Regenerative organic oats (roo)
Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO)
Supporting Canadian Regenerative Organic Oat Supply
Canadian Organic Growers' Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) is a three-year pilot project in the Prairies funded by Nature’s Path and Riverside Naturals Foods to support the growth of regenerative organic oats supply. The goal is to support organic oat growers in adapting regenerative practices to meet the Regenerative Organic Certification requirements. Working with Dr. Kris Nichols, COG’s Senior Science Advisor, growers discuss their challenges and successes in a small group, farmer to farmer meetings. The training sessions are a combination of virtual and on-farm, and as with COG’s other projects, are documented for wider distribution at a later date. This pilot is being videotaped so the entire three year journey of the oat growers can be digitally documented via video.
Supporting Canadian Regenerative Organic Oat Supply
Canadian Organic Growers' Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) is a three-year pilot project in the Prairies funded by Nature’s Path and Riverside Naturals Foods to support the growth of regenerative organic oats supply. The goal is to support organic oat growers in adapting regenerative practices to meet the Regenerative Organic Certification requirements. Working with Dr. Kris Nichols, COG’s Senior Science Advisor, growers discuss their challenges and successes in a small group, farmer to farmer meetings. The training sessions are a combination of virtual and on-farm, and as with COG’s other projects, are documented for wider distribution at a later date. This pilot is being videotaped so the entire three year journey of the oat growers can be digitally documented via video.
Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) is a three-year pilot project funded by Nature’s Path and Riverside Naturals Foods to support and bolster the growth of Canadian regenerative organic oats supply in the face of climate change. ROO will support Prairie organic oat growers in adapting regenerative practices to meet the regenerative organic certification requirements. Working with COG's team of science advisors, ROO's network of Prairie farmers are provided training on regenerative organic oat farming practices and discuss their challenges and successes in farmer to farmer meetings. The training sessions are a combination of virtual and on-farm, and as with COG’s other projects, are documented for wider distribution at a later date. COG intends to produce videos showcasing the three year journey with participating farms.
ROO Aims to Deliver
Improved atmospheric carbon-capture and retention in organic farm soils
Increased soil and crop resilience to extreme weather
Minimized crop pest, weed and disease through holistic organic regenerating management
Improved soil fertility
Increased best organic regenerating practices and farm planning to achieve higher yields and higher crop quality
Minimized disruptions during transition period
ROO Aims to Deliver
Improved atmospheric carbon-capture and retention in organic farm soils
Increased soil and crop resilience to extreme weather
Minimized crop pest, weed and disease through holistic organic regenerating management
Improved soil fertility.
Increased soil and crop resilience to extreme weather
Minimized crop pest, weed and disease through holistic organic regenerating management
ROO Project Outcomes
- Creating and maintaining a farmer-to-farmer network of 6-8 farms in year one, growing to 12-15 farms by year three to collectively deal with challenges.
- Developing an iterative and detailed regenerative organic training course.
- Individual farm coaching (virtually and with on-farm visits).
- The development of soil carbon measurement tools.
- Pioneering regenerative organic practices that work to increase farm profitability, enhance soil fertility, and carbon sequestration, and be on the leading edge of addressing climate change.
- Anticipating early access to carbon payment programs as they develop.
ROO Deliverables
- A network of three cohorts of growers who become ROC certified and increase the supply of regenerative organic oats.
- A training program in regenerative organic oat farming shared widely for maximum impact and uptake by other oat growers, particularly on the Prairies.
- An ongoing and continually growing farmer-to-farmer network of regenerative organic oat growers.
- A more resilient and increased oat supply in the face of climate change for Nature’s Path and Riverside Naturals Foods.
- Videos documenting the project.
ROO Project Outcomes
- Creating and maintaining a farmer-to-farmer network of 6-8 farms in Year One, growing to 12-15 by Year Three to collectively deal with challenges.
- Developing an iterative and detailed regenerative organic training course.
- Individual farm coaching (virtually and with on-farm visit).
- The development of soil carbon measurement tools and early access to them.
- Pioneering regenerative organic practices that work to increase farm profitability, enhance soil fertility, and carbon sequestration, and be on the leading edge of addressing climate
- Anticipating early access to carbon payment programs as they develop.
ROO Project Outcomes
- A network of three cohorts of growers who become ROC certified and increase the supply of regenerative organic oats.
- A training program in regenerative organic oat farming shared widely for maximum impact and uptake by other oat growers, particularly on the Prairies.
- An ongoing and continually growing farmer-to-farmer network of regenerative organic oat growers.
- A more resilient and increased oat supply in the face of climate change for Nature’s Path and Riverside Naturals Foods.
- Documentary film(s) about the project.
ROO Team
ROO Team
This program is possible thanks to the generous support of our Partners:
Nature's Path Organic
Riverside Natural Foods Ltd.
Our ROO program is possible thanks to the generous support of our Partners:
Nature's Path Organic
Riverside Natural Foods Ltd.