oa winter 2015 magazine

alberta

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

WINTER 2014/15 ISSUE 04 VOLUME 05

O R G A N I C

GENERAL

PRODUCERS & PROCESSORS

CONSUMERS

NOTES FROM A FIELD DAY

HRS WHEAT GOLDEN FLAX INTER-CROPPED

Building soil fertility and reducing weed pressure through green manure plowdowns and intercropping were highlights of the field day hosted by Organic Alberta President, Ward Middleton, this past summer.

Ward has a lot of experience with inter-cropping, but this was his first attempt at growing Golden Flax. He inter-cropped it with wheat, thinking that the wheat stalks would help with threshing the flax and the flax would replace the weeds that often like to grow be-tween the rows. He seeded the wheat at 2 bushels/acre and the flax at 24 lbs/acre. His 5 year average yield for intercropped HRS wheat is 40 bushels/acre, unchanged from when he just grew wheat alone. His wheat yield was 45 bushels/acre this year, however the flax yield was just 5 bushels/acre on one field and virtually non-existent on another field. He attributes the low flax yield to late germination after seeding. The flax is seeded in a second pass after the wheat is seeded and the soil was dried out, so the flax didnt germinate until the next

rain. However, the wheat saw normal germination and emergence. Flax was still blossoming on the field on September 23 25 when the wheat was swathed.

After separating the wheat and flax with a Snowco cleaner on the farm, the wheat graded a good #3. It was downgraded from a #2 as they had not success-fully separated all the flax from the sample. However, Ward is confident that the seed cleaning plant can clean the wheat to good milling specifications. The lab results for the separated wheat sample were:

14.3% protein

3% dockage

80.1 kg/hectolitre test weight

Falling # = 326 seconds

BARLEY/SWEET CLOVER INTER-CROP:

Wards Barley yield was only 45 bushels/acre, which was below his 60 bushel/acre target. He believes the yield was likely set back by rodweeding too long after seeding; this hurt the emergence. The rodweeding was done in an attempt to control the wild oats, however, next year he will try to seed a week later and not rodweed more than 4 days after seeding.

The barley was the right protein and excellent plumpness for malting specifications. He has it contracted for malt.

PEAS/CANOLA INTERCROP:

Wards pea yields were normal or above, but the intercropped polish canola also suffered from late germination due to dry conditions.

BUILDING SOIL FERTILITY THE ORGANIC WAY

In the first week of July, Ward planted a mixture of rye, wheat, brown peas, sugar peas and buckwheat as a plowdown crop. Normally he would have seeded his plowdown in May, but he was hoping that seeding later would provide better Canada Thistle control.

The field was prepared by alternating diamond harrows to kill small annual weeds and a chisel plow with sweep shovels to kill perennial weeds that had emerged following the previous harrow pass. This was done twice each through the spring with strong populations of weeds each time.

Ward was a little concerned about the late seeding pass because he knew that at some point the Canada Thistle would not attempt to set seed any longer, but would emerge in a shorter bushier version with broader leaves. This version is focused on feeding the root energy reserves in order to survive for next year. However, the plowdown seeding date was not so late as to trigger this change in the thistle. When the crop was worked in early September, the Canada Thistle were just in the rosette stage.

Buckwheat was included in the seeding mixture at 20 lb/acre, as opposed to the usual 40 lb/acre seeding rate when it is intended to be harvested; however, it was by far the most abundant biomass in the plowdown mixture. The local beekeeper was happy with the late seeding date, as the buckwheat was in full flower for the last part of the growing season, giving his bees something to harvest in a time when there is usually very little for them. He even had other beekeepers phoning him to ask what was growing near his hives on Wards farm.

AOPA AND ORGANIC ALBERTA PARTNERED TO PRESENT ANOTHER INFORMATIVE FIELD DAY.

I have recently been invited to sit on the Organic Value Chain Round Table (OVCRT), an industry-led partnership that works collaboratively with government on strategies to increase the competitiveness and profitability of the organic sector in domestic and export markets. I will be co-chairing the Increasing Capacity Working Group with Laura Telford, the Organic Marketing Business Development Specialist for the Manitoba government. I am sincerely looking forward to representing Organic Alberta, and providing a voice for our producers and programs at the national level. I am also very excited about being a part of the national effort to grow the organic sector.

