vol. 7, no. 1 spring 2004 · vol. 7, no. 1 spring 2004 president’s report bc consultation session...

Vol. 7, No. 1 Spring 2004

President’s Report

BC Consultation Session

New Fees for 2005

Microbes at Work:Stimulating natural suppres-sion of plant diseases

Animal Welfare Certification

AGM Report

Founder’s Award

Maude Island Farm

New Hops Growing Manual

COABC, #8A, 100 Kalamalka Lake Rd. Vernon BC V1T 9G1

A Promising Molluscide

Egg Struggle Continues

Audit Trails

Aquaculture

The Threat of PrivatizedSeeds

Plant Improvement forOrganic Seed Growers

A Great Opportunity

Soil Health Assessment inOrganic Farming Systems

about our work and our plans for the future. It is also theplace where we can reinforce our shared vision for a saneand sustainable agriculture economy. If you missed it thisyear, I hope you'll plan to join us in Victoria in February,2004.

Happy Spring! Patrick Mallet

BC Organic Grower, Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2004 Page 3

In the days leading up to the recent COABCAGM and Conference, I was in Germany,attending the Biofach, the world's foremostorganic trade fair. The Biofach is an inspiration– it is a vision of what the future of organic pro-duction can look like. Exhibition hall upon hallof organic food, wine, clothes, and cosmetics. Itis not really even the quantity or choice oforganic products that is so inspiring, but therecognition that organic production is a force tobe reckoned with; that it is already part of themainstream culture in Europe and continues togrow in leaps and bounds.

Our own conference, BC's Organic Future 2004,reflected that same optimism about how farwe've come and the potential for organic agri-culture to be even more of a mainstream mar-ket force in British Columbia in the future. Myimpression of the weekend was of a movementcoming together. Every year, turnout for theAGM increases – this year we easily maxed outour registration limit of 170 with more peopleclamouring to participate. And what a greatweekend it turned out to be...

There is something inspiring about farmers,processors and distributors getting together totalk shop. The framework for the seminars wasa well-planned and diverse line-up of practicalworkshops that allowed for in-depth discus-sions about topics as diverse as Compost Tea,Post-Harvest Handling and Tree Fruit PestManagement. The unifying theme was improvedproduction practices and it was a hit with con-ference participants. The weekend's events werepunctuated with a few truly memorable speak-ers – Arnold Taylor from the SaskatchewanOrganic Directorate (SOD) reminded people onSaturday evening that we have to keep our eyeson the big issues and stay united to protect theintegrity of organic agriculture. The evening'srousing Auction (a highlight any year!) raisedover $2,700 in support of SOD's legal campaignto prevent the introduction of new GM prod-ucts. Mario Lanthier's Sunday morning plenarysession on Soil Health and FertilityManagement had people gasping with delightover micro-organisms – no, seriously. (seepages 6-10 for article.)

And while there was a wealth of knowledge tobe shared, there was also a fair amount ofbusiness to be conducted at the AGM. Themeeting ran for most of the day on Saturdayand was structured to provide opportunities forparticipants to discuss some of the main pro-posed changes in the way that COABC oper-ates. And most of the discussions turned out tobe fruitful and lively.

In the end, we took some fundamental stepsforward, ensuring that we are better organizedto tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Many ofthe issues emerged out of the Board's signifi-cant work over the last six months to establishoptions for restructuring. We recognized thedistinction between COABC's 'core' activities,such as accreditation, standard-setting andlogo management, and 'key' activities that sup-port the growth of organic agriculture in BC,including education, research, promotion andadvocacy. To that end, members passed a reso-lution supporting the need for our licensee feesto cover the costs of delivering the core func-tions of the organization (see page 5). COABCwill seek to raise funds from other sources andactivities that will also allow us to deliver someof the key activities that you have prioritized.

AGM participants also discussed and supportedthe notion that members of the public shouldbe actively encouraged to support COABCthrough donations. We are a strong constituen-cy of organic practitioners around the Province.We each have a network of customers and con-tacts who actively support local organic agricul-ture by buying our products. We would like toharness this goodwill to build a stronger com-munity of supporters who can get involved withCOABC in a number of ways, from simpledonations to active volunteerism. Lee Fuge, ournew Consumer / Environment representativeon the Board of Directors is spearheading thedrive to encourage public support. If you wouldlike information and promotional materials toshare with your customers and colleagues, Iencourage you to contact the COABC office.

The AGM and Conference is our one opportuni-ty each year to get together and share stories

Page 1 BC Organic Grower, Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2004

BC Organic Groweris received by all members of organi-zations belonging to the CertifiedOrganic Association of BritishColumbia. BC Organic Grower ispublished quarterly by COABC.

We welcome letters to the Editor(300 words maximum) and articles(1000 words maximum). We reservethe right to edit for length.

Letters & submissions to:Cathleen Kneen, EditorS6 C27 RR#1Sorrento BC V0E 2W0phone/fax: [email protected]

Advertising (rates & copy) & non-member subscriptions ($20/yearplus $1.40 GST) to:COABC#8-A 100 Kalamalka Lake Rd.Vernon BC V1T 9G1phone: 250-260-4429fax: [email protected]

For general information or to contactyour local Certifying Body, call theoffice – or check our website:www.CertifiedOrganic.bc.ca

Cover Photo: Testing for microbes.Standard laboratory testing indicates this fin-ished compost contained the root pathogenFusarium (white colonies), but also the bene-ficial fungus Trichoderma (green colonies),which aggressively attacks and destroysFusarium and Pythium. Photo Mario Lanthier

Layout & Design: Rebecca [email protected]

Disclaimer:Products advertised in the BCOG arenot necessarily approved for use byorganic farmers/processors. Please con-sult the Materials List.

Next Issue Deadline:June 1, 2004

Canadian PublicationsMail Agreement#40047167

President’s Report by Patrick Mallet

Standards Changes The motion to ratify the Greenhouse Draft Standard, whichhas been in place and posted for 12 months was passed,with the one amendment stated below.

17). With regards to the container growing medium, the draft says "a

biologically active soil must be evident in the containers by the end

of each growing cycle".

To be replaced with

17). "a biologically active growing medium must be evident in the con-

tainers by the end of each growing cycle".

Section 3.3.2 (3) Transplants, (4) Mushroom, (5) Sprout,11) ProcessingRemove the 2 inspection requirement leaving to the discretion of the

certification body, or remove the 90 day requirement in processing.

Replace with wording "Enterprise has received appropriate inspections

and meets the requirements specified by the BC Certified Organic

Program.

Further draft changes to the standards will be printed in theJune/July edition of BCOG and these changes, as well asfuture changes will also be posted on the COABC website.

COABC Board of Directors 2004:L of sign: Harvie Snow (FVOPA), Lee Fuge (Consumer/Environment),

Hermann Bruns (NOOA), Patrick Mallet (President, KOGS); R of sign, backrow: Lee McFadyen (LEOGA), Gottfried Sellmer (PACS), Arlene Solomon

(STOPA), Deb Foote (PACS); second row: Hans Buchler (SOOPA), StephenGallagher (BCARA), Sonia Stairs (BOPA), Tim Ewert (PACS), Walter

Harvey (Bio-Dynamic); front row: Peter Johnston (IOPA) Missing: TonyCetinski (PACS)

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Ken Bruce really put his foot in it. Representingthe Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and try-ing to explain what the CFIA does, he made themistake of using the word 'testing', in conjunc-tion with a description of the proposedCanadian Organic Regime. To the large (150)group of keen organic farmers, traders and pro-cessors, the mention of testing was like wavinga red flag in front of a US politician. The reac-tion was immediate, negative, and suspicious.Poor Ken took the brunt of it.

Such concerns made the Organic RegulatoryConsultation Session at BC'sOrganic Future 2004Conference a very lively dis-cussion indeed. It was never-theless informative, and, Ithink, ultimately helpful.

The CFIA people were atNaramata to explain the pro-cess for the development ofan Organic Regulation and tohear the concerns and opin-ions of the organic sector.The CFIA is, of course, atesting and enforcement-ori-ented agency and tends tosee its job with that vision.Part of the CFIA's mandate is to test productsfor pesticide residues and other contaminants -non-organic as well as organic. They do this allover the country, and I am glad of it. For justone example of the positive outcomes of ran-dom testing, they have found sugar in Chinesehoney. One organic farmer spoke up to say thather produce had been tested by the CFIA – notas part of any organic program, but as one testsample among many hundreds of other pro-duce samples (non-organic and organic) theCFIA analyses over the year.

The current draft Canada Standard has threereferences to testing. None of them differ fromthe COABC standard in that testing is at thediscretion of the Certification Body and (exceptfor soil tests) is not prescribed. It will be up tothe organic sector (represented by the OrganicRegulatory Committee) to ensure that the

Regulation reflects our wishes and values, anddoes not become burdened with excess govern-ment rules.

The attitude of us-versus-them with the CFIA isunfortunate, though maybe it's inevitable.However, we must remember that it was theCanadian organic community that asked for anorganic regulation. The government was satis-fied with a voluntary program – for them it wascheaper and easier. We had to convince thegovernment (the federal minister has yet to beconvinced) that the organic sector is united and

determined to have amandatory program fororganic in Canada.

