 13, 2011

Sector-Wide efforts to shift story on Organic Apples being found with small amounts of fungicides, including interviews with CTV. Worked with COTA, COG, and OFC to develop counter-story. Succeeded in shifting story to be about how we live in a polluted world and the best solution to minimize toxins is organic.

OCO Press Release: Organic Food Best way to Avoid Pesticides

Media Coverage of Organic Apple/Pesticides Story w/OCO quotes in Better Farming Magazine, Dec. 2011

The Organic Council of Ontario hosted a 2,000 square foot pavilion to showcase Ontario’s organic bounty. We hosted 17 vendors who sampled product to consumers and provided important information about their businesses and about organic. These included local retailers, certifiers, processors, distributors, and not-for-profits.

In addition to a marche-style pavilion selling organic food from premier Ontario businesses, we are offered a workshop stage within our footprint, circus performers promoting organics, and a variety of videos about detailing different aspects of organic production.

Workshops by:
Learn Eat Grow – Kids introduction to organic.
Joy McCarthy (Holistic Nutritionist) – Demystifying Labels, 3 R’s of Organic.
Lucy Sharratt (CBAN) – Intro to GMO’s
Jacob Pries and Jodi Koberinski (OCO) – How Organic Can Feed the World, Demystifying Labels.
Panel Discussion (with Devin Smith, Lucy Sharratt, Simon Jacques) – Why We Choose Organic

Participating Vendors: Ontario Natural Food Co-op, Yorkshire Valley, Neal Brothers, Shasha’s, Pro-cert, Eco-cert, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, Front Door Organics, Fieldgate Organics, Kiju Organic Juice, Sunshine Pickles, Peppersoft Inc., The Big Carrot/Non-GMO Project, Feast of Fields, Sprouts for Life, Southbrook Vineyards, and Filsingers Organic. Photo Highlights from the 2012 Ontario Organic Pavilion:

Highlights from the weekend:
● Multiple stilt walkers to draw folks into workshops and into the centre of pavilion.
● Hundreds of students watched the ‘what is organic’ video
● Constant loop of videos provided information to many folks
● A dozen workshops about different aspects of organic to answer many consumers’ frequent questions
● Videographer took footage of Sunday, including interviews.
● Many new COfarmers signed up, including Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario
● Over 2 Dozen committed volunteers helped over the weekend

About the Green Living Show:

The best green products, services and innovations all under one roof.

The Green Living Show is North America’s largest green consumer show dedicated to educating the public about easy and workable solutions for leading a sustainable lifestyle.  The three day event offers innovative products, demonstrations and ideas to help fuel the green economy.  Health, wellness, home, automotive, business, décor, fashion and food are all showcased at the Green Living Show.

NEW this year:

-       Ontario’s most Innovative and Inspiring Green Technologies including a rare first look at the “Solar Ship”
-       The most eco-friendly and healthy beauty products on the market
-       Active-lifestyle and yoga pavilion
-       An expanded eco-fashion marketplace featuring the latest in sustainable designers
-       Test drive the latest in ‘plug-in electric’ and hybrid vehicles
-       Marine, trees and bird wildlife saving solutions

Crowd Favorites Return:

-       Farm Fresh Fare – delicious gourmet food, all locally sourced and prepared by 20 of Toronto’s top celebrity chefs
-       Eco-Youth Day (Friday April 13) jammed packed with interactive program for youth in elementary and secondary schools
-       Find new ways to reduce your energy bill with the latest in energy saving products for your home
-       Eco-decorating ideas for your home and sustainable home furnishings

With over 400 exhibits and a diverse selection of demonstrations, presentations and activities, the Green Living Show 2012 has something for the entire family.

FREE ENTRY when you bring e-waste to recycle courtesy of Samsung Canada.  In 2011, show visitors brought in 40,000 lbs of e-waste.

Where:  Direct Energy Centre / Exhibition Place Toronto

When:              Friday, April 13 – 10 AM – 9 PM
Saturday, April 14 – 10 AM – 9 PM
Sunday, April 15 – 10 AM – 6 PM

About Green Living Enterprises / Green Living Show:

Green Living Enterprises is a pioneer and leader in developing social and environmental marketing programs that keep consumers and clients at the forefront of the green agenda. Green Living Enterprises is a full-service, one- stop solution for green marketing, product and program development, custom publishing, and event management. Green Living Enterprises, an authentically green company, also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada’s largest green consumer show, dedicated to easy and workable solutions for leading a sustainable lifestyle. For more information, visit greenlivingshow.ca

Samsung Electronics Canada, a presenting sponsor of the 2012 Green Living Show, will provide free admission to anyone who brings e-waste to the event. E-waste will be recycled by Samsung Recycling DirectTM and facilitated by Global Electric Electronic Processing (GEEP) – in the most ecologically responsible manner in their Canadian facility.

