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2021 BC Organic Conference live program

 
This Sunday, Feb. 28, we'll host the main event of our conference: a live, online session via Zoom. The schedule for that is now up, and features our keynote speaker, COABC award recipients, Q&As with podcast guests, our photo contest, and the annual COABC visioning discussion led by members of the COABC Executive Board and our Executive Director, Eva-Lena Lang.

The visioning discussion is a great way to get better connected with the COABC and to voice your suggestions, concerns, and hopes for the future!

For call-in details and a more in-depth agenda, please log in to your Eventbrite account and check out the event page.

Silent auction

Our silent auction fundraiser is alive and thriving! If you haven't already, please go have a look at what's up for auction. You can bid anytime between now and 4pm on Sunday, February 28.

Accessed the podcast yet?

If you haven't accessed the podcast yet, there are over forty episodes waiting for you! From the device you're most likely to use to listen, visit coabc.supportingcast.fm to access the show.

Farm tours not happening

Originally we had hoped to offer some outdoor farm tours on Saturday, February 27 for some responsible socializing, but current provincial health orders prevent us from offering them. When guidelines relax we may try to organize something for you. Sorry to disappoint!
 
Still need a ticket? Get yours here!

COABC Annual General Meeting


This year, the COABC's AGM will be held virtually on March 8th, after the conference. CB admins have already been notified, and we'll soon send out an invitation to all operators.

BCAC survey


As part of the BC Agriculture Council's ongoing efforts to better serve the farming community, BC farmers and ranchers are invited to take this 15-20 minute survey to share their thoughts on sector priorities and provide feedback on the services BCAC offers. Once complete, participants will be entered to WIN one of the following:
  • $350 Visa Gift Card
  • $100 Visa Gift Card
  • $50 Visa Gift Card
  • FREE 3-year Farmer ID Card
Complete the survey by February 28, 2021 to be entered to win!
 
Take the survey

Organic Export Support Fund

 
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) has created a fund to promote the global export of Canadian organic products! This fund provides a subsidy to all organic exporters to help cover the cost of shipping samples overseas to interested buyers of their products.

In order to qualify for a 50% subsidy of your shipping costs, applicants must fill in a form, complete a survey outlining the sales potential and provide a copy of the paid invoice related to the samples shipped to a buyer outside of Canada. As well, the shipping must have occurred between April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021.

Currently there is an abundance of funding available so we encourage you to contact COTA as soon as possible as all submissions must be completed by March 31, 2021. Please contact Caroline Bernard, Members Relations and Executive Assistant, at cbernard@canada-organic.ca or by phone 613-482-1717 ext. 205.

Reminder: Organic Conversion Support Program - accepting applications
 

In case you missed it, the Canada Organic Trade Association is now accepting applications for the latest round of the Organic Conversion Support Program.

This program is for farmers in their first, second or third year of pre-certification or for farmers already certified organic and are increasing their organic acreage. Qualified farmers can receive up to a $1000 reimbursement towards their paid certification costs.
 
More details

New podcasts with Canadian researchers

Don't forget to check out the latest Organic Science Conversations podcasts, brought to you by the Organic Federation of Canada and the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada. The podcasts feature the latest from the Organic Science Cluster 3 research activities: their research, the problems they are trying to solve, and how producers can benefit from the results of their research. Have a listen at: organicfederation.podbean.com

Reminder: The deadline to apply for a 2020 AgriStability interim payment is March 31, 2021.

The window to apply for a groundwater licence free of charge will likely end March 1, 2022, with no further extensions given. More details.

Here's a look at regenerative agriculture, including the need to make it a well-supported joint venture between scientists, farmers, consumers and government.

We Heart Local BC connected with Niklaus Forstbauer of Forstbauer Farm to learn more about his family pride in growing healthy food for the community. (Niklaus' parents began organic farming in the early 1970s and today, multiple generations of Forstbauers live and work on the farm, including 10 grandchildren!). Read all about it.
 
Organic Alberta Virtual Conference & Trade Show

When: Mar. 3 - 5, 2021

Where: Online

Join Organic Alberta for three days of farmer-to-farmer learning, focused conversations between producers and researchers, and an integrated trade show. More details.
 

Unique Approaches to CSA Programs

When: Mar. 11, 2021
Where: Online

Looking for a unique way to run a CSA Program? Guest speakers will dive into a zero-waste approach to CSA boxes, packaging options as a result of COVID-19, tips for rural and small scale farmers, and adopting a cooperative method to organizing a CSA. Hosted by FarmFolk CityFolk. More details.
 
CSA and Food Security

When: Mar. 30, 2021
Where: Online

Hosted by FarmFolk CityFolk, this webinar is geared toward both farmers and eaters and explores community supported agriculture as an important model for building local food security. More details.

Organic Celebration & Leadership Awards 2021

When: May 5, 2021
Where: Online

Celebrate the achievements of the organic sector! The Canada Organic Trade Association is now accepting nominations. More details.


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.
This month's feature photo is a throwback to our 2020 BC Organic Conference. A year later, things are looking quite different, but we're just as excited to connect with you virtually. See you in a few days!

Connect with us!

Copyright © 2021 Organic BC, All rights reserved.


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Organic BC · 202-3002 32nd Ave · Vernon, BC V1T 2L7 · Canada

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