The other (major) issuearising from the BCConsultation Sessionwas the affordability ofthe proposed organicregime. Obviously no-one wants to pay morefor their certification.There were no answersto this problem,though the ORC hasbeen working on it,and there have been

suggestions from other consultation sessions.Ideas include:

• Allowing the use of group certificationbased on regional relationship (location)

• Requiring accreditation of CertificationBodies (for certification of operators) only forproducts crossing provincial boundaries

• Reduced certification requirements(inspections once every 3 years, for example)for certain categories of organic operators

• No certification required (some sort of reg-istration instead) for operators selling directto consumers

The AAFC has developed a webpage to assistthe consultation process. Please go to<http://www.agr.gc.ca/publicon/> Agricultureand Agri-Food Canada – link to Consultationsto find out more and complete a questionnaire.


BC Consultation Session by Paddy Doherty

CFIA Representatives at the BC section of theConsultation on the Canadian Organic Initiative,

Naramata, February 2004

In-Season Farms Ltd.At In-Season Farms, organic integrity and quality are the factors driving our

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After considerable discussion, a fee schedulewas approved for 2005 which reflects the com-mitment to cover the costs of core activitiesfrom fees. It was recognized that this commitsthe COABC to undertake fundraising in orderto deliver key activities such as advocacy, pro-motion, and farmer education. The new sched-ule is:

Category Gross Organic Sales 2005 Fee1 < 10K $94.60

2 10K - 20K $122.10

3 20K - 30K $149.60

4 30K - 40K $177.10

5 40K - 50K $204.60

6 50K - 60K $232.10

7 60K - 70K $259.60

8 70K - 80K $287.10

9 80K - 90K $314.60

10 90K - 100K $342.10

Category Gross Organic Sales 2005 Fee

11 100K - 125K $369.60

12 125K - 150K $397.10

13 150K - 175K $424.60

14 175K - 200K $452.10

15 200K - 300K $507.10

16 300K - 400K $562.10

17 400K - 500K $617.10

18 500K - 750K $720.50

19 750K - 1 Million $759.00

20 1 Mil - 2.5 Million $836.00

21 2.5 Mil - 5 Million $869.00

22 5 Mil - 7.5 Million $924.00

23 > 7.5 Million $979.00

* License fee is a percentage of gross income and is calculatedon the lower end of the gross income category.

Please see pages 12-13 for more on the AGM.

New Fees for 2005

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BC Organic Grower, Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2004 Page 7Page 6 BC Organic Grower, Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2004

In 1996, researchers at Ohio State Universitypublished a landmark study.

When cucumber seeds were grown in a com-posted bark medium, then injected with thedisease anthracnose, the plants showedfewer symptoms of infection than similarplants grown in aged peat moss. Also, thecucumber plants growing in composted barkhad a much higher level of peroxidase activ-ity, a natural marker of systemic acquiredresistance in plants.

This work by Dr. Harry Hoitink and his groupwas the first scientific report of a direct linkbetween growth in compost and stimulationof systemic acquired resistance. Since, muchprogress has been made to understand themechanisms at play. Growers now haveaccess to a number of different proceduresand products to take advantage of the naturalphenomena.

This presentation reviews some of the currenttechnological knowledge.

On-Farm Composting

Composting is the biological decomposition oforganic waste under controlled conditions.

Usually, three phases occur during composting:

• An initial hot phase of 1 or 2 days, duringwhich the smaller material is rapidly degraded.

• A period of many weeks when temperaturesreach 45 to 65°C and most microbes are killed.

• A final curing phase when temperaturedeclines and the material is re-colonized bymicrobes.

The curing phase is important for natural dis-ease suppression. After peak heating, differentmicro-organisms colonize the piles, includingmany parasites of root rot pathogens. Examplesinclude species of Bacillus, Flavobacterium,Streptomyces and Trichoderma.

Two specific factors will help growers who wishto take advantage of this natural process.

Systemic acquired resistance:many beneficial soil microbespromote the manufacturing ofplant proteins that are involvedin disease tolerance. In a way,the microbes stimulate a healthyplant. Researchers have demon-strated such an activity by mycc-orrhizal fungi.

Mycoparasitism: some beneficialsoil microbes are known toactively attack plant pathogens,destroying their structures andfeeding on their cell content,thus preventing root infection.This process works well for sup-pression of Rhizoctonia and

Fusarium in greenhouse production.

Antibiosis: some microbes produce competitiveproducts that kill or inhibit plant pathogens.For example, woody material that is partiallycomposted and low on food will forceTrichoderma fungi to start releasing substancesthat are toxic to other soil microbes.

Adapted from Hoitink H.A., A.G. Stone, D.Y. Han. 1997.Suppression of Plant Diseases by Composts. HortScience,32(2): 184-187

Peat Moss ProductsSphagnum peat moss, a material commonlyused in greenhouse production and field plant-ings, is a primitive plant growing in a bog. Theproduct appearance is an indication of micro-bial quality.

Light fibrous peat: this material is harvestedfrom the top 1.2 meter of the bog and usually

Maintain moisture on the outside of thepile. A film of moisture must be present on thesurface for microbes, especially bacteria, tosuccessfully colonize the piles during curing.

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Compost that is stored dry (under35% moisture) tends to be moreconducive to Pythium diseases.

Produce the compost near a for-est. Composts produced near a for-est benefit from colonization bymany beneficial microbes found innatural areas. These composts rou-tinely test positive for presence ofTrichoderma, a fungus associatedwith suppression of different rootrot pathogens.

Mechanisms of DiseaseSuppression

Direct competition: beneficial soilmicrobes will out-compete root pathogens forfood, especially Pythium and Phytophthora.Typically, when plant roots are growing, theyrelease a number of amino acids and othermolecules into the soil, which attract plantpathogens. Beneficial microbes remove thenutrients from the root zone, eliminating the“signal” sought by pathogens.

continued on page 8...

Microbes at Work: Stimulating Natural

Suppresssion of Plant Diseases by Mario Lanthier

Armstrong, BCNature’s Nutrients

Presence of root rot pathogens in commercial peatmoss products

Peat moss product Phytophthora Pythium FusariumBrand #1 0 Very low Very lowBrand #2 0 Very low 0 Brand #3 0 Low 0 Brand #4 Low Very high Very low

Rating based on number of propagules per gram of soil. Testing atRibeiro Plant Lab, Washington State. http://www.ribeiroplantlab.com

ship. They are very common in nature, but lesscommon in disturbed agricultural soils or inpotting mixes. Plants colonized by mycorrhizaaehave a higher tolerance of environmentalstresses caused by drought, cold, replant, lowfertility, or presence of root rot pathogens.

Over the past 3 years, our company has testedcommercial mycorrhizal products in differentnursery and greenhouse settings. We have doc-umented a number of benefits for the treatedplants, including more rapid root developmentand higher survival after replanting.

Compost TeaCompost tea is the water extraction of micro-organisms found in the parent compost materi-al, and processed to increase the total microbialpopulation. The tea is applied to the soil tostimulate microbial activity, or on the plant tostimulate plant defences against disease infec-tion.

Recently, researchers have compared the merits

of “fermented compost extract” (without aera-tion) and “aerated compost tea” (with active airsupply). Research projects are underway andearly results indicate enormous potential toinduce disease resistance in plants.

A number of practices are currently recognizedas critical to produce high quality compost tea.

• Use a commercial machine. Differentcommercial brewers are now available.Manufacturers testify their equipment wastested and will deliver a consistent quality offinished product.

• Use high-quality start-up material. Acompost material of high quality will resultin a compost tea with a rich diversity ofmicrobes, offering the potential of many ben-efits after use.

• Maintain a high oxygen level.Commercial brewers typically have a pump


comes with higher beneficial microbial activi-ty, competing for nutrients with the pathogenPythium.

Dark fine peat: this material is harvestedfrom deeper layers in the bog, is typically lowin microbial activity, and often conducive toroot disease caused by Phytophthora andPythium.

As a routine procedure, our company is test-ing peat moss and compost materials forpresence of root rot pathogens. Pythium andFusarium are commonly found in very lowlevel in most samples. However, in someproducts, the root rot pathogens are found invery high levels.

In the picture at right & table pg 7, the prod-ucts #1, #2 and #3 are excellent quality forplant production. Product #4 is very poor quali-ty and could trigger a serious disease outbreakif kept wet for too long.

New Microbial ProductsOver the past two years, new commercial prod-ucts made from naturally occurring soilmicrobes were registered in Canada. They showexcellent results against specific soil-borne dis-eases.

Mycostop (Streptomyces griseoviridis strain K61)

This product was registered in 2003 for thecontrol of damping off and stem rot caused byFusarium in greenhouse ornamentals and veg-

etables. The product is approved by OMRI(Organic Materials Review Institute), and thuscan be used by organic farmers.

The active ingredient, Streptomyces, is an acti-nomycete bacteria widely distributed in mostsoil types. It is known to colonize the root areaof plants, where it feeds on exudates and out-competes the pathogens. Research trials alsoindicate it can improve plant growth and yield.

Rootshield (Trichoderma harziannum strain KRL-AG2)

This product was registered in 2002 for thesuppression of soil-borne diseases in green-house crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers andornamentals. The active ingredient,Trichoderma, is a fungus commonly found inmany soils, especially in the forest humuslayer.

After growing towards the fungal pathogen,Trichoderma secretes enzymes that degrade cellwalls, allowing it to invade its prey and feed onthe cell content. For diseases caused byRhizoctonia, Pythium, and Fusarium,researchers indicate a suppression effect ratherthan complete control. For best results, theproduct must be applied early in the crop pro-duction. Rootshield is approved by OMRI.