BECKY LIPTONEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR : ORGANIC ALBERTA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT

WINTER 2014/15 | ISSUE 04 | VOLUME 05

Not everyone knows about the OCVRT and what it has accomplished in the past. I want to share with you 3 recent reports they have produced called the Organic Advantage. There is one each for beef, grains and vegetables. These documents are aimed at showing conventional producers the benefits of organics, however they are equally useful for organic producers. In my article on using statistics to grow your business, I talk about how the numbers can help when you go to the bank, or to the government for support. These documents are like a goldmine. Next time you put together a business plan for your banker, or a proposal for government grants, use the numbers from these documents, and then hand them a copy. Your success rate will be way higher!

If you would like a FREE copy of The Organic Advantage, let us know at [email protected] or 587-521-2400

ORGANIC ALBERTA SUPPORTERSThank you to James Bozarth, Natures Path, Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association and Bioriginal Food & Science Corp for becoming corporate members.

Thank you to Mike Stahl of Rosalind Colony, George & Debbie Wolf, Frank & Marg Dyck, Grainworks Inc. and Keith & Lois Burger for making a donation.

Thank you to Paula Dubleski, Becky Lipton, Pat Lipton and Willem Aleman for becoming Friends of Organics.

1

ORGANIC ADVANTAGE

Vegetablecrops

October 2014

ORGANIC ADVANTAGE

Field crops

October 2014

ORGANIC ADVANTAGE

Transition to growing demand

Beef production

October 2014

Mission: To represent and support Albertas entire organic industry.Vision: A strong, sustainable and united organic community in Alberta.

Editor/Submissions & Advertising Editor : Debbie [email protected] EditorBrenda [email protected] Designer & PublisherWoodward Design780-451-2261www.woodwarddesign.ca

Executive DirectorBecky Lipton: 587-521-2400 | [email protected]

Board MembersRepresentatives elected by region:(N) North (S) South (C) Central (M) Member at Large

President: Ward Middleton (C): 780-939-7459 | [email protected]

Vice President: Sam Godwin (C): 780-785-8023 | [email protected]

Treasurer: Danny Turner (M): 780-469-1900 | [email protected]

Secretary: Erin Paulson (M): 403-710-8117 | [email protected]

Frank Sarro (Consumer Rep): 403-252-0011 | Ext. 9240 [email protected] Kitt (N): 780-356-2239 | [email protected] Drozda (Ab rep at the Federal Level) 780-524-3254 | [email protected] Aleman (S)403-308-4003 | [email protected] Hoven (S): 403-302-2748 | [email protected]

Janice Shelton (N): 780-623-7664 | [email protected]

Spring 2015 submissions to be received by March 6, 2015 . Please send comments, suggestions, questions, ads, and/or articles to [email protected]

by Shari Johnston

A cold winter day gives the perfect opportunity to fire up the wood stove and gather around the fondue pot with friends. Perhaps slightly untraditional, this fondue features Alberta beer in the cheese sauce and many local, organic products are used to make dippers. Ingredients

Dippers (see below for suggestions)

4 cups cheese (gruyere, cheddar, whatever you like)

2 tablespoons corn starch

teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

teaspoon mustard powder

1 bulb of garlic

small onion, finely diced

375 ml bottle of beer

Preparing the actual fondue is fairly quick and easy so I always start with prepping the dippers. When we made this fondue at home, I served it with the following dippers:

1. Thick, bite sized slices of spicy chorizo sausage and black forest ham from Europa Meat Shoppe (South 40 location, Grande Prairie)

2. Cubes of black pepper parmesan bread from Loaves (Grande Prairie Farmers Market)

3. Roasted potatoes from Summers Gold CSA (Crooked Creek, Alberta)

When the dippers are ready, begin the cheese sauce:

4. Grate 4 cups cheese (medium gruyere from Sylvan Star works great or an aged white cheddar) and toss with 2 tablespoons corn starch, teaspoon fresh ground black pepper and teaspoon mustard powder. Set aside.

5. Next, youll make some roasted garlic. Using one whole bulb of garlic (New Oxley Garlic near Claresholm is what I had on hand) chop the very top off, to expose the cloves. Pour some olive oil on it, getting it into the cloves, and wrap tightly with tin foil. Bake for 45 minutes in a 400F oven.

