Dear members and organic supporters,
In recent days there has been a shift in the wind, and the welcomed cooler temperatures at night indicate fall is around the corner, although it sometimes feels like summer only recently started.
For the organic sector, Organic Week is coming up on Sept. 12 - 18 and we’re involved with a few events. There will be an in-person field day to look forward to in the North Okanagan and an online cook-along event from BC Agriculture in the Classroom featuring several people, including Chris Bodnar.
Before the seasons shift, I hope you can still enjoy some of your favourite summer activities and take a moment to read the latest BC Organic Grower magazine, which we mailed out yesterday. If you didn't indicate you wanted a paper copy, you'll receive the digital magazine later this week. If you miss holding the paper copy in your hand, send Kristy an email at admin@organicbc.org.
~ Eva-Lena Lang, Executive Director
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In-Person Field Day at Fresh Valley Farms
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On Sunday, Sept. 18th, join us for an in-person field day at Fresh Valley Farms!
Take a tour of the farm and learn about their rotational grazing practices, cover cropping and forage program, on-farm slaughter/cut/wrap, and field management, and dive deeper into the transition of one field to organic. You’ll also hear from guest speaker Percy Folkard, regenerative grazing consultant and instructor at Thompson Rivers University.
The event is free, but registration is required.
This project is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund. Funding for the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions - On-Farm Climate Action Fund.
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Organic Week 2022 is just around the corner, and as always, there are plenty of events and other happenings to look forward to.
Here at Organic BC, we're celebrating with our field day at Fresh Valley Farms, a cook-along with Chef Randle, the release of an exciting resource for organic producers, and some great giveaways. We'll also be sharing webinars, screenings, contests and more from our partners across the country.
Keep an eye on our social media to stay in the loop!
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Cook-along with Chef Randle
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Mark your calendar! The newest BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation virtual cook-along event takes place from 5:30pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 14 to celebrate Canada's Organic Week and BC Chicken Month.
This free event features:
- Demonstration by Chef Trevor Randle of 'BC Organic Tomato Braised Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Pico de Gallo' and 'Organic Vanilla and Cinnamon Pudding' recipes
- Agricultural insights from farmer Chris Bodnar from Close to Home Organics
- Draws for 3 prize packs valued at $100+ each!
We're proud to be a Presenting Sponsor of this event alongside BC Chicken Squad.
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Ag Policy Consultation
Though organic practices play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, there is currently no permanent funding for the maintenance and review of the Canadian Organic Standards.
The Next Policy Framework (NPF) is an opportunity for Canadians to weigh in on government policy concerning our national agriculture and agri-food sector. Now is the time to push for the creation of a Canada Organic Program!
Learn more from the Organic Federation of Canada.
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Upcoming Cover Cropping and Soil Sampling Events
In addition to our upcoming field day in the North Okanagan, there are more in-person field days happening around the province from FarmFolk CityFolk, including post-harvest soil sampling events in the Fraser Valley (Sept. 7) and Sea-to-Sky (Sept. 14), and cover copping events on Vancouver Island (Sept. 21) and in the Kootenays (Sept. 27). View all events at: bccaf.ca/events
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BC Egg: New Producer Program
BC Egg launched the 2022 New Producer Program on August 30, 2022. The program provides the opportunity for two new producers to receive allocations of up to 3,000 units of layer quota. Participation for the 2022 New Producer Program draw will be restricted to those applicants who are current, active Small Lot Permit Holders from any region in BC excluding the Lower Mainland. More details.
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Survey for Organic Farm Operators and Farm Workers
Do you own, operate, or work on a certified organic farm? The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is looking to learn more about the barriers, demand, capacity, and overall needs of the organic workforce.
You can help make recommendations for decision makers and organic stakeholders to address these needs by filling out OCO's Labour Needs Survey!
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Quick Guide to Drought Resources
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has put together the 2022 Quick Guide to Drought Resources. Created with producers in mind, this guide offers info and guidance to help you prepare and manage drought. Read it here (PDF).
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Are you a producer or processor with BC products for food service, retail or wholesale? Get listed in the NEW Feed BC Directory, a searchable website of BC food and beverage products that helps buyers find products across the province. Launched in April 2022, the directory already features 100s of BC products and businesses ready for food service, retail or wholesale. Check it out here.
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Feast of Fields
Sept. 11, 2022| Armstrong, BC & Sept. 18, 2022 | Metro Vancouver
Feast of Fields is FarmFolk CityFolk’s annual local food celebration and fundraiser. Proceeds allow FFCF to develop and operate programs that connect, empower, and inspire people to strengthen BC’s sustainable food systems. More details.
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Organic Week 2022
Sept. 12 - 18, 2022 | Online and In-Person | Across Canada
The largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country! More details.
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