Mycorrhizal products

Mycorrhizae are specialized fungi that live onplant roots in a mutually beneficial relation-


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Orchardgrass

Creeping Red Fescue

Timothy

Tall Fescue

Red Clover

White Clover

Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass

Tetraploid Italian Ryegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass

Peas

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Richardson Seed is a division of TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Phone 1-800-661-4559For your closest distributor

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Commercial peat moss samples: light fibrous peat moss is thebest for plant production, while sample 4 could trigger a serious

disease outbreak.

... continued from page 7

Mycostop trials on Goatsbeard – plants on right havebeen treated with Mycostop.



system to maintain the oxygen level above6ppm, seen as necessary to stimulate ben-eficial microbes, especially fungus.

• Avoid animal manures. Fermentation ofhuman pathogens such as E. coli is a seri-ous concern in food production. Avoidstimulants such as animal manures, lowoxygen level or sugar additives.

Compost Tea “recipes”

During compost tea brewing, food can beadded to stimulate the growth of specificmicrobes. The type of food depends on thedesired finished product and compliance withlocal standards.

The following start-up recipes are designed for50 gallons of water mixed with 9 kg of compost.

Bacterial tea (for vegetable crops and grasses)

Add 500 ml of blackstrap molasses and 250grams of soluble kelp.

Fungal tea (for shrubs, vines and trees)

Add 600 ml of humic acids and 250 grams ofsoluble kelp.

Adapted from Ingham E.R. 2002. The Compost TeaBrewing Manual. Soil Foodweb Incorporated, Corvallis,Oregon. Available at http://www.soilfoodweb.com/.

For more information:• W. Zhang, W. Dick, H.A. Hoitink. 1996. Compost-InducedSystemic Acquired Resistance in Cucumber to PythiumRoot Rot and Anthracnose. Phytopathology 86: 1066-1070

• The Canadian label of Mycostop can be found bysearching at http://www.eddenet.pmra-arla.gc.ca/4.0/4.0.asp.

• Maronek D.M., J.W. Hendrix and J. Kiernan. 1981.Mycorrhizal Fungi and Their Importance in HorticulturalCrop Production. Horticultural Reviews, Volume 3.

• http://mycorrhiza.ag.utk.edu/mycor.htm. An internetwebsite devoted to mycorrhizae, with links to other sites.

• Scheurell S., W. Mahafee. 2002. Compost Tea: Principlesand Prospects For Plant Disease Control. Compost Science& Ulilization 10(4): 313-338.

• More information on compost tea: the Compost TeaIndustry Association, in Oregon, http://www.compost-tea.org/, and the International Compost Tea Council,based in Washington State,http://www.intlctc.org/events.htm.


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beef, lambgrain, strawalfalfa

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In June 2003, COABC and the BC SPCA signeda memorandum of understanding (MOU)enabling interested BC Certified Organic enter-prises to apply for certification under the SPCACertified program and undergo a joint inspec-tion. The MOU was designed so that participat-ing Certified Organic farmers did not need toundergo two annual inspections, or pay twoinspection fees. The BC SPCA is currentlyworking with several Certification Bodies tofine-tune the joint inspection process.

The BC SPCA believes that animals need theopportunity to express behaviours that promotetheir physical and psychological well-being.Over the past several decades, mechanizationhas changed production standards for farmanimals resulting in cheap food, but often com-promised farm animal conditions. The BC SPCAis striving to change that with its food labellingprogram SPCA Certified, launched in 2002 withthree farmers (two were certified organic). The

Animal Welfare Certification by Alyssa Bell Stoneman

organic industry has always taken the needs ofanimals very seriously; as such, the BC organicstandards for livestock meet or exceed BCSPCA standards. The BC SPCA supports theorganic standards and continues to engage incollaborative efforts with BC organic associa-tions.

Enterprises interested in being certified by theBC SPCA can contact their local CB or the BCSPCA Farm Animal Program for SPCA Certifiedregistration forms, program standards andmanuals. Certification is valid for one year, andrequires registration, verification, and the pay-ment of an administration fee ($60 - $40 ofwhich is returned to the CB to cover its costs).

COABC CBs and members interested in learn-ing more can contact the BC SPCA FarmAnimal Program (email: [email protected];telephone: 604-681-7271).

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MendelRubinson

(STOPA) trieshis hand at adifferent kind

of plowingwhile on a

farm visit inCuba. Photocourtesy RonPither (IOPA)

Across the Creek OrganicsPemberton (see ad pg 22)

Anita's Organic Grain & Flour Mill Chilliwack

Aran Spelt BakeryVancouver

Avalon DairyVancouver (see ad back cover)

Basil Olive OilPitt Meadows (see ad pg. 30)

Beland Organic FoodsVancouver

Big Root Organic FarmCawston

Biovia Organic Link Inc.Vancouver

Bob's BrewerWashington State

Echo Oils Inc.Christina Lake

Dragon Mountain FarmQuesnel

Forstbauer Natural Food FarmChilliwack

First Nature FarmGoodfare AB

Four Creeks RanchSilver Valley AB

Fresh is Best SalsaKamloops

Glorious GarnishAldergrove

Heron Bay FarmLasqueti Island

Kildara FarmsSidney

Little Creek GardensKelowna

Mariposa Organic FarmCawston

McLennan Creek Dairy LtdAbbotsford

Mennell OrchardCawston

Moonstruck Organic CheeseSalt Spring Island

Mountain Meadow Sheep DairyChase

Olera FarmsAbbotsford

Olympic DairyDelta

Organa FarmsYarrow

Saltspring Island CoffeeSalt Spring Island


Sponsors

Organic Sector DevelopmentProgram

Pro Organicswww.proorganics.comwholesaler of organic foods,local and international

Wild West Organic Harvestwww.wildwestorganicharvest.comcertified organic grocerywholesaler

Jerseyland Organicswww.jerseylandorganics.comorganic dairy products & beef(see ad pg. 20)

Capersorganic & health food retailerwww.capersmarkets.com

Nature’s Pathorganic and non, cereals andbreakfast foods (see ad pg. 7)

Discovery Organicsorganic grocery and producewholesaler

Happy Planetwww.happyplanet.comjuice and smoothies

Eatmore Sprouts & Greenssprouts in all shapes andshades of green

Crannóg Aleswww.crannogales.comcertified organic farm brewery

Summerhill Pyramid Winerycertified organic wines

Pacific Western Breweryorganic & non-organic beer

Hainle Vineyardwine from organic grapes


AGM Report

Accreditation Audit

Anne Macey, chair of the Accreditation Committee noted that there is nocost at present to CBs for accreditation, but they do have annualaccreditation requirements to fulfill. Both PACS and FVOPA underwentISO follow-up audits. The Committee must prepare for any additionalrequirements for USDA-NOP recognized CBs. The Level II RegionalAudits this year were LEOGA, NOOA, and SOOPA. The auditor was fromNebraska, and was very pleased with the COABC program. The auditswent well, with only minor points to be addressed, including the needfor confidentiality agreements within CBs and committees and tighterprocedures to deal with conflict of interest among committee members.The Audit committee must prepare for any additional audit require-ments for USDA-NOP recognized CBs.

Standards Review

Lee McFadyen, chair of the Standards Review Committee, reported thatthe committee was very busy, preparing a draft standard for Pacificsalmon and shellfish (a 4th draft is being prepared, more work is need-ed) and finalizing Greenhouse standards. Standards being proposed inthe future include land care (golf course, parks, schools provincial actwould need to be changed), body care, and rabbits. The SRC would liketo see active representation from all CBs, as not all were represented in

2003. The SRC dealswith questions, con-cerns or proposedchanges from allmembers.

Personnel

Cathleen Kneenreported that theCommittee has devel-oped a personnel pol-icy. Kirsten Kane(Administrator) andVivian McGee (hiredfor two days per weekas Assistant toKirsten) are now"employees" ratherthan contractors. RobKorbynn was con-tracted to look afterthe COABC websiteon a limited timebasis.

Finances and BudgetSharyn Pollit presented the2003 financial report andproposed 2004 Budget(available on request). Thebudget was amended toinclude provision for oneday of paid work permonth to support each ofthe AccreditationCommittee and theStandards ReviewCommittee. Fees for 2004are unchanged from 2003.

After considerable discussion, a fee sched-ule was approved for 2005 (see page 3)

Restructuring

Patrick Mallett reviewed the proposalsdeveloped by the Board. It was agreed thatthe organization will move to a system ofproportional representation. This meansthat each member CB has one vote andmember CBs with more than 50 licenseeswill have an additional vote for every addi-tional 50. In other words, a CB with 50 ormore licensees has one vote; with 100 ormore, 2 votes; with 150 or more, 3 votes;and so on. The Board will ensure that ourConstitution and Bylaws are amended toreflect this decision.

It was also agreed to undertake a campaignto recruit supporters for the COABC whomay or may not be organic farmers.Supporters will receive the BC OrganicGrower and have the opportunity to becomeinvolved in education and promotion oforganic principles and practices. This willnot only broaden the base of COABC as anorganization but help us move towards ourvision of an organic movement in BC.

Donors

BC’s Organic Future 2004: AGM & Conference

Oscar Somasco, leader of the con-ference workshop on cover crops

and green manure, discusses com-post tea with Robert Norson ofBob’s Brewer from WashingtonState – one of the three differentmakes of compost tea brewers

demonstrated at the conference.

