Dear members and organic supporters,
It’s difficult to address this past month. I had hoped to share stories of our recent annual planning session with our Board of Directors and highlight some of the conversations, but now, we are all working on addressing the recent floods—yet another crisis.
Some of you may have noticed we've sent more emails than usual. We try to minimize the number of emails we send your way but we want to understand how the organic sector is impacted. I’ve appreciated hearing from you—thank you. The information you share helps us advocate on behalf of the organic sector. And, my favourite part of my job is when I get to connect with producers and processors directly. Your work and resiliency is inspiring and I’m grateful to be part of this community.
Lastly, I want to highlight the resources listed below and on our blog, especially the mental health resources available for those in need.
Please keep in touch.
Eva-Lena Lang, Executive Director
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Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday, the global movement dedicated to giving back to your favourite causes. We ask that you share this with your networks in support of an organic BC!
We believe in soil. In nourishing the land and working with the rhythm of nature to create healthy food, people and communities.
We build thriving ecosystems, fair relationships and embrace the complexity and interconnectedness of the world we live in.
And, we celebrate continuous improvement in our organization and in the organic sector—to raise the standards for organic agriculture and transform agriculture’s impact on the planet. But, we can’t do what we do without our incredible community of farmers, certifiers, researchers, consumers and policy makers—and generous supporters like you.
This #GivingTuesday, be part of the shift towards a more sustainable and ecologically sound food system. Donate today at organicbc.org/donate.
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2022 BC Organic Conference Update
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On February 25 - 27, join us for the 29th annual BC Organic Conference! Based on the stellar content from last year’s podcast series, not only will there be podcasts and pre-conference online conversations this year, there will be an in-person conference with sessions that provide space for deeper conversations, networking, and developing collaborations.
Conference registration opens on Dec. 1st!
Until then, visit organicbc.org/conference for:
- Conference program
- Podcast details
- Trade show registration & sponsorship opportunities (loads of great options!)
- Silent auction details (donations wanted!)
- Hotel information & airfare discount
We're also looking for a volunteer to source ingredient donations. If you're interested, or would like to donate to the silent auction or learn more about sponsorship, please contact Michelle at events@organicbc.org.
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Quick Note on the Next Organic BC AGM
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The next Organic BC AGM will be held virtually in the beginning of April. More details will be released closer to the date.
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BC Floods: Emergency Logistics for Producers
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Are you an agricultural producer that has been affected by the floods? Head over to our blog for the latest emergency logistics, including fuel prioritization orders, a list of veterinarians assisting flood victims, mass carcass removal, accommodations for displaced TFWs, and more.
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Organic BC at regenBC Conference
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At the end of September, we took part in the regenBC Conference, a virtual regenerative agriculture conference hosted by the Province of BC. As the voice of organics is vital to the regenerative conversation, we were thrilled to present on many levels! You can watch all of our presentations and features on our blog.
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Joint Letter: Transparency and Government Oversight of All Genetically Engineered Foods
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Earlier this month, 105 groups (including Organic BC) sent a joint letter to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food calling for:
- Government oversight of all genetically engineered foods and seeds
- Transparency and independent science in the regulation of all genetically engineered organisms for use in food and farming
The proposed corporate self-regulation of genetically engineered foods and seeds jeopardizes food safety, our environment, the livelihoods of many Canadian farmers and the integrity of organic products.
Read our letter below, and take action at cban.ca/take-action/no-exemptions.
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New Public Comment Period
There's a new public comment period regarding national standards for organic agriculture. This round of questions raised by organic stakeholders relates to compost feedstocks, non-organic animals, anaesthetics, and more. You have until Dec. 2nd to have your say.
View all questions and proposed answers here.
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Call for Nominations for the Standards Interpretation Committee
You are invited to submit nominations for the Standards Interpretation Committee, which provides interpretive guidance on Canada's national standards for organic agriculture. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 6th, 2021.
View full details, including eligibility information, here.
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Contribute to Organic Research
Dr. Peter Tyedmers of Dalhousie University is conducting research on the potential impact of organic field crop production on climate. For your participation, Dr. Tyedmers and the Organic Federation of Canada are offering $50 to farmers who contribute data to this research project!
Take the 10-minute survey here.
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Organic Export Support Fund
The Organic Trade Association of Canada (COTA) is supporting the export of Canadian organic products worldwide through the Export Support Fund. This fund provides a grant to all exporters of organic products to help cover the cost of shipping samples to foreign buyers interested in their products.
Learn more and apply here.
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AgriStability: Final Deadline Reminder
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Reminder: December 31, 2021 is the FINAL date to submit the following 2020 AgriStability forms:
- T1273 Statement A-Harmonized AgriStability/AgriInvest Programs Information and Statement of Farming Activities for Individuals, or
- Statement A-Corporations/Co-operatives and Special Individuals.
View more details here (PDF).
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Several organic operators were featured in the coverage of the recent weather events. Here are some articles and clips worth checking out:
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Congratulations to Sea Cider, a farm-based organic cidery located on the Saanich Peninsula, just minutes from Victoria. Their estate grown cider, Bittersweet, took home the Best of Show prize at the 8th annual Portland International Cider Cup!
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UBC Farm is 20 years old! To celebrate, they've released a limited podcast series, bringing forward the voices of some of the many people who helped start and, ultimately, save the UBC Farm. Have a listen.
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Climate Adaptation Research for BC Agriculture: Virtual Workshop 2021
Dec. 7 - 9, 2021 | Online
Join 3 mornings of discussions on major climate change issues affecting agriculture: extreme heat, drought, wildfire & carbon sequestration. Learn more.
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COP26 Climate Conference Report Back
Dec. 9, 2021 | Online
Hear from several members of the NFU contingent who attended COP26: what was accomplished, what needs to be done, how the process was flawed, the agreements made, and more. Full details.
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