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Dear members and organic supporters,

Some of the Organic BC team recently attended a pruning workshop with Molly Thurston of Claremont Ranch Organics. It was one of our regional events (one that was local to our office) and it was a perfect example of Organic BC’s incredible community: a volunteer organized and run event with the opportunity to learn from each other.

We saw this same thread in our other recent events as well, including Beer Night and our networking events in Nelson, Kersley and Courtenay. A huge thanks to our community for sharing your time and knowledge. Let’s keep it rolling—don’t miss out on our upcoming Coast Region networking event and a film screening in Pemberton! More details below.

For other ways to stay involved in organics, scroll down for details on how to participate in the new public comment period (an opportunity to participate in a regular interpretation Q&A of the Canadian Organic Standards). And if you have a moment to spare, please participate in the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Consultation for a chance to engage in agricultural industry planning.

Lastly, spring is just around the corner and I am wishing you all a great start to the season. I know seed trays are out, lambing will be underway and soon we will be asking ourselves where the winter went.


~ Eva-Lena Lang, Executive Director
 

Upcoming Event: BC Organic Agriculture Networking Event - Coast Region

On Wednesday, March 15th, join Organic BC and Fraserland Organics in Delta for an organic agriculture regional networking event! 
  • Learn about weed control in grain and vegetable production
  • Tour weeding equipment (rotary hoe, tine weeder, camera-guided cultivators and more)
  • Lunch and social at Fraserlands’ on-site brewery, Barnside Brewing Co.
This event is free but registration is required.
 
Save your spot

Upcoming Event: Organic Innovation Series Screening

On Tuesday, March 21st, join us at The Beer Farmers brewery in Pemberton for a screening of three virtual field days from our recently produced Organic Innovation Series. Dig into innovative farming practices that are strengthening operations and boosting resilience in the face of current challenges!

Featured farms include Helmer’s Organic Farm, Ice Cap Organics and Spray Creek Ranch.

After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the featured farmers. Learn more about their practices, enjoy a bevvie and meet other local farmers!

This event is free but registration is required.

 
Register here

Have You Caught the Latest Episodes?

We've added new episodes to the Organic BC podcast, with more on the way!

Recently added:
  • Managing a Pastured Livestock Operation with Steve & Annelise from Fresh Valley Farms
  • Plant Parasitic Nematode Biology and Their Horticultural Impacts
  • Low-Input, High Rotation Potato Production with Anna Helmer
Tune in to the Organic BC Podcast for these episodes, plus more conversations with farmers, eaters, academics, scientists and authors about the philosophy, practice, and politics of organic food.
 
Listen now

New Public Comment Period

This round of questions raised by organic stakeholders includes topics such as: GE seeds in an organic field, latex paint to identify trees, calculation of grazed forage, and more.

Feedback from conformity verification bodies, certifying bodies, operators and other organic stakeholders is encouraged. Deadline for comments is March 15, 2023. Learn more here (PDF).

NFU is Going Cross-Country to Film 40 Sustainable Farms

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is excited to introduce Depth of Field: Films About Farming—a film project showcasing 40 short documentaries that will highlight 40 different farm stories from across Canada.

Learn more and view the trailer here.

World of Organic Agriculture Yearbook Now Available!

The latest data on organic farming worldwide is now available in the annual statistics yearbook, published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM – Organics International.

Learn more and download the free report here.

Farm Explorer BC

Are you interested in having your farm story shared on Farm Explorer BC? Developed by the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC), the site features an interactive GIS map plus informative and educational profiles for each listing. Get a free, sponsored listing (regular value $200) on the site when you submit your story by March 1! More details.

2023 SaskOrganics Conference

SaskOrganics is hosting their annual conference and tradeshow, Advancing Organics, on March 22 & 23 in Regina. In-person for the first time since 2019!

Click here for more details, including registration, program and exhibiting/sponsorship opportunities.

Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Consultation

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the launch of consultations to help guide the development of a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS). As part of the consultation process, a discussion document is now available for comment.

Join the conversation through the online consultation survey, where your feedback will help shape the plan that will benefit the agricultural industry! It's open until March 31, 2023.

Applications for the Youth Employment and Skills Program are Now Open

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of approximately $13 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and to help support approximately 1200 jobs for youth in the sector. The Program is now open and accepting applications until March 27, 2023.
 
The YESP Program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000 to agriculture employers hiring Canadian youth. Employers that hire youth facing employment barriers will be eligible for 80% of the cost of salaries and benefits and may be eligible for an additional $5,000 to address specific obstacles to employment. Learn more and apply here.
Grazing Management Workshop
Mar. 1, 2023 | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Vernon, BC

Join the BC Forage Council and the North Okanagan Livestock Association to dig into advanced grazing principles, including topics such as forage supply analysis and carrying capacity of the land, animal nutrition and pasture staging. More details.

Indigenous Food Sovereignty with Jacob Beaton

Mar. 14, 2023 | 7 - 9 PM | Online

Do you want to learn about Indigenous Food Sovereignty? Join Young Agrarians for an in-depth conversation with Jacob Beaton, an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur and leader. More details.
View all events
          
          
Have some news to share? Get in touch with Stacey at: communications@organicbc.org
Feature photo: Klippers Organics at the Kitsilano Farmers' Market, by Maylies Lang. Other image credits: Northbrook Farm, Square Root Farm, Canadian Organic Growers, Canada Organic Trade Association, Yorkshire Valley Farms
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