6. Once roasted, squeeze the cloves out of their paper and mash into a paste. Set aside.

Finally, bring all of the elements together and make the cheese sauce.

7. In a medium sized pot, saut the onion in some olive oil until translucent. When the onion is cooked, add the roasted garlic paste to the pot and heat through.

8. Add 1 cup of beer (I enjoy Alley Kats Full Moon Pale Ale) to the pot and stir well. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let mix simmer for 3 minutes.

9. Decrease heat to medium-low and sprinkle a small handful of prepared grated cheese into the pot. Stir until fully incorporated and

smooth. When ready, add another handful of cheese. Repeat this process until all cheese is incorporated and mixture is silky smooth.

10. When all cheese is added, if the mix is too thick, add more beer (a small amount at a time), until proper consistency has been reached.

11. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Pour the fondue in a fondue pot and serve immediately with dippers.

A simple green salad with oil and vinegar dressing is nice to serve on the side. The acidity in the dressing provides a nice contrast to the cheese sauce. A glass of Full Moon Pale Ale also compliments the fondue nicely.

Shari Johnston has lived in Grande Prairie for over ten years

and is an avid home cook, local food advocate and food and

drink junkie. Since 2011, she has written about her adventures,

both in the kitchen and out, at her blog, Tales From a Small

Kitchen. She loves everything about food: Cooking it, reading

about it, tasting it and talking about it.

If you want to keep up with all of Sharis adventures visit her

blog, Tales from a Small Kitchen (www.talesfromasmallkitchen.

com)orfindheronFacebook(www.facebook.com/

talesfromasmallkitchen).

3GENERALWWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

CHEESE FONDUE ALBERTA STYLE

We Buy and Sell Organic Grain Bulk Rail Car or Truck Shipments Delivered or FOB Farm Contracting Cleaning Available Organic Certification

Phone: 888-531-4888

www.FWCOBS.com

Loreburn, SK. Elevator

Council Blus IA. Elevator

Grove City MN. Elevator


5PRODUCERS & PROCESSORS WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

ORGANIC MARKET PRICES

Organic Non OrganicOrganic

PremiumFood grade soybeans $26.59/bu (USDA) $26.29/bu to e. ONFeed grade soybeans $24.24/bu (USDA) $23.81 bu to e. ONFeed oats $4 - $4.50/bu $2.60 SK 173%Milling oats $6 - $6.25 SK

Feed wheat HRW $13.06/bu (USDA); $11.38 del to e ON $4.49/bu 290%

Milling wheat HRS HRS $20-$22.50 fob farm (higher for high quality, SK, MB)Milling wheat SRW $23/bu USDAFeed wheat HRS $13 - $14 $4.72 - $7 /bu SK 200%Durum wheat $24 - $25 fob farm $8.75 / bu SK 286%Triticale $12.50/bu USDA $7.25/bu 172%Feed grade barley $8.00/bu (USDA) $9.80 del. to e. ON; conv. $3.31/buRye $9/bu SK $6/bu 150%Golden flax $38 - $40/bu SKBrown flax $31 - $36/bu $10 - $13.50 /bu SK 267%Kamut $23 - $25/buMalt barley $11 /bu SKFood grade barley $9/bu SK

Feed grade barley $8.00/bu (USDA) $9.80/bu del to e ON $3.31 / bu 296%

Feed grade corn $10.64/bu USDA $3.65/bu 292%Feed grade peas $17.69/ bu to e ON $7.16/bu SK 247%Brown mustard $0.60 0.75/lb $0/25 0.28/lb SK 268%Yellow mustard $0.50 0.60/lb $0.34/lb SK 176%Hemp $1.50/lb MB

LAURA TELFORD, MANITOBA AGRICULTURE, FOOD

AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

Below are the highest organic grain prices (new crop spot market prices unless otherwise indicated) gathered recently by MAFRD. Sources include farmers and buyers who have shared recent sales prices and the USDA National Organic Grain & Feedstuffs Report. Prices do not include transportation unless otherwise indicated. Conventional prices come from Farm Lead in SK and the Western Producer Markets Moment Special Edition. USDA prices are in US dollars, the rest of the prices are Canadian.

