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UPDATED: COVID-19 resources for organic farmers and producers in BC


We continue to update our COVID-19 blog with the latest resources and information for organic farmers and producers in BC. The most recent updates include new information on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, CFIA expectations and more, plus surveys, upcoming webinars and ways to subscribe to get updates on COVID-19.

Get the latest updates

Spring 2020 issue of the BC Organic Grower


The Spring 2020 issue of the BC Organic Grower is now online! In this issue, we took a deep look at what innovation and improvement looks like in organic systems, and in the organic community. From new technology to social and community innovation, this issue's theme is appropriately timed, as the current pandemic has forced organic farmers and food producers to adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace.
 

Explore the latest issue

Affordable, comprehensive health coverage for COABC members


Did you know that as a member of the COABC you're eligible for a Group Benefits Plan? We've researched all of the available options and have found the best prices and coverage for our members, including life insurance, dental care and extended health care (vision, prescriptions, medical aids & equipment, professional services such as massage and physiotherapy, and more).
 

Learn more

Latest surveys

 
Training New Alternative Farmers in BC
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and the Center for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS) at the UBC Farm need help identifying what new alternative farmers should be taught in order to be effective as employees, managers, and/or owner operators in the alternative agriculture sub-sector. The results will inform the creation of an open-access instructional guide to support initiatives that train new alternative farmers in BC.
 
Take the survey

Farmers and COVID-19
Canadian Organic Growers wants to hear from you! How have you been impacted by the crisis so far? What solutions would make the biggest difference for you right now? The goal of this survey is to understand how COG can support organic farmers during this time.
 
Take the survey

Annual General Assembly


The Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) held its Annual General Assembly on April 16th, 2020. Rebecca Kneen, COABC’s representative to the Organic Federation of Canada, was on the call to discuss issues related to the OFC’s mandate and its work on the revision of the Canadian Organic Standard and Organic Science Cluster 3.

Do you want to become involved in the Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC), which assists in the interpretation of the Canadian Organic Standard? The best way to train and prepare is to become involved, so join one of the working groups in the next round of comment reviews and volunteer for your Certification Committee and/or the Accreditation Board. Anyone with an analytical mind who is interested in learning about how certification works, or who wants to be of huge service to the organic community, is strongly encouraged to leap in.

For an overview of the OFC’s achievements over the past year, check out the 2019-2020 OFC Activity Report.

 

Read the report

Go2HR has opened its tourism and hospitality focused job board to include the agriculture and food processing sector. This provides a unique opportunity to connect displaced tourism and hospitality employees (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) with employment opportunities in agriculture. Producers and processors can post their job vacancies on the job board for free at go2hr.ca/jobs.

FarmFolk CityFolk just released their COVID-19 Response Report, based on findings from their recent survey. How can we create a resilient, local food system where producers and eaters can easily withstand disturbance and change? This report is one small step in that direction.

In late March, the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) sent out a survey to better understand the key concerns and challenges facing the organic sector in Canada during COVID-19. The survey results have now been summarized! Check them out here.

Are you looking to start microgreens production or add microgreens to your current farming operation? The Vancouver Food Pedalers Cooperative has unfortunately had to cease operations after 12 years, but with this change comes opportunity for a new operator. The use of shipping containers for both the greenhouse (40ft X 8ft) and processing center (20ft x 8ft) makes this a transportable system, ready to begin its new life elsewhere. Get the details here.
 

Employment Training Programs

When: Starts May 4, 2020
Where: Online

The Small Scale Food Processor Association is offering two free online employment training programs: Ag-Food Entrepreneur and Ag-Food Supervisor. More details.

IFOAM North America: Organic Spring 2020

When: May 6, 2020
Where: Online

Join organic leaders from across North America in a free, virtual town hall meeting! More details.

Mental Health in Agriculture

When: May 8, 2020
Where: Online

This webinar from the Canadian Organic Growers will provide participants with a base understanding of mental health and mental illness as well as practical strategies they can implement in their daily lives. More details.
 
Biodiversity and Profitability on Organic Farms - Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Practices

When: July 1, 2020
Where: Online

The Organic Center presents a webinar on the growing body of science that shows organic farming supports more biodiversity and can bring in more income than conventional farming, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of using organic practices. More details.

Organic Week

When: Sept 7 - 13, 2020
Where: Across Canada

Canada's annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. More details, including past webinars.
 


BCCO Logo


COR operators are fortunate to be able to use the Canada Organic label AND the BC Checkmark side by side.

The logo of the BC Certified Organic program is a key tool to identify certified organic products in BC. It is important that the symbol is used correctly; here is a quick reminder, especially for websites and the exclusion zone (white space).

The Program Symbol is enclosed by a black border. The border ensures that the appropriate white space or exclusion zone is provided around the composite mark. The Program Symbol must be enclosed by the border if the Symbol is applied against colored or complex backgrounds. However, if the background is white or off-white, it may be desirable to omit the border while ensuring the appropriate exclusion zone.

Complaints Submissions


For information on complaints regarding the COABC, a Certification Body, or an operator certified under an accredited Certification Body, click here.

If you've discovered a person or company who is falsely marketing their products as organic in British Columbia, click here for information.

Planning a Move?


If you change your address or contact information, send it to your CB office as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on receiving the BC Organic Grower and other materials.
 

Organic Price List


View the Organic Price List, updated weekly, here.
Thanks to Close to Home Organics for this month's feature photo of lettuce seedlings waiting for the frosty nights to pass before being moved to the fields.

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Copyright © 2020 Organic BC, All rights reserved.


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