ABOUT US

ABOUT US


Who We Are and What We Do

Canadian Organic Growers (COG), established as a national registered charity in 1988, is Canada’s oldest organic and regenerative association dedicated to supporting growers/gardeners adopt more ecologically-based agriculture practices. We work with certified and non-certified organic growers committed to more sustainable, climate-friendly best management practices (BMP). COG offers a range of extension services including online and on-farm training and resources that includes BMP books and guides that promote sustainable and commercially viable production methods. We work collaboratively with stakeholders across Canada to be the voice for our growers and advance policy work and industry development at the local, regional and national levels.

VISION


Canadian Organic Growers envisions a regenerative and resilient organic food and farming system across Canada.

MISSION


COG provides education, advocacy and leadership to help build an agricultural system that empowers farmers and consumers, enhances human health, builds community and mitigates climate change while increasing Canadian food sovereignty.
Are you ready to buy organic, grow organic or seek organic certification?

Check out our workshops, publications and other resources online, and find out why going organic is the better choice for you and for the health of our planet!

SEE PUBLICATIONS


FCS Equity Framework


As a founding member of Farmers for Climate Solutions, COG commends the work undertaken to produce the FCS Equity Framework and we endorse its principles in our work. For more information please visit the FCS website.

DOWNLOAD THE FRAMEWORK

OUR
TEAM



While our national office is based in Ottawa, our great national team is based across the country. We focus our efforts on:

  • Developing and delivering country-wide educational resources and programs
  • Working with stakeholders on policy and regulatory issues that impact the organic sector
Deirdre Laframboise

Deirdre Laframboise

Executive Director

Jenna Spencer

Jenna Spencer

Director of Marketing & Communications

Sarah Mackenzie

Sarah Mackenzie

CCT Program Manager

Dorthea Gregoire

Dorthea Gregoire

ROO Program Manager


Beth Moore

Beth Moore

Controller

Nathalie Drummond

Nathlie Drummond

GUO Program Manager

Ammaarah Hafeez

Ammaarah Hafeez

Marketing Communications Coordinator

OUR
REGIONAL
CHAPTERS



Our four regional chapters, which don’t have physical offices, are run by our many amazing volunteers. They do their work at the community level by:

  • Delivering grassroots programming
  • Participating in and hosting local events that promote and educate about organics

If a COG chapter isn’t operating in your region and you would like to help get one started, please contact our National Office for more information at 1-888-375-7383 or send an email to office@cog.ca.

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS



COG is governed by a National Board of Directors elected by the general membership at an Annual General Meeting. Directors, with the aid of staff,

  • Develop five-year strategic plans Inform policies and regulations
  • Participate on staff and member led committees
  • Answer complex and diverse questions about organics that are received from the public
  • Mentor and coach staff and volunteers
Allison Squires

Allison Squires

President

Corine Singfield

Corine Singfield

Vice-President

Janine Gibson

Janine Gibson

Secretary

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Madelaine Clerk

Treasurer


Gillian Flies

Gillian Flies

Director

Maryruth Thiong'o

Maryruth Thiong'o

Director

Sam Appleby

Sam Appleby

Director

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Eric Campbell

Director


Stephanie Kohl

Stephanie Kohls

Director

Andrea Barnett

Andrea Barnett

Director

Vijaykumar Bhosekar

Vijaykumar Bhosekar

Director

Iris Vaisman

Iris Vaisman

Director

ADVISORY
COUNCIL



Kris Nichols

Kristin Nichols

Advisory Council

Ralph Martin

Ralph Martin

Advisory Council

COG and its chapters are federally incorporated as a single legal entity which has been granted charitable status (130140494 RR0001).