Jerry Kitt plays a pig in TimEwert’s demonstration of low-

stress animal (?) handling, as TedBuchan approves. Part of the

Livestock Management workshop.A Livestock Caucus of COABC has

been formed, and is addressingthe impending provincial changesto the slaughterhouse regulations.

Greg Awai, Brewster Kneen, auctioneer, and PaddyDoherty spot more kids spending their parent’s money at

the lively and very successful auction. Over 70 itemswere donated to the auction, among them: apples & gar-lic braids, organic soap, chocolates, books, pottery and

other crafts, an organic wool blanket, and gift baskets oforganic fruit and packaging materials, as well as a com-post tea brewer and gourmet cooking classes. The hit of

the evening was a rendition of “The Field Behind thePlow” by the PROPA Singers, which alone raised $340

for SOD.

BC’s Organic Future 2004: AGM & Conference

Snow FarmSurrey

Nathan Creek Organic FarmAbbotsford

Sudoa FarmSorrento

Thrifty FoodsSaanichton

Thomas Reid FarmsLangley

Urban HarvestKelowna

Wildwood FarmPouce Coupe

Wildfire BakeryVictoria

Wildflight FarmMara

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I was deeply honoured at the AGM to be therecipient of The Founder's Award. It's quitesomething, as an enthusiastic volunteer withCOABC, to be considered in the same categoryas the previous recipients of this award.

Founders who have been honoured by receivingthis award are:

Fred Reid (1998) was one of the key actors increating COABC, when it became clear that the'Organic Alliance' was not going to move towardthe vision of a province-wide body that couldwork together to develop and ensure theintegrity of an organic standard.

Fred is a trained pedologist (soil scientist) andworked for a number of years as a professional,both in Canada and overseas, before returningto BC when his father retired to take over thefamily farm. Environmental and health con-cerns spurred him to move to organic methods,certifying originally with Wild West. Later hehelped found the BC Association forRegenerative Agriculture and then COABC.Having been forced to give up his egg business,he is currently growing raspberries and vegeta-bles. (see also page 21)

Hans Buchler (1999) was a founder of the firstcertifying body in BC, the South OkanaganOrganic Association (SOOPA). Hans left a mar-ket garden in Switzerland to move to Canada in1981, growing wine grapes organically on about20 acres. He was the SOOPA rep in the discus-sions which led to the formation of COABCfrom the Organic Alliance. One issue was thatthe Alliance insisted adamantly on "whole farm"policy, while the new COABC represented, andstill does, certification by production unit.Depending which side of that debate you areon, Hans says, he can take some of the blameor credit for the formation of the COABC. "Thecompromise was achieved over a few pints ofbeer in Cloverdale. Bill Smith later said hewould have encouraged me to drink beer forlunch early on, had he known how pliable I canbecome," he adds.

The new organization had a vision of more than

Horticulture, he returned to fulfill his lifedream of farming in 1972, and went organic in1990. With Linda Edwards he now growsapples, pears, and cherries for discriminatingcustomers in Canada and overseas. MennellFarms is a significant employer in their com-munity, and a number of their former employ-ees are now farming on their own.

Brian was a founding member of the OrganicProducers Association of Cawston andKeremeos (OPACK) and was also involved in thefounding of COABC, serving on the Board and,for many years, chairing the Audit Committee(he still serves on that committee). Brian spentuncounted hours working with the CanadianOrganic Advisory Board to lay the foundationfor a national Organic Standard.

The word "indefatigable" was invented todescribe Mary Forstbauer (2002). Mother of 12children ("with only one husband", she jokes),she has also been the driving force behind along list of organizations, including theFarmers' Markets Association, BCARA, and theBio-Dynamic Agriculture Society of B.C., toname just a few. Despite the ongoing commit-ment of the Forstbauer Family Farm to othermarkets and customers, Mary has found thetime and energy to be the backbone of severalsmall local markets in the Fraser Valley, sellingthe quality organic vegetables for which thefarm is known.

Another founding member of COABC, 2002marked the first year Mary was not on theBoard of Directors. She was involved in theCanadian Organic Unity Project (COUP), whichlater turned into COAB. She has been an activemember of the Standards Review Committeeand the AGM Committee, but Mary's heart iswith marketing and promotion. She is the mostdedicated promoter of the Checkmark in theCOABC.

Paddy Doherty (2002) has been an organicfarmer since 1976, supporting his farminghabit for many years by working for BC Rail.He is a partner in Dragon Mountain Farm, a500-acre sheep ranch in the Cariboo. Paddywas a founder of the Cariboo OrganicProducers Association, and involved in COABCsince its inception. During his three-year

half the farms in BC becoming organic."Wewanted the world," he says; now, a bit morepragmatic, Hans notes that such growth wouldrequire the kind of logistic and financial sup-port from government that other countries pro-vide to the organic sector, where for example inSwitzerland farmers receive on average a directpayment of $35,000 for organic and/or sustain-able practices. Hans has served as COABCPresident and is currently the SOOPA represen-tative on the Board.

Harvie Snow (2000), with his wife Susan, runsone of the larger vegetable farming operationsin the Fraser Valley. A professional agrologist,he has worked for the Ministry of Agricultureand provided substantial support for thefledgling organic movement in that capacity.The Snows were active members of BCARA, butleft to help form the Fraser Valley OrganicProducers Association, FVOPA (pronounced,according to Harvie with a twinkle, "faux pas")when some of the larger operations wanted toensure their capacity to export under the ISO65 rules.

Harvie represents FVOPA on the Board ofCOABC and has recently been the key organiz-er for the organic events at the Lower MainlandHorticulture Improvement Association.

Brian Mennell (2001), was born and raised onan orchard in Cawston. After earning a BSc in

Presidency of the organization he developed theBC Organic Grower and engaged in endless pol-icy work. He can take credit for creating a cli-mate within the provincial government to fosterthe growth of the organic sector.

At the end of his term as President, COABCwas able to hire Paddy to continue his policywork as Director of Certification Services. Hehas recently spent considerable energy in thedevelopment of the Canada Organic Initiative,bringing together leaders in organic sector todevelop a regulation for organics in Canada.

It seems that the founding of an organizationlike COABC is a never-ending project. Thefounders’ vision of a strong and healthy organicagriculture movement is being brought intoreality by the continuous and generous effortsof the members of COABC. Through all thegrowth and changes, and the continuing com-mitment and involvement of most of the origi-nal creators of COABC keeps us grounded –and hopeful.

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obsessive about weed control but we stillhaven't found a solution!"

Lynda and Laird have more plans for MaudeIsland Garden. They'd like to finish their newhouse, build a hydro system on the creek, andfinish the massive aluminum greenhouse erect-ed at the side of the garden. The financial planfor all this ambition is winning the set-for-lifelottery, Lynda jokes. However, they haveembarked on another income-producing ven-ture.

With the help of close friends, in 2002, theMaude Island Healthy Living Society wasformed. The Society promotes instructionalretreats on Maude Island Farm for everythingfrom organic cooking to massage therapy.Completion of a large shop/retreat centre onMaude Island Farm has made this venture pos-sible. Use of the farm facilities for retreats pro-vides some extra income for the family.

In 2002, the Governor General AdrienneClarkson was visiting the Queen Charlottes andher staff asked Lynda if she might visit Maude

Island Farm – and have lunch, it turned out. Ithas been common knowledge that AdrienneClarkson is supportive of organic farming (sheis now the Patron of the Canadian OrganicGrowers) so Lynda was not surprised by thisrequest.

"I was flattered and excited, but it was a ton ofwork," Lynda says. "When Adrienne Clarksoncomes to visit it is not just her and John -there are always lots of others." Lynda servedlocal salmon of course and the visit was report-ed by news coverage throughout BC.

Maude Island Farm was certified by theCariboo Organic Producers Association for afew years. Now the cost of bringing aVerification Officer to the Queen Charlottes ismore than one small farm can afford. Lyndaand Laird are disappointed that they could notcontinue their certification – not so muchbecause they need a certificate, but becausethey want to belong to the rest of the organiccommunity. "We want to be certified like every-


Farming on an island isn't easy; just ask farm-ers whose lives are scheduled around thearrival and departure of public ferries. What ifthere was no ferry – no electricity either? Thisscenario describes the farming experience onMaude Island on Skidegate Inlet; it isn't easy,but the rewards are worth it.

Linda Dixon and LairdBateham (along with theirthree daughters) are theowners and operators ofMaude Island Farm - locatedon the south shore of MaudeIsland. They are the onlypeople living on MaudeIsland. Travel to the farmconsists of a 20 minute boatride from Queen CharlotteCity; that is, if you have already completed thesix hour ferry ride to the Queen CharlotteIslands.

While the rest of us need a truck or van and agravelled drive to move our produce to market,Linda and Laird need a truck, a boat, a wharfand a dock. Every box of carrots must be cart-ed from the garden to the jetty, down the rampto the float and on to the boat, motored to thegovernment dock in Queen Charlotte City, andloaded on to a truck to be taken to market.Building and maintaining yourown jetty and wharf in a stormyinlet with 24 feet of tide is notsomething most of us would rel-ish; for Laird and Lynda it is partof the cost of being able to liveand work in the most beautifulplace in the world.

Maude Island Farm started as anidea more than 15 years ago. Theproperty must have been homesteaded at sometime, but was crown land when Lynda andLaird applied for an agricultural lease. Theymade a good case for developing an intensivemarket garden and greenhouse operation, andafter jumping through many regulatory hoops,they were given the lease (it was a lease to pur-chase and they now own the property).