Buyers are repor ting that golden and brown flax are plentiful this fall as many producers included last years wonder crop, golden flax, in their 2014 rotation. This is reflected in the price drop from last year which topped $50/bu. The crop of the moment appears to be spelt which is now extremely hard to find. Wheat prices appear to have stabilized with almost all buyers offering similar prices at around $22/bu. Livestock prices remain high and feed prices are still attractive enough to suppor t a strong organic livestock industry although the cost of production for conventional livestock may be even more attractive.

Proud supporter of organic

agriculture is currently contracting

Kamut and other grains for 2015.

We are also accepting flax sample

for immediate delivery.

WWW.PHSORGANICS.COM | 1.306.869.2926



USING STATISTICS TO GROW YOUR BOTTOM LINE

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Know your market. Know your client. These are two of the keys to success for any business. says Alberta Agriculture New Venture Specialist Christine Anderson. She explained that during the everyday phases of business, life goes on as usual. You till, you seed, you weed, you harvest, and so the season goes. But have you ever stopped to reflect on the things that you need to help your business grow? Sometimes those moments are obvious, like when you are applying for a loan and the bank asks you for specific information, or when you are going to the government for grant money to help you build a new aspect of your business. But generally speaking, knowledge of the market for your products, whether they be vegetables going to a farmers market, or wheat being exported to the US, is useful.

It isnt just market information either. The more information you have the better the decisions you will be able to make and the more likely your business will be successful. Statistics are an important source of that information.

EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS A BUSINESS PLAN, BUT SOME PEOPLE JUST DON`T REALIZE IT.

A business plan is a roadmap for your business. What do you plan to grow/produce, and where are you going to market it? For some, it is easiest just to grow what you grow, make what you make, and then

once you have it, figure out what to do with it. Some people will have a plan for where to market, but might not know that much about their market. They just assume that the market is there, because that is what they have always done, or how others sell.

However, having solid answers to these questions can be the major difference between a business that is just twittering along and one that is strong and succeeding.

SO HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

The answer is looking to the statistics. Not just pretty numbers and charts, the recent report that Organic Alberta commissioned with money from the Agriculture Initiatives Program of ARD, is chock full of useful information. Organic Alberta has also included reports on production and acreage statistics in the Summer and Fall magazines.

SO HOW CAN THEY HELP?

In addition to providing a useful snapshot of the industry, statistics identify trends. Where is the industry seeing increases? Where are the areas of potential growth? Are there areas or markets that arent being served? All of this information can be used by producers to identify market opportunities and make decisions that will help grow their business.

Say you are a grain producer who produces a lot of oats. Our stats tell us that of the 213 producers that grew cereals in 2013, 146 or just under 70% grow oats. Then look at price trends over time. Have they remained stable? Are there opportunities for other crops? Our stats tell us that only 14 producers grew rye, and only 12 grew crops other than oats, wheat, barley and rye. What are prices for other commodities? Does the low number of people growing them mean there is an opportunity, or does it mean they are hard to grow? How many acres are grown for each? For each sector you need to

ask yourself, Is the market saturated? Who else is playing in that market? Is there room for you? Or is there an opportunity elsewhere? Can you be profitable?

Another question you may want to ask yourself is What is unique or different about my product? Clearly define your business value proposition and be able to clearly communicate that to your customers.

The other thing that these statistics are useful for is securing loans at the bank or applying for grants. There are a few key things that banks are looking for. Firstly, you need to be able to show growth, stability and the potential of your market. They are looking for hard numbers. Rosalie Cunningham, stats person from ARD, says The most powerful numbers you can have are sales, total size of the market and your ability to show growth. The numbers you have from the market study are very powerful.

SO WHAT ARE THOSE NUMBERS?

Next time you go to the bank, you can confidently say:

The organic market in Canada is worth $3.5 billion. And the value of the Canadian organic food market has tripled since 2006. 58% of Canadians buy organic food products weekly.

On the production side you can say that organic farms grew in number by 66.5% between 2001 and 2011, while conventional farms declined by 17%.

In Alberta total organic food sales are $415.89 million/year and those sales represent 13% of total national sales while we have only 11% of the total population. Albertas organic market is one of the fastest growing in Canada and the potential for further market development is significant. The mainstream retail sales of organic products grew 30% between 2006 and 2012

BECKY LIPTONEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR : ORGANIC ALBERTA

continues on page 8

and the Alberta natural health sector is experiencing the fastest growth in the country.

