Sharing the Land
This month’s article deals with the frequently agonizing decision of what to do with the farm when your health or age means you can no longer farm it adequately. You may want to sell and retire comfortably, but you know that anyone who can afford to buy farmland at today’s prices is unlikely to continue farming it organically. Richard and Karen Cook tells us of their journey in deciding to share their land with Kevin, a young wanna-be farmer who, along with his animal helpers, is transforming part of the farm.
Farmhouse Food
How many small farmers have had the thought that it would be more efficient for one vehicle to bring several farms’ goods to market, rather than so many farmers giving up their weekend to drive and stand around at the same market?
Why Do Some Ontario Farmers Claiming Organic Not Certify?
What we hear on the ground We live in the province with the largest market for organics in Canada and yet one where anyone can call their produce organic regardless of how it is produced. Why do some Ontario farmers follow organic principles, in large part at least, and call their product organic, but resist […]
Fall Reflections 2021
On October 17th 2021, COG OSO hosted our first hybrid Fall Reflections, with participants joining us both online and in person. The event included special a special guest speaker Greta Kryger and included a Chapter update. Click the link below to view the Fall Reflections 2021 Chapter update/presentation Fall Reflections 2021 online version
From Garden Seed Saver to Regional Organic Seed Producer
How I Became an Organic Seed Producer Hi, my name is Katherine Rothermel and I am smitten with seed! Even though I had gardened my entire life, little thought had been given to seed: where it’s grown, how it’s produced and the implications of choosing organic, heirloom, open-pollinated (OP), hybrid, GMO*, or cytoplasmic male sterile […]
Building a Community Abattoir
Building a Community Abattoir A case study from Salt Spring Island In 2004, the BC government announced impending changes to the meat inspection regulations which would require slaughterhouses to be licensed when meat is sold for human consumption. With no licensed facility on Salt Spring Island, farmers would have to transport live animals off island […]
On Firmer Ground – Transitioning to Certified Organic in Eastern Ontario
Did you know? In Ontario – unlike Quebec and several other Canadian provinces – the term organic is not regulated, meaning anyone selling within the province can say they are selling organic products, regardless of how they are produced. So why, then, should a farmer certify if just selling in Ontario? Well, the demand for […]
Strawberries – A Jewel in June
I am Martin Turcot, co-owner of Ferme aux pleines saveurs with my life partner Chantale. I grew up on a nearby farm where potatoes were a main crop. Chantale grew up on a farm on Ile d’Orléans, renowned for producing the best strawberries in Québec… but we dare to say our strawberries are even better. Before buying […]