Since then they've cleared ten acres and plant-ed 2.5 acres into market vegetables. "We have acaptive market," Lynda says, "and we selleverything we grow." Carrots are their biggestcrop. "The Haida love them!" Lynda confides.Along with carrots they grow a large amount ofbeets, and then a certain amount of just about

every garden vegetable. "We caneven sell all the zucchinis wegrow", she adds.

Though Maude Island Farm is arain-washed ocean frontage, thegarden soil is high in organicmatter. "Between 16 and 27 percent," Lynda says. "But low innitrogen." Obtaining inputs is abig problem on Maude IslandFarm. They have no livestock

and can't bring any quantities of manure orcompost across the inlet in the boat. "We triedburying fish heads in the garden to providesome nitrogen but the racoons dug them up.We used fish meal as a nitrogen source but apair of ravens pulled up all our transplants toget at the fishmeal we used as a side dressing."

They do use seaweed but even with a half mileof beachfront they cannot get enough to meettheir needs. Now they are using a crop rotationof Austrian peas and rye. Lynda and Laird

agree that organic farmersmust rotate a portion of theirfarm every year throughsome kind of soil buildingprogram. "We cannot minethe soil until there is nothingleft," Lynda says. "We wantto stay here."

The mild climate allowsLynda and Laird to garden

throughout the year. Lynda enjoys being able tomulch asparagus or harvest cabbage in thewinter but is quick to point out that, "...theweeds grow 12 months of the year." Aside fromthe ubiquitous weeds, the major pest on MaudeIsland Farm is slugs. "We don't know what todo about them," Lynda moans. "We keep a largesanitary row all around the garden, and we're


Pacific Natural is a cold processed, enzymatically digested fresh fish fertilizer produced fromthe pacific dogfish at our plant in Delta, B.C. When applied to the soil, PN performs as anatural bio-stimulant, with the enzymes biologically unlocking nutrients contained in the soil.Because the natural oils and collagens have not been removed, our fertilizer does not leechout into the local water table, but remains in the soil providing a time-release effect. Inaddition to being a root-feeder, PN is suitable as a foliar spray and compost starter.

PN is completely natural, other than the addition of 3% phosphoric acid needed for pHstabilization. For application, it is mixed with water at a ratio of at least 10 parts waterto 1 part PN in order to bring the pH level to neutral to initiate bio-activity. PN has beenfiltered through an 80-mesh screen and can be applied through conventional methodsincluding aerial spraying and underground drip systems.

Application rate: 5-10 gallons of undiluted PN per acre (diluted at least 10:1, 3 times per year)

Pacific Natural is a cold processed, enzymatically digested fresh fish fertilizer produced fromthe pacific dogfish at our plant in Delta, B.C. When applied to the soil, PN performs as anatural bio-stimulant, with the enzymes biologically unlocking nutrients contained in the soil.Because the natural oils and collagens have not been removed, our fertilizer does not leechout into the local water table, but remains in the soil providing a time-release effect. Inaddition to being a root-feeder, PN is suitable as a foliar spray and compost starter.

PN is completely natural, other than the addition of 3% phosphoric acid needed for pHstabilization. For application, it is mixed with water at a ratio of at least 10 parts waterto 1 part PN in order to bring the pH level to neutral to initiate bio-activity. PN has beenfiltered through an 80-mesh screen and can be applied through conventional methodsincluding aerial spraying and underground drip systems.

Application rate: 5-10 gallons of undiluted PN per acre (diluted at least 10:1, 3 times per year)

To place an order or for further information, please contact Michelle – Bella Coola Fisheries Ltd.Phone: 604-583-3474 Fax: 604-583-4940 Email: [email protected]

PACIFIC NATURAL BRAND

Maude Island Farm by Paddy Doherty


Slugs and snails, commonly referred to as mol-luscs as they belong to the Mollusca phylum,cause widespread problems in organic agricul-ture. Mollusc damage decreases crop yields andlowers product quality. In some cases, molluscsmay also serve as an intermediate host forhuman and animal parasites, particularly intropical regions. While a number of culturaland biological practices can help reduce mol-lusc damage, certain organic practices such asgrowing green manures and mulching maymake the problem worse. Predators can beused to control slugs and snails, but in someregions these would be exotic introductions andtherefore not allowed because they could be athreat to the native biodiversity. Coffee andbeer are used to repel or trap molluscs withlimited success. Metaldehyde has sometimesbeen used as a molluscicide inorganic production, but it is notgenerally accepted, and is beingphased out as a permitted inputin the European Union organicregulations.

Iron phosphate in the form offerric phosphate, or iron (III)phosphate, offers a potentialmeans of controlling slugs and snails. Theproduct is naturally occurring but can also besynthesized. Its environmental impact can becharacterized as mixed, although it is safeenough to be used as a nutrient supplement forboth animals and humans. Iron phosphate isgenerally not toxic in soils under most situa-tions, and accumulation is unlikely to create aproblem at the recommended application rates.Much of the commercial stock is obtained fromrecycled sources.

The mode of action is still not entirely under-stood, but researchers believe that iron phos-phate toxicity to molluscs is based on a feedinginhibition, immobilization, or alteration ofbehaviour. Studies found iron phosphate non-toxic to humans and a wide range of non-targetorganisms. Because it is commonly used as alivestock feed additive, iron phosphate appearsto pose minimal risks to animals kept on thefarm, even if accidentally ingested.

Consumer risk is negligible because the com-pound is applied to the soil surface as pelletsor granules with a bait, and is not intentionallyapplied directly to the food. However, ferricphosphate is considered safe enough not to bea food safety hazard to humans even if ingest-ed.

As with other pesticides already permitted inorganic production, the inert ingredients usedin the formulation might be a greater concern.Chelating agents may be used in the non-activeportion of the formulation to enhance the mol-luscide's efficacy. A survey of the efficacy litera-ture and patents for iron-based molluscicideformulations indicate that such products maycontain ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA), butan, octan, or some other chelatingagent to make the iron more biologically active.

Such substances are often non-biodegradable and may be moretoxic to humans and other non-tar-get organisms than the iron phos-phate itself.

Iron-based molluscicides appear tobe a promising development for aproblem faced by organic farmers

worldwide. After an expert review of a dossiersubmitted to IFOAM, the IFOAM StandardsCommittee concluded that ferric phosphatemeets the IFOAM criteria for inputs and a rec-ommendation has been sent to the membershipto vote to add iron (III) phosphate to AppendixII of the IFOAM Basic Standards.

Currently, the EU allows iron (III) phosphate tobe used as a molluscicide in organic produc-tion, and Codex Alimentarius is considering itsaddition to its organic guidelines.

The USDA's National Organic Standards Boardhas a petition pending on the substance.

Reprinted with permission from "Ecology andFarming", IFOAM, Charles-de-Gaulle Strasse 5D-53113, Bonn, Germany. Brian Baker PhD isResearch Director, Organic Materials ReviewInstitute, Eugene, OR, USA <www.omri.orgemail: [email protected]>


one else," Lynda explains. "We don't want to besecond-class."

"I'd like to grow flowers," Lynda says, "andhanging baskets if we ever get the greenhousefinished." Lynda admits that since she'sbecome a farmer she's succumbed to that unre-alistic but unending optimism characteristic ofthis class of people. "I don't know why, butevery season I look forward to the back-break-ing task ahead, no matter how fruitless andbrutal the previous season was."

Perhaps it is the drudgery of watching the seaotters play while weeding carrots, or seeing por-poises or spring salmon jumping while draggingseaweed off the beach that inspires her. "I don'tknow what it is," Lynda confides, "but when thesun shines in the rainforest, there is no placemore beautiful in the world."

For more information on Maude Island Farm,visit <http://www.qcislands.net/maudeis/>


BC was once famous for its hops, one particu-lar variety of which gave a unique flavour tolocally-made beers. A new publication is revital-izing this fascinating crop. Small-Scale &Organic Hops Production is a manual for grow-ers, covering everything from soil managementand trellising to packaging, including informa-tion on how to reach the burgeoning craft brew-er market. The manual was created with assis-tance from the Investment AgricultureFoundation, and is intended to help small-scalefarmers diversify, while meeting the growingdemand for local and organic hops from BCbreweries. Hops are a quick starter with long-term potential, and promise excellent returnsper acre.

Certified organic hops rhizomes (9 varieties) aswell as the manual are available from RebeccaKneen. Ph (250) 675-4122, fax (250) 675-6849email <[email protected]>

New Hops Growing Manual A Promising Molluscide: Iron phosphate by Brian Baker

Pacific Agricultural Certification Society#8-A 100 Kalamalka Lk. Rd. Vernon BC

Tel: 250-558-7927 Fax: 250-558.7947email: [email protected]

www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/CA/pacs_list.asp

ProfessionalA c c re d i t e dCertification

Services

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...continued from page 17

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www.jerseylandorganics.com

COABC is part of a coalition of organic distrib-utors, retailers, and others to negotiate anagreement with the BC supply-managed mar-keting boards that will accommodate the needsof the organic sector. Organic producers of therelevant products (eggs, chicken, turkeys andmilk) will soon receive a questionnaire, on thebasis of which the coalition will develop propos-als that reflect their opinions and positions.

Meanwhile, the egg and chicken boards havetaken actions which have led a group of pro-ducers and their supporters to demand thatorganic producers be simply exempt from thejurisdiction of the Boards.