We also have sector specific statistics, such as:

The sale of fresh organic produce and meat grew the fastest in Alberta, with a 35% annual increase between 2006 and 2012 and a 29% increase in pre-packaged organic grocery sales.

In 2012 there were $3.34 million in organic egg sales in mainstream retail.

From there, Rosalie Cuningham says you want to show how your business will take advantage of that market and growth. That takes us back to the analysis of your specific business.

Finally, one other thing you want to look for in stats is opportunities that you hadnt thought of before. Where are other opportunities for growth? You dont have to go down any of these roads, but you may learn something new. The market study shows, for example, that institutional and co-op sales are very low. Is there an opportunity there? Are you large enough to supply to institutions? If not, do you have a few other producers that you could work together with to supply institutions? The stats indicate that it could be an untapped market, and could be worth exploring. Another opportunity could be some of the livestock types that have very few producers. Our statistics show that there are very few pork, lamb, turkey and chicken producers. There could also be opportunities there.

ORGANIC MARKET OPPORTUNITIES CLASSIFIED ADS

Growers International is buying Organic Milling Wheat, Feed Grains, Spelt, Flax and Peas for NutraSun Foods and Growers International. 8 Delivery Locations across the Prairies. Call Mark at 306-652-4529 for prices.

Trade and Export Canada is buying all grades of organic grains. Call 1-877-339-1959.

F.W. Cobs is buying feed grains, including HRSW on both spot and new crop contracts. We buy FOB the farm, delivered to Loreburn, Sk or loaded rail. Call 888-531-4888 Ext. 7 or 8.

Looking for a consistent supply of Organic Soybean meal? Schafer Commodities can assist you with all of your organic needs, we are also buying HRS, durum, flax, barley and peas. 403-328-5066.

Looking for certified organic seeds for sprouting alfalfa seed, smaller quantities of peas, lentils, oilseeds, wheat and grains. Interested in specialty seeds. Mail samples to Mumms Sprouting Seeds, Box 80 Parkside, SK. S0J 2A0

Organic producers of hempseed or flax, contracting for 2015 crop. Contact Bioriginal Crop Production Manager, Carl Lynn at Cell: 306-229-9976. Email: [email protected]

Roger Rivest Marketing Ltd/Nature Lane Farms is contracting growers for 2015 organic food grade yellow peas, red lentils, HRSW, durum wheat and chickpeas. Also supply a full line of liquid and granular organic fertilizers. Roger Rivest at 519-687-3522 [email protected], www.rogerrivestmarketing.com.


continues from page 7

Want statistics related to your production or business? Contact Organic Alberta at [email protected] or 1-855-521-2400

OPTIONAL: Become a member/Renew with Organic Alberta

Friend of Organic $42

Student Friend of Organic $26Corporate $263

Corporate Plus $630

Alberta Certified Organic Business (Membership automatic; please donate)

$300

$100 $ other

$50

Surname:

Organization/Business:

First Name:

Address: Province: Postal Code:

Telephone: Email:

Sowing Success: Farming for People, Planet, and ProfitFriday, February 27 & Saturday, February 28Eaglemont Church, 5002 62 St, Beaumont, ABRegistration includes all meals and free childcare during the day; please RSVP for childcare

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10:00-10:30 TradeShowTradeShowTradeShow

Themeatandpotatoes:whatyouneedtoknowaboutgettinginto

organicbeefHearthebusinesscasefororganic

beefandlearnaboutOrganicAlbertasbeefmentorshipprogram

Surprise!Werestillworkingonbringingyou

evenmoregreatsessions!

Getacompetitiveedge:theimportanceofmarketing

Howbrandingandmarketingcanbuildyourbusiness.LearnhowyoucanleveragetheAlbertaOrganic

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11:30-12:30 LunchLunchLunch

Acutabove:whatyouneedtobedoingtokeepupwithconsumer

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Puttingthesuccessinsuccessionplanning

Discussthechallengesofsuccessionplanningandhowyou

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Donttreatyoursoillikedirt:getthemostoutofyourlandLearnorganicbestmanagement

practicesforhealthysoilsandhearsomeofthechallengesfacing

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Spectacularsainfoin:unlockthepotentialofthisgrazing

andhaycropAfavourablealternativetoalfalfa,sainfoinhasalottoo er.LearnmorefromARDssainfoinexpert.

