The board of the National Organic Program’s Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA) and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) have convened five working committees developing timelines for solutions/processes in this time of Covid-19 to ensure organic integrity is maintained in all certified organic products. Five of these participating certifiers certify in Canada to COR as well. They will address the following …

The increasingly common spread of devastating pandemics is a glaring reminder of the key role of the immune system in disease protection. This extends beyond us to all living things, including the trees in our forests and those used as a food source. The steadily increasing insensitivity of pathogens to synthetic pesticides makes it clear that the days for our …

From the west coast rainforests to the urban concrete jungles to a few steps outside our front doors, trees are everywhere in the Canadian landscape. Their prevalence means they are often taken for granted, but trees are critical to life on this planet—and their importance is increasing. Vegetation in all forms provides the oxygen that people and animals need to …

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations – Fresh fruits or vegetables businesses subject to new federal requirements in January 2020 By Lyzette Lamondin, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Organic food businesses working in the fresh fruits or vegetables sector got their first taste of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) when the regulations began coming into force on January 15, 2019, replacing the former …

Getting the most out of every acre, whether organic or conventional, was the theme out of one-day workshop on intercropping at the Brandon, Man., Keystone Centre, last November. Approximately 130 registered for the event, including 70 conventional farmers, 30 ‘industry’ people and 30 people doing or entering organic farming. Sponsors included the Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Pulse Soybean Growers, Prairie Organic Grain …

In 1998, the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program had four varieties of haskaps, or blue honeysuckle. Today, the university has more than 50 named varieties of haskaps in its collection—some of its own creation— and has become one of the leading centres in the world for haskap breeding. The evolution of the haskap is a story of experimentation, curiosity and …

Mike and Evelyn Lafortune have the largest herd of Dexter cattle in Canada. Located in North Milton, Prince Edward Island, they have found a niche market for their organic beef. As Mike declares: “These cows are easy to please.” They feed on no less than 12 grasses and legumes on the 200-acre farm that was Evelyn’s since 2009 – and …