In particular, people are outraged at the leviesand fines imposed on Fred Reid's Olera Farms.As a result of the Board's actions, Fred hasbeen forced to quit the egg business. His broth-er Brad Reid is facing similar treatment fromthe chicken board, although payment of thefines has been postponed by the courts.

The basic question at issue is whether or notCertified Organic products are distinct and notinter-changeable with conventionally-producedeggs, chicken, etc. Organic producers havedeveloped their own markets with no assistancefrom the boards, and are unwilling to pay leviesfor which they receive no services and whichwill go to support production systems, such ascaged laying hens, which they consider to beimmoral.

For more information, background, and post-cards to send to the relevant authorities, visit<www.organics.bc.ca>

Egg Struggle Continues

In March, 2003 the board of directors of NOOAinitiated a project with funding from their asso-ciation, the BC MAFF, the OSDP, and contribu-tions from NOOA members. A draft trackingsystem was developed with input from variousorganic and conventional farmers as well asindustry by July of 2003. A report was pub-lished in January, 2004.

Traceability is the new buzz word in agricul-ture. Mad cows, botulism and bioterrorismhave created a huge demand for traceability inour food system.

It gives customers confidence that, should any-thing go wrong, the entire history of that prod-uct is readily available. It also provides protec-tion for the farmer should any complaint bebrought to their own door.

Even though most farmers know where theirproducts came from and what was done tothem, the current expectation is that thefarmer can prove that knowledge and historywith some type of documentation. A paper trailhas always been a requirement of organic certi-fication.

Tracking systems serve as an easily accessibletool for the farmer to mark their own progressor to source any detail about their productwithout digging through mountains of paper.Memory is a wonderful thing until you lose it.

The report details a simple tracking system thatcan be implemented on any small to medium-size farm. Whether you prefer a manual, hand-written system or computerized spreadsheets,once set up, the process should only take 10-15 minutes of updating every few days.Personal digital assistants (PDAs) can move thetracking process right into the field.

Documented tracking is no longer a require-ment unique to the organic community.Conventional agriculture is now under pressureto develop similar systems relating to traceabili-ty. Make sure your farm is ready and able toanswer any inquiry.

Audit Trails by Tracy Lundberg-Schimpf

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These concerns were raised during theAquaculture workshop at the AGM this year. Ifyou have an interest or concern regarding thisplease investigate the websites listed.

How can organic standards prevent disease/parasitetransfer to wild stocks?

The current draft standards disallow the use ofantibiotics in production stock. This requiresthat producers observe very stringent healthmanagement protocol, since a disease outbreakand the group treatment required would resultin decertification of the stock. Under such aregime it is likely that wild stocks pose more ofa threat to farmed fish than vice-versa.

Standards are only being developed for Pacificsalmon, which are naturally less susceptible tosea lice than are Atlantic salmon. The BC farm-ers currently seeking certification attributetheir lack of problems with sea lice to a combi-nation of low stocking densities, farm siting,and the natural resistance of the species thatthey culture. The draft standards require a sealice monitoring regime, with specified actionlevels. The Caligus website provides access topast and current research on sea lice manage-ment (http://www.ecoserve.ie/projects/seal-ice/caligus2.html)

Density is a critical factor in sustainable aqua-culture, and is restricted under the currentdraft. Lower densities will reduce stress levelsand susceptibility to disease. Density depen-dent disease and parasite transmission will alsobe reduced.

Shouldn’t we worry about releasing fish waste into theocean?

If waste refers to fecal matter, one must questionthe wisdom of this proposition – as much as afarmer would question the wisdom of dumping allof his manure into the sea so as to prevent nutri-ent enrichment of the land. Nutrient inputs fromfish farms are generally not thought to contributeto harmful algal blooms unless the farm is poorlysited in an area of low water circulation. The ques-tion, then, is whether the volume of fecal wastegenerated is within the assimilative capacity oflocal ecosystem processes. Low stocking densities,siting requirements for minimum current flow, andbenthic monitoring, as outlined in the draft stan-dards, can provide safeguards to ensure that over-loading of the system does not occur.

Can fish feed be 100% organic?

The fundamental requirement of organic live-stock feed management is to provide a com-plete, balanced ration that closely conforms tothe organism’s natural dietary preference whileremaining exclusively composed of allowablematerials. Fish meal and oil used in livestockfeed are derived primarily from wild-capturesystems, which generally cannot be organicallycertified. Since there is currently no permissiblealternative to including appropriate amounts offish meal and fish oil in the diets of piscivorousfish, organic standards-setting committees havefocused on ensuring the sustainability of themarine resources from which it is derived. Thecurrent draft standards require that fish mealand oil be derived from the by-products of thesustainably managed, local herring fishery. Useof local product provides an excellent means ofrecycling nutrients without relying on interna-tional trade in fishmeal or contributing to pres-sures on foreign fisheries.

In the long term, there may be potential forrearing fish and invertebrates in certifiedorganic systems as feed sources as well.

Shouldn’t we be worried about contaminants in themarine environment?

Fish don’t eat water, they breathe it. Fish fromfarms operated in relatively pristine areas are

probably exposed to less pollution than aremost farms near urban centers.

Aren’t farmed salmon contaminated with PCBs?

Persistent organochlorine contaminants areubiquitous in the environment and bioaccumu-late in animal tissues. They are found, in traceamounts, in both wild and farmed animals.

Organic standards certify the production pro-cess, not the product. Nonetheless, in recogni-tion of the concerns regarding PCB contamina-tion in farmed fish, the standards will be struc-tured so as to ensure a safe, healthy and sus-tainable product

Why are farmed fish fed substances to enhance theircolour?

The reddish-pink colour of wild salmon flesh isdue to the presence of a carotenoid pigmentcalled astaxanthin. This naturally occurringpigment is derived from marine algae. The algaeare consumed by crustaceans which, in turn,form an important part of a wild salmon‚s diet.Research suggests that astaxanthin fulfills anumber of essential biological functions forsalmon, influencing reproduction, vision,immune response, and protection against oxi-dation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids.As such, it is necessary to ensure that farmedsalmon receive appropriate amounts of thiscarotenoid in their diet (http://www.salmonna-tion.com/tour/roche.pdf).

Conventional salmon farming operationsinclude astaxanthin as a dietary supplement inthe feed, both to promote optimal fish healthand to ensure that the flesh colour is palatableto consumers. Astaxanthin can be manufac-tured by chemical synthesis in much the sameway vitamins are produced for human con-sumption. Because organic production stan-dards usually prefer natural over synthesizedmaterials as supplements, natural sources ofastaxanthin have been required in the draftorganic salmon standards. Astaxanthin, foundnaturally in the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma andthe microalgae Haematococcus pluvalis, is com-mercially available. Alternately, the use ofshrimp shell as a by-product from wild-caughtor certified farmed shellfish processing may beused for natural pigmentation.

Aquaculture by Lee McFadyen

Don’t some First Nations oppose salmon farms in theirtraditional territories?

The draft standards require consultation andwritten approval from local First Nations forany salmon farm in their traditional territorieswishing to seek organic certification.

Other, more philosophical, questions included: Isit ethically acceptable to certify the production ofhigher trophic level species? Should raising amigratory species be allowed (farmed salmonare harvested before spawning, which is theonly time the migratory instinct is strong)? Howis this reflected in current COABC standards?

Should only landlocked salmon be certifiable?

One of the primary factors influencing the envi-ronmental interactions of net-pen salmon aqua-culture is siting. Clearly, certain locations aremore appropriate for siting salmon farms thanothers. Areas with high current flow can ensurethat waste does not build up on the benthos,and also reduce sea lice levels. Locating farmsaway from sensitive areas such as eel grassbeds and salmon streams is equally important.Unfortunately, many of BC’s salmon farmtenures were created prior to the developmentof stringent siting critieria. Many of these farmsare currently queued for relocation.

Certified organic salmon farms would berequired to conform to specific siting criteria,based on the new provincial criteria(http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/Finfish/Provincial_Siting_Criteria_March_2000.pdf).

The Aquaculture WorkingGroup is faced with a diffi-cult task in workingthrough these complexissues before they candecide whether or not to

recommend an aquaculture standard to the Boardof Directors. Input from the organic farming commu-nity, either through BCOG, the on-line forum, ordirectly (Lee McFadyen, 250-499-5404, <[email protected]>) would be very welcome.Please take the time to become familiar with thisimportant issue (the COABC aquaculture site is anexcellent place to begin!) and contribute your per-spectives. �

From November 21-23, 2003 at UBC Farm inVancouver a group of 25 growers gathered foran intensive three day workshop led by Dr.John Navazio of the Organic Seed Alliance inPort Townsend, WA. John has aPh.D. in plant breeding as well asextensive experience working inthe seed growing industry overthe past fifteen years. That expe-rience and knowledge was thebasis for a tremendous amountof information shared with ourgroup over the weekend. BySunday evening it was clear thateach participant had been deeplyinspired to make seed-saving animportant part of their farm’s pro-duction.

On the first morning of the workshop Johnpainted the larger context in which organicseed production currently operates. Today, fivetransnational companies control 75% of veg-etable seed varieties. Semenis alone controls40% of North American varieties. In 2002 theydropped 2000+ varieties. John felt the role ofthe independent seed company was to fill in thegaps by growing, and working with other grow-ers to produce: specialty varieties, workhorsevarieties, varieties for organic production.