Gettingthedirt:grainbuyerstellall

Ourgrainbuyerspaneldiscussestodayshottesttopicsinorganic

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Goodhelpcanbehard to find: thechallengesofon-farmlabourHearthestoriesandexperiencesof

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Finishwhatyoustarted:yourguide to finishing organicbeefWhatyouneedtoknowaboutfinishing organic beef to the

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Holisticmanagementisheretohelp

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conservationinagriculturallandscapesinAlberta

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Theresearchisout:whatwevelearnedaboutgrainsthisyear

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Golden rice is a product of GE technology offered as a solution to vitamin A deficiency for poor people in Africa and South Asia. On first glance it is a public relations dream for the GE community. In my opinion, there are far more benefits in an organic, ecosystem approach.

Before golden rice, the attributes of genetically engineering products were targeted toward farmers herbicide resistance or inclusion of systemic pesticides. Golden rice is targeted at the charitable public and the food aid community.

Vitamin A deficiency is devastating among people dependent on rice as their only major food source. The deficiency leads to night blindness, delayed development, then total blindness and eventually death. It is a widespread failure of the food system for the poor.

True, making rice more nutritious might prevent some specific deficiencies. But how much more appropriate would it be to reduce these peoples dependence on rice as their only food.

As I see it, the core issue here is not that rice is insufficiently nutritious. The real problem is that rice is the sole food source for vulnerable people.

According to the World Health Organization, for vulnerable rural families, for instance in Africa and South-East

LET THEM EAT WEEDSAsia, growing fruits and vegetables in home gardens complements dietary diversification and fortification and contributes to better lifelong health. Many vegetables and fruits provide vitamin A or its pre-cursors. They also offer many additional nutritional benefits.

Organic methods of growing food are widely recognized as offering the best potential to increase yields on small holdings without poisoning the food and the environment, and without reliance on expensive first world inputs.

Organic farming offers a supplementary approach for larger holdings as well. Elimination of herbicides and pesticides in rice paddies may reduce rice yields somewhat, but would allow farmers to harvest a more diverse range of products.

Diversity has a number of benefits. A diverse diet is considered ideal for maintaining optimal health. This is true for people, and it is true in ecosystems.

A range of harvestable weeds would be the first benefit. Leafy greens are particularly nutritious additions to a carbohydrate-based diet. Many weeds are especially rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Some of the plants we consider weeds have a long cultural history of use as food plants.

A further benefit, if herbicides and pesticides are eliminated, in favour of organic methods, is that paddies might provide aquatic habitat, allowing some harvest of fish and other proteins. They may attract other animals as well, with further harvest options.

Moving from high input monoculture rice to organic, diverse holdings could address the rice issue more fully, and more healthfully than tinkering with rice itself.

Of course poverty is the underlying cause of vitamin A deficiency. It reduces the farmers ability to negotiate a reasonable position in the agricultural system, one that provides the means for a healthful diet. It is hard to see how entering into a patent protected process with powerful first world companies will increase the African or Asian farmers ability to secure viable options.

The more proximal cause of malnutrition is the loss of agricultural and ecosystem biodiversity. This results from the increasing dominance of large-scale monoculture agriculture, and from the widespread use of herbicides that kill everything else, including the nutritious weeds.

Pumping up the vitamin A potential of rice is not going to solve these problems. Malnutrition needs to be addressed as an ecosystem process which considers our first world influence and its intended and unintended consequences, as well as the biological systems in place in and around agricultural areas.

Golden rice seems to me to be an attempt to solve a problem of poverty and agricultural failure, but it does not address the root causes of either of these problems. Eliminating herbicides, eating weeds, and diversifying the agro-ecosystem seems to be a more effective option than more dependence on first world technology.

Who would truly benefit from golden rice? Perhaps its patent holders, but I doubt that this is the best way to bring benefits to those who suffer the most from a skewed agricultural system.

Brenda Frick, Ph.D., P.Ag. is an Organic Research and Extension specialist. She welcomes your comments at 306-260-0663 or via email at [email protected].

