Organic sector works on strategic action plan

Discussions at the recent forum targetted obstacles to putting local organic products on store shelves

Organic farmers from around the province gathered recently for a day-long session hosted by the Manitoba Organic Alliance to hash out ways to strengthen the sector. At tables organized into general commodity groups such as grain, beef, small livestock and horticulture, ideas from each brainstorming session were collected for later analysis by consultants who will

Better times ahead for organic farmers held on through downturn

The recession has taken its toll on Canada’s certified organic sector, but the worst may already be over. The number of Canadian certified organic farms peaked at 3,914 in 2009. Then the recession hit and that number fell 4.5 per cent nationwide, with a 16 per cent plunge in Saskatchewan, once home to the largest


GMO proliferation an existential threat to organic farmers

Sourcing organic alfalfa seed has become more complicated since the commercial release of genetically modified alfalfa in the U.S., the executive director of the Canadian Organic Trade Association says. Although it is not yet grown commercially in Canada, the herbicide-tolerant forage crop was given a green light by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 2005

A Fresh Look At Our Organic Roots

Janine Gibson isn t surprised when she hears about studies that find organic farming to be as productive as conventional production methods. To think that it couldn t be, well that s just garbage, said the organic inspector and cofounder of the Organic Food Council of Manitoba. According to an American study released this year,


Product Awareness

Priscilla Reimer heads the Manitoba Organic Alliance, an umbrella organization for organic associations and producers. The organic inspector said sound scientific research is an important aspect of promoting organic production methods, but added current findings are not unexpected. To me it s a non-argument … yes, we can feed the world using organic systems, she

Manitoba Forage Seed Grower Joins Anti-Monsanto Legal Action

In the age of patent protection, there’s lots of precedent for corporate giants suing farmers – but few farmers willing to take on the corporations. Well, meet Paul Gregory. He is among 60 farmers, producer groups and seed companies suing Monsanto Co. by challenging its patents on genetically modified seed. Gregory, who owns Interlake Forage


Organic Alliance Seeks Financial Relief For Small Growers

Aprovincial industry lobby group wants the Manitoba government to ease the financial burden which new regulations will place on small organic farmers. The Manitoba Organic Alliance is asking the province to rebate part of the money small producers will have to pay to comply with organic standards under the incoming regulations. Currently, growers can sell

What’s Up – for Apr. 7, 2011

Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] or call 204-944-5762. April 7:“A threat to family farms, public health care and public services,” a National Farmers Union Region 5 public meeting on the Canada/European Union economic and trade agreement, 7 p.m., Room 2C, Union Centre, 206-275 Broadway, Winnipeg. For more info visit www.nfu.ca. April 9:Manitoba Organic


What’s Up – for Mar. 31, 2011

Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] or call 204-944-5762. March 31:Making Manitoba Maple Syrup seminar, 7-8 p.m., Red River Complex, Winkler. For more info email [email protected] or call 204-325- 9672. April 7:“A threat to family farms, public health care and public services,” a National Farmers Union Region 5 public meeting on the Canada/ European

What’s Up – for Mar. 24, 2011

Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] or call 204-944-5762. March 24:Making Manitoba Maple Syrup seminar, 7-8 p.m., Beausejour Rec Centre. For more info email [email protected] or call 204-268-9266. March 26:Woodlot Association of Manitoba annual general meeting, 10 a.m., Boreal Woods Nature Centre, junction of Hwy. 59 and PR 100 North near Grand Marais. $15