There is an important link between farmers andlocal seed companies that must be re-estab-lished where farmers produce and select seedfor local or regional use. The aim of November'sworkshop was to introduce growers who havenot produced seed, but have growing experi-ence, to the concepts and information neededto grow quality seed. Indeed the course wentone step further, providing participants withthe information to improve existing varieties fortheir particular needs (ie organics, early matu-ration, bolt tolerance, etc.).

Needless to say, the workshop was a crashcourse on genetics and plant breeding, con-cepts that John insisted were crucial to thefarmer’s ability to grow good seed crops. Whilethis kind of scientific information might seem

daunting, John made the concepts accessibleand fun, and I think all the course participantswere very excited about applying this newunderstanding of crops to their own farms – it

simply gives growersanother tool with which toview the outcomes of theirown work.

The crucial differencebetween self-pollinatingcrops and cross-pollinatingcrops is one example ofthis kind of information.Chris Wells, one of theworkshop participants, haswritten an excellent article

summarizing these differences. Check it out at<http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/rcbtoa/training/seedsaving.htm>.

While many of us can grow a wide array ofcrops to seed on our farms, there are reasonsto choose carefully what you grow to maximizequality and minimize problems. John conveyedthe importance of determining "Which SeedCrops are Right For You". Several factors needto be considered. Start by examining the envi-ronment you farm in – there are appropriateseed crops for appropriate environments, andappropriate seed crops for appropriate people.

Consider the ecoregion you farm in. Do youhave hot or cool summers, dry or wet autumns(when seed needs to mature and dry down).These factors will play a role in helping youdecide an appropriate crop for seed-saving.Seed crops that are in pods such as thelegumes or brassicas are better protected fromdisease in wet weather, while seed crops withexposed florettes like the alliums, composites,or umbel families might be more appropriate toa dry harvest climate. Consider whether thecrop you will save is cross-pollinating or self-pollinating. This will determine how you man-age the crop, what numbers you will have togrow, how much space you use, what isolation


Plant Improvement for Organic Seed Growersby Patrick Steiner

The Threat of Privatized Seeds by Jerry Bremer

In the last decade the organic movement hasseen positive stable growth of approximately15% annually, mainly in production. Organicseed stock growers have grown approximately2% annually.

Also in the last decade seeds have become vul-nerable to human prey. We are seeing the con-glomeration of seed knowledge, and geneticmaterial becoming private property. Patent lawis being used to assert intellectual propertyrights of multinationals and deny farmers' rightto save seed (eg. Monsanto vs. PercySchmeiser). We as organic farmers must pro-tect our seed stocks in the Public Domain, forall to access for free.

Along with losing germplasm to private owner-ship for profit there is consolidation in seedmarkets, and varieties that don't meet the glob-al market standards are being removed from

the market place completely. As a result, organ-ic family farms and small scale producers arechallenged with fewer varieties to meet theirconditions. Seed that has been grown for resis-tance to disease is based on chemical applica-tion, thus for organic growers us crop failure isbound to occur.

Seed research and replicated trials addressingissues specific to organic agriculture are notbeing carried out by the research institutions.It is left to people like Frank Morton to under-take organic seed breeding which, as he says,is "really breeding for the whole farm ecology,developing seed that increases the positiveinteractions of farm ecosystems". This is theapproach we need to take as we move fromseed saving to seed breeding in B.C.

Patrick Steiner holding Gardener’s Delighttomatoes, one of Stellar Seeds’ most prized

varieties.


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How do you evaluate the health of your soil?Have you ever asked yourself: Can I change thehealth of my soil or do I just accept what I'vegot? Or, am I maintaining the soil I do have?Am I putting in more than I'm taking out?What about the net effect of management prac-tices: What is the effect of my tillage practiceson soil organic matter?Do I really need com-post? Or, how muchcompost should Iapply?

The Soil HealthAssessment in OrganicFarming Systems pro-ject has been askingthese questions in apilot project with agroup of 15 to 20organic producers inthe SimilkameenValley, as well as a number of local resourcepeople (field consultants, the provincial soilspecialist, and research scientists).

A full-day workshop, interviews and a field daywith participating producers and local resourcepeople, complemented by my review of the rele-

vant soil health literature, led to the develop-ment of a proposal for a soil health assessmentstrategy. Trials of this assessment were con-ducted on 24 plots on 15 farms betweenAugust to October 2004. All of the plots werefruit tree plots except for 2 ground crop plotsand 2 tree fruit replant plots (currently in

ground crops). As much aspossible, the producers them-selves were actively involved inthe assessment process.

Benchmark Sampling

To ensure a meaningful evalua-tion of soil health we adopted abenchmark samplingapproach, selecting a 'bench-mark area' that is representa-tive of a certain soil type andmanagement system and sam-pling this same area each time.This approach is intended to

better monitor change over time by minimizingsampling error and differences in results due tosoil spatial variability. The benchmark plotsestablished for the trials in the SimilkameenValley were approximately 1,000m2 (1/4 acreor 1/10 ha), square or rectangular in shape.

Common Set ofIndicators

Indicators are soilattributes that canbe measured or oth-erwise evaluated todetermine how wellthe soil can performcrop production orenvironmental func-tions and how thesefunctions are beingaffected by manage-ment practices. (seeTable 1)


Many people became involved with the SoilHealth Assessment project with a feeling it wasnot going to be really worthwhile. Others camethinking they understood what their soils prob-lems were; and some were pretty sure they hadnone. All of us were wrong. The results of thisproject have had and will continue to have avery big impact on soils and crop nutritionmanagement for all of us who were involved.

The greatest strength of the project was that itsurveyed many sites, since one grower's soiltest by itself tells you little. Records, going backyears on some sites, and sampling of soils inthe area that had never been irrigated or culti-vated were also immensely valuable. As you willsee in Julia Wagner's report, one nagging mythwas dispelled. This was that tillage reducesorganic matter. Those of us who regularly usetillage in our tree rows or in cultivating land forground crops now know that we are more thancompensating for any breakdown with addi-tions of compost and green manure crops. On-going monitoring of organic matter using thebenchmark plots established in this project willenable us to continue to ensure that organicmatter breakdown is balanced by additions.

Less comforting was the finding that our zinc,phosphorus, potassium and boron levels areincreasing over-all and are well above nativelevels. While we are not sure about the implica-tions of the high levels in the first three, the

boron levels are alarming. This is a micronutri-ent that is essential but can become toxic atvery low levels. Tree fruit growers immediatelythought that the one foliar spray of boron theyapply each year was the culprit. They do thisbecause their leaf tissue analysis frequentlyshow boron deficiencies. However, there wasone grower with ground crops who have neverapplied boron in any form who also had rela-tively high levels. One clue that we have towhat might be causing this is in one of the sci-entific articles reviewed in Science Notes in theprevious issue of the BCOG. That articledescribed how increasing amounts of organicmatter in the soil adsorb boron and make itunavailable for plants. This would result inincreasing amounts in soils tests. Several of thefarms involved in the project are reevaluatingcompost application programs – maybe it istime to cut back. On our farm we haveswitched from chicken to cattle manure thisyear. The cattle manure has lower levels ofphosphorus for one thing. The compost tea tri-als planned for this summer may also provideus with some alternatives. More research isneeded. Plans are underway to select one of theidentified concerns and to continue workingtogether to find out more about it.

To participate in a project such as this done ona regional basis is immensely valuable. All of usin the Similkameen who did recommend ithighly.


A Great Opportunity by Linda Edwards

Soil Health Assessment in Organic Farming

Systems by Julia Wagner

Three Key Aspects of the Soil Health Assessmentin Organic Farming Systems project• Assessing soil health on individual farmsusing some set of chemical, physical and bio-logical indicators of soil health

• Bioregionally adapted approach to soil healthassessment: farms in a given region use a com-mon set of soil health indicators that are select-ed for their relevance to that particular region'ssoils and production systems

• Collaborative approach between growers andlocal resource people to assess soil health andidentify and address soil management issues.


distance is required, and most importantly howmuch time you will spend doing selection onthe crop. Consider the seed cleaning require-ments of the crop you choose. This will alsodetermine how much time you spend and whatspecial materials you will need to help clean theseed. Consider what you will use the seed for.Is it for own use? For sale? Can you market theseed, or will you need help? Most importantly,make sure you choose a crop you enjoy growingand have some familiarity with. In focussingthe seed growing and selection process, an eyefor what the ideal vegetable type looks like isyour best guide.

John Navazio will be back in BC for a two-dayintensive workshop on seed production in July.The course will take place Tue, July 6th - Wed.July 7th. This workshop will be held inSorrento (near Salmon Arm) and includes twofull days of instruction and field visits to twoarea farms growing organic seed crops.

For more information or to register, contactPatrick Steiner at 250-804-0122, or email me [email protected]. Thanks to support from theOrganic Sector Development Program andInvestment Agriculture Foundation for partialfunding of this workshop.


Table 1

Soil Indicators Non-SoilPhysical Chemical Biological Indicators

Soil Organic Matter

(Organic N & C)

pH

Electrical Conductivity

Cation Exchange

Capacity (CEC)

Major elements

(Extractable N, P, K,

Mg, Ca, Na, S)

Micronutrients (B, Cu,

Fe, Mn, Zn)

Heavy metals

Organic chemical

contaminants

Texture

Depth of soil, topsoil

and rooting

Water infiltration

Water holding capacity

Bulk density

Soil structure &

Aggregation

(or Soil tilth)

Porosity

Compaction: bulk

density, penetration

resistance

Surface crusting

Microbial biomass

C & N

Potentially

Mineralizable N

Soil respiration

Soil enzyme activities

Soil biodiversity

Food web structure

(including microbial

community structure

and soil invertebrates,

in particular nematodes

and earthworms)

Root disease

Water Quality

Air Quality

Crop Health

Other plant growth

Animal Health

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issues. At a recent workshop, producers wereable to discuss specific management practicesthat might be influencing results on theirfarms, and the two research scientists presentwere able to contribute their interpretations ofthe results based on their knowledge of previ-ous research. The discussion also offered theopportunity to identify future research priori-ties.