Admission without e-waste is $15 (adult), Seniors $11 (65+) and Students $11 (13 – 17), Group Rate $10/person (10+ people), School Rates $6/ person (10+ students /teacher).  A portion of paid admission will be donated  to charity.

Show Info: greenlivingshow.ca

Show Info Line: 1-866-934-0044 ext 327

Media Contact/Accreditation: Annette Borger / aborger@green-living.ca / 988-7086

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/GreenLivingPage  — PLEASE HELP GROW OUR COMMUNITY BY LIKING US / IF YOU LIKE US WE CAN POST YOUR SHOW INFO

TWITTER: @greenlivingpage  /  #gls12

Pictures and video of the event to follow!

Organic Council of Ontario’s 6th Annual General Meeting

All are invited to attend (members & non – members)

Date: Wednesday March 7th, 2 012

Time: 9:0 0am – 4:00pm, registration begins 8:30am.
Location: Loyola House, Ignatius Centre.
5420 Highway 6 N.
Guelph, ON N 1H 6J2

Registration: Free for OCO Members / $45 .00 for Non Members (hs t included)
– Includes an Organic Lunch . Vegetarian option available.

Please RSVP by March 2nd , 2012
519 -827 -1221 or by email info@organiccouncil.ca

* A limited number of table top booths are available to OCO members for a
nominal fee. Please contact the OCO office for more details.

AGM Agenda

9-9:30 Opening Remarks – OCO Chair Matt LeBeau

9:30-10:30 Keynote Address- John Ikerd, Agricultural Economist

10:30-11 Organic Federation of Canada Update – OFC Chair Ted Zettel

11-12:30 OCO Business Meeting and Elections

12:30-1:30 LUNCH

1:30-2:30 PANEL- Trends in Organic and Your Business
Tom Manley (Homestead Organics, Eco Farm Day)
Dr. Ralph Martin (Sustainability Chair, University of Guelph)
Alvaro Venturelli (CSA farmer, NFU)
To Be Confirmed- Retail Association Representative
Moderator: Jodi Koberinski, ED Organic Council of Ontario

2:30-3:15 Social Media Workshop with Barry Martin of Hypenotic

3:15-4 Social Networking and Marketing Ontario Organics Working Group meeting

Board Election

Up for election this year are the following representative positions:

Processor, Marketer, Certifier, Producer (2 year terms)
Distributor (1 year term)

To nominate please fill out the nomination form and return it to the OCO office.

Full rules and regulations for election are available for download

If you cannot attend and would like to vote please use our proxy voting form

Take Instant Action

Send your letter to the Minister of Agriculture instantly by clicking here!

More Actions

1. Share the video with your friends and family on facebook, embed the video on your website, “Like” the video!
2. Screen the video at your local events, include it in your local film fests.
3. Get signatures on the petition.
4. Print and download the flyer about GM alfalfa.
5. Ask your local health food store to put up this attractive poster about GM alfalfa! The store could also collect signatures on the petition, screen the video or display alfalfa-related foods!
6. Order buttons for your community group or event. Contact us.
7. Join the GM Alfalfa Campaign Action Listserve.
8. Donate today to support the campaign. Thank you for your support!
9. Send us your action ideas and share photos from your community. Contact us.

   

Even More Actions!

1. If your Member of Parliament is a Conservative: Click here for important action suggestions that could make a huge difference!
2. Farmers: you can send usyour testimonials about how alfalfa will impact your farm business. Email Lucy at coordinator@cban.ca
3. Farmers: We need videos of you talking about how important alfalfa is to your farm – What is alfalfa? Why is GM alfalfa such a big threat?
4. Groups and Businesses: Your group can sign the No to GE Alfalfa campaign statement. Please encourage organizations, producer associations, companies and community groups to sign!
5. Retailers: Download and print this poster for your store!
6. Retailers: Coming soon: “GM Alfalfa Campaign Action Kit for Retailers”. Let us know if you are interested in receiving one.