BRENDA FRICK


13CONSUMERSWWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

COME TO OUR FARMS: HOW AFFPA CAN HELP CONSUMERS FIND YOUWhen someone is doing a good thing, it just makes sense to jump on board. The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) has been publishing the Come to our Farms guide for years now (34,000 guides distributed/year). Consumers far and wide use it to find local farms where they can buy products. And they now have a mobile app so people can find your farm on their phone.

One of the main reasons consumers dont buy more organic is because they dont know how to find it. In order to address this issue, and as part of their Alberta Organic Food Marketing Campaign, Organic Alberta is now partnering with AFFPA. We want to increase use of the app, and other benefits, by our members, so consumers can find you and your products. If you are an organic producer who sells farm direct, has a u-pick or wants local consumers to know about you, Organic Alberta is able to offer you a discount for AFFPA membership: $115 rather than $145 if you sign up with AFFPA through Organic Alberta.

Becoming a member also gets you listed on AFFPAs website, reduced rates on AFFPAs courses and workshops, networking opportunities, subscription to Direct Currents, free classified ads, promotion through their social media, access to agri-tourism insurance group rates and more!

Simply FishS O I L A M E N D M E N T

[email protected] Phone: 604-487-9200

simplyfish.ca

APPROVED FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION

In business since 1982 and located just outside Fairview, AB, we've been building our reputation as your local forage seed cleaner and marketer for more than 30 years.

In 2005, we became an organic forage seed processing and marketing facility and have been growing that side of our business. We clean, bag, and test organic forage seeds including alfalfa, clovers, timothy, and bromegrasses.

We also find markets throughout North America for the products we clean. We are always striving to build new relationships while maintaining the high standards our current customers have come to expect.

For more information on products, pricing, or any other questions, give us a call or email.

GOLDEN ACRE SEEDS

BOX 1090

FAIRVIEW, AB T0H 1L0

FAX 780-835-4595

PHONE 780-835-4508 TOLL FREE 1-800-481-7333 [email protected]

Box 4043, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2ZOPh: (204) 894-4495www.dirtngrow.com

Organic Certified FertilizersGranular and Liquid Fertilizer options availableOne time application with your seeder in the spring

Servicing Alberta, Sask. and Manitoba for over 10 years

Higher Yeilds In Your Fields!Wheat, Barley, Oats, Flax, Vegetable Crops and more...


15CONSUMERSWWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

CLASSIFIED ADSStony Plains Organic Master Gardener program is Albertas only organic master gardener program and is geared to adult learners. Class begins Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Go to multicentre.org or [email protected]

Wanted: finished certified organic grain and grass fed beef. Contact Peter Lundgard at Natures Way Farm 780-338-2934

An opportunity is available for a Managing Partner with share ownership. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in fresh organic, super-foods, non-GMO and preservative and chemical additive-free products. Certified holistic nutritionist or specialist passionate in the organic lifestyle is invited to inquire. Investment is required. Contact: [email protected] www.absales.ca

Contact Carl Lynn Crop Production Manager

(306) 975-9295

Bioriginal supports organic producers of hempseed and flax as a buyer and

certified organic processor

Headquarters: 102 Melville StreetSaskatoon SK S7J 0R1

for more information Contact: Shari Johnston | [email protected] | 780.882.1764

TASTE OF THE PEACEFebruary 17, 2015

Community Futures and Farm Credit Canada present

Sample local food, purchase products and meet

with over 20 local growers, producers and industry

representatives from the Peace Country!

6:00 - 9:00 PMPOMEROY HOTEL |GRANDE PRAIRIE

1-800-729-9155 [email protected]

-BEEF-DAIRY-POULTRY-EQUINE-CERTIFIED-ORGANIC-SPECIALTY-

#1, 10329-61 AVE NWEDMONTON, AB

T6H 1K9

Organic Grain Marketing

Jake, Kelly, Tom or Glen@ [email protected]

Contact:

Sunrise Foods International Inc. - Saskatoon, SKLicensed and Bonded by the Canadian Grain Commission

Feed GrainsFood GradeOilseedsPulsesScreenings

FIRST NAME LAST NAMECOMPANY NAME

ADDRESSCITY, PROVINCEPOSTAL CODE

oa winter 2015 magazine

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