Some of the findings· Organic matter levels in or greater than the

range expected for soils of the semi-arid region,based on comparison to native soil sampletests and the local soil survey report.

· Relatively high electrical conductivity (E.C., ameasure of salts) levels: to be monitored forfurther increases.

· High phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels:likely associated with repeated use of poultrymanure compost (or fish pellets with relativelyhigh P and K analyses).

· High levels of boron (B) and zinc (Zn): furtherinvestigation recommended to evaluate plantuptake and future micronutrient spray applica-tion rates.

· Identification of a compacted soil layer in thecrop rooting zone of many plots: further inves-tigation of its causes, extent and impacts oncrop health recommended.

· Confirmation that earthworms are found in theValley, their presence or absence in plots influ-enced by factors such as irrigation type, use ofmulches (black plastic vs. woodchip), recentcultivation and availability of food sources (e.g.organic matter).

Evaluation

The data collected in this trial provided a snap-shot of soil health indicators. The full value ofthe process is expected to come from on-goingassessments over time to enable monitoring oftrends. Monitoring trends should contribute toproducers' capacity for more proactive, adaptivemanagement - to avoid crises (e.g. toxicities ordeficiencies of nutrients) or to optimize inputuse efficiency.

This type of collaborative soil health assess-ment provides an opportunity for organic farm-ers to be leaders in British Columbia, learningmore about your soil to optimize farm manage-ment and environmental stewardship; poolingresources and building local capacity to identifyand address farm management and resourcemanagement issues at a regional level; con-tributing to our collective understanding of soilhealth with producers, scientists and otherresource people working together and sharingdifferent types of knowledge about soil health.

At the final workshop there was a general con-sensus that the process should be carried on,and more research should be initiated on someof the specific issues that were identified. Theneed for someone to coordinate on-going effortswas emphasized: some of the youngSimilkameen Valley producers were thrown thistorch, with support offered by their elders aswell as by the participating researchers.

As research facilitator, my next steps are todraw from the lessons of the SimilkameenValley pilot project to make recommendationsto guide producers in other communities toimplement similar soil health assessmentstrategies. I will also pursue the SimilkameenValley participants' suggestions for developmentof resource materials to facilitate soil healthassessments: a webpage to disseminate results,development of a soil test interpretation guide,and a handbook of soil health assessmentmethods.

For more information or to share your reflectionson the relevance of this project for your farm andregion, please contact Julia Wagner, M.Sc. candi-date, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, UBC [email protected].


These indicators vary in terms of their accessi-bility to producers, affordability (includingequipment and time requirements), and typesof skills and knowledge necessary for assess-ment or results interpretation. The soil healthassessment proposed for the SimilkameenValley relied primarily on biological and physi-cal indicators that could be assessed on-farm,and chemical indicators assessed using thereadily available standard laboratory soil analy-sis. (see Box 2)

At the start of the project, all growers had per-formed laboratory soil tests but many hadfound the results of limited use in understand-ing soil health. Therefore, including the soil testand ensuring consistent sampling methodsamong growers also provided the opportunity toassess its utility as one tool in the soil healthassessment toolbox.

An earthworm count was the primary biologicalindicator included in the Similkameen Valleyassessment because of the ease and low cost ofthis method, and the relatively substantial bodyof knowledge about earthworms' contributionsto soil health. Biological indicators tend torequire complex methodologies, often laborato-ry-based, and/or lack an adequate researchbase to interpret results for management deci-sions. While development of biological indica-tors was outside the scope of the Soil HealthAssessment in Organic Farming Systems pro-ject, organic producers may want to considerinitiating specific research on biological indica-tors for their region and farming system incooperation with local researchers and stu-

dents. For example, a group of SimilkameenValley producers are now initiating a researchproject to investigate the effect of compost teaand soil biological activity in their orchardsusing the Soil Foodweb analysis approach.

Collective Approach

The project is based on the premise that ourunderstanding of and capacity for managingsoil health can be improved by integrating dif-ferent ways of knowing about soil health fromfarmers' direct experience of working the soil,to field consultants' overview of soil issuesacross farms, to scientists' knowledge of soilformation principles and specific researchresults.

The results of the our trials of soil healthassessment were compiled to compare individu-al benchmark plot results and identify common


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...continued from page 27 Box 2.

Components of Similkameen Valley soil health assessmentA) Baseline Assessments – Assess One Time Only: Stable properties,

do not change significantly over time 1. Rooting Medium Depth - depth to any restricting layers 2. Depth to Free Lime - soil reaction with hydrochloric acid 3. Coarse Fragment Content - estimated % of rocks in 15cm x15cm hole to 30cm depth 4. Soil Texture - hand texturing with a key 5. Subsurface soil test (15-30cm) - see lab. soil analysis below

B) On-farm Soil Assessments – Monitor Annually: Dynamic proper-ties, can change with management practices 1. Structure descriptions (Soil tilth) - using a visual assessment key 2. Compaction - Dickey John compaction tester 3. Water Infiltration - producer's observations 4. Earthworm Count - hand counted from 15cm x 15cm holeto 30cm depth

C) Crop Health & Other Vegetation Observations 1. Crop Quality: Size, Colour, Taste and Storage 2. Crop Yield 3. Fruit Tree Vigour 4. Weeds 5. Cover Crops or Green Manure or Orchard Floor Vegetation

D) Laboratory Soil Analysis (Surface 0-15cm) · pH · Electrical Conductivity (E.C. - salts) · Extractable Nutrients: P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, SO4-S · Micronutrients: B, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn E

Other Recommended Assessments Tissue Analysis (Leaf and Fruitlet for tree fruit) Compost Analysis Water Analysis

�

Dear Editor,

We are one of the low income farms that are certifiedorganic. Our certification began in 1997 simply as amarketing tool for our herb crops.

Since that time, after being involved with other organicfarmers, gaining a better understanding of what organ-ic means and seeing the hundreds/thousands of hoursof volunteer work that goes into these organizations,we are now firmly committed to the entire process andsystem. The fees have never seemed excessive to us andremain one of the lowest inputs on our farm if we con-sider all that we gain from it.

What are the benefits to us?

• Contact with other farmers who have been wonderfulat sharing their experiences with us.

• A valuable marketing tool for our crop into nichemarkets.

• An understanding of potential markets that we hadnot previously considered.

• Expansion of our little world into areas that we neverwould have thought of wth informtion and discussionthat keep our brains functioning.

• A better appreciationof the land we live on and an expandedview of all that can impact us.

• The opportunity to volunteer with people thatastound us with their dedication and knowledge.

what will be required. It allowed us to perfect ourprocesses and we have allocated the past certificationcosts for the processing as part of our developmentcosts.

We would like to make our living full time from thefarm and the only way we will be able to do that is tomove into on-farm processing. We need a certificationbody that will open ALL markets to us should we moveahead. It is preferable to us that body is BC-based. Weare proud of everything COABC has accomplished andare happy to have been a very tiny part of that.

Will COABC make mistakes? Of course they will. But allin all, the efforts of people that are trying to farm, workoff-farm jobs, volunteer, move mountains and generally,burn the candle at both ends are much appreciated.

Tracy SchimpfFlying-Two Herb Farm, Kelowna, BC


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Dear Editor,

Sometimes I feel like the Vietnam War era car-toon character Pogo when he reported, "I have

seen the enemy and he is us!". The current directiontowards claiming ownership of some of the words of

the English language, words such as 'organic', is notonly Orwellian, couched as it is in concerns about cer-

tain less than noble commercial interests exploiting thegeneral public's trust of these words, it is downrighthypocritical.

Perhaps a single anecdote (I have many) will serve tohelp illustrate my point which can hardly be properlyaddressed in 300 words: In the course of marketing myproduce I have on occasion run into a man who owns amachine which is supposed to measure toxic residues inproduce. His complaint is that his machine keeps find-ing residues sometimes in high levels in "CertifiedOrganic Produce".

Without arguing about the accuracy of the machine Iexplain to him that in spite of what he may have heard"Certified Organic" does not necessarily meanunsprayed and in fact "Certified Organic" farmers areallowed to spray certain substances labelled as poison,with the "Skull and Crossbones" logo on the package,produced by several of the infamous agro-chemicalcompanies etc. i.e. according to the common usage,toxic chemicals.

I come from a long line of thousands of years of organ-ic farmers who did not use these substances and cer-tainly never prophylactically on the basis of suchspecious evidence as valley wide spore alerts! Orwellagain: What is the English translation of the Newspeakword "regulated"? In the dialect of Newspeak used inBook 2 of the COABC Certified Organic ManagementStandards the answer is evidently "Carte blanche, use asdesired".

Speaking as a member of the aforesaid culture oforganic farmers I have to ask "Who is appropriatingwhat from whom?"

For now consider me a dissenter.

Sincerely,

Michael WelshNaramata, BC

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Letters to theEd

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BC Organic Grower, Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2004

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vol. 7, no. 1 spring 2004 · vol. 7, no. 1 spring 2004 president’s report bc consultation session...

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