Information

Summary: Alfalfa growers do not need or want GM alfalfa and have been trying to stop it for at least five years. Organic food and farming in the U.S. and Canada is under immediate threat from GM alfalfa. Conventional farmers will also lose their markets. The introduction of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant (Roundup Ready) alfalfa would have serious negative impacts on many different types of farmers and farming systems, both conventional and organic. Because alfalfa is a perennial crop pollinated by bees, GM contamination is inevitable. GM alfalfa was actually approved in Canada in 2005 but still needs to go through one more step before it can be legally sold as seed in Canada.

Why is Alfalfa Important? Alfalfa (harvested as hay) is used as high-protein feed for animals like dairy cows, beef cattle, lambs, poultry and pigs and is also used to build up nutrients in the soil, making it particularly important for organic farming. If introduced, GM alfalfa would ruin export markets for alfalfa products and threaten the future organic food and farming in the North America.

What are Farmers Saying about GM Alfalfa?

Conventional and organic farmers agree that GM alfalfa is not wanted or needed: What conventional alfalfa producers told the House of Commons Agriculture Committee, June 7, 2010

Read the list of 127 farmer and consumers groups that say no to GE alfalfa.

For the full story please visit the Campaign Page on CBAN’s website

CBAN’s Lucy Sharrat will be the guest speaker at the Saturday evening gala. The all organic gala meal featuring Ontario meat and vegetarian options, accompanied by Ontario organic beer, wine and juices, is the social highlight of the conference.
Cocktails at 5:30PM. Dinner at 6PM.

Saturday Plenary: Steve Beauchesne of Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. will describe how his family-run brewery has built a solid brand in an incredibly tough competitive market by firmly sticking to the goals of making organic beer, supporting their community and sustainable business practices.

Eco Farm Day just became  Eco Farm Days….

For the first time, the perrenial Eastern Ontario conference on all things organic will play host to an Organic Council of Ontario Meet and Greet. Keynote Randy Whitekker from the Ontario Natural Food Co-op will frame our conversation and introduce Canadian leaders along the value chain:

• Producer Colleen Ross of Waratah Downs
• Distributor Randy Whitekker of ONFC
• Restauranteur Ron Farmer of Ottawa’s Green Door
• Retailer Colin Harding of Ottawa’s Kardish Foods

Each panelist will be accompanied by another Organic Ambassador with experience in various scales of marketing and distribution, including advisors for processors. Sign up for 10 minute speed meetings with a panelist or colleague to ask your specific questions!

Please see http://www.cog.ca/ottawa/ecofarmday/ENprogram.html for registration details.

Breakfast, lunch, Panel, and one-on-one mentoring for only $56.50 +HST

Eco Farm Day will move the dinner, traditionally held on the Friday night, to the Saturday night, giving the trade show folks time to set up on Friday evening, and everyone at the conference will have a singular evening event Saturday- and a reason to stay Sunday. Visit the Eco Farm Day website for more information on an excellent conference.

Issues:
1) Aqua-culture standard led by Ted Zettel for input to proposed standard
2) ‘State of the industry’ update with Theresa Schumilas on current OCO research: production, sales outlets, processing sector challenges
3) Understanding growth on the organic value chain including current branding strategy update by J.P. Lacroix. Guests will be engaged in sector planning.
4) GMO policies concerning organics with input to go to form policy positions OCO leads multi-stakeholder effort with OFC help (OFC: Organic Federation of Canada).

Who should attend? ***organic traders, distributors and brokers; ***retailers wanting to understand current organic marketing issues so they can transmit these to consumers; ***motivated consumers – the beauty of a seminar like this is that you can learn first-hand about the burning issues of the current organic business in Canada; ***government and academics: this sector is moving, is animated, has passion, is building cash-flow – and you have to incorporate it into your department; ***anyone who wants to get involved in the organic marketing business. Why not? It’s time.

Register at http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/register/

Note: Organic Council of Ontario is one of 16 Official Sponsor of the Guelph Conference. As such, they operate in the public sector and draw together multiple speakers and issues under one master symposium, such as this one. Don’t forget to register for OCO’s Organic Awards, downtown Guelph, Saturday evening, 7.00 pm

For the complete details please visit the Guelph Organic Conference website: http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/workshops/friday/