Organics are no longer a niche market, according to the Organic Council of Ontario

Jan 10, 2018

Full report findings will be highlighted at the Guelph Organic Conference

Visitors at the Guelph Organic Conference will get a glimpse into the Organic Council of Ontario’s (OCO) assessment of organic agriculture in Ontario.

The organization compiled a report after speaking with more than 580 producers, handlers and retailers. The report’s full findings, which will be revealed at the conference, provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges the organic sector faces.

“This information will help provide a strategic plan for the next six years,” Carolyn Young, executive director of the OCO, told Farms.com. “The launch of the report will include elements like the most sought-after products by retailers and the supports needed for stakeholders in the organic industry to overcome barriers to growth.”

The report is one of a few notable initiatives the OCO is spearheading during the conference.

The organization is also hosting a panel discussion aimed to give producers insights into how to scale up their businesses.

Four panelists will share their unique experiences of becoming larger organic operations in Ontario.

“The discussion is called Scaling Out Without Selling Out,” Young said. “Brent Preston from The New Farm, Zach Loeks from Kula Permaculture Farm, Michael Curry from Greenbelt Microgreens and Tom Manley from Homestead Organics will talk about how they’ve been able to grow their farms in an ever-changing landscape.”

OCO is also involved with a province-wide directory of all things certified organic.

But that doesn’t mean non-certified organizations will be excluded, Young says.

“We’ll have opportunities for non-certified businesses, like retailers and input providers, to participate in the directory,” she said. “It will also include a map and classifieds as well.”

The OCO’s directory is paired with its introduction of a tiered membership system.

“Basic membership is free for all certified organic operators,” Young said. “That means we will have over 1,300 members in 2018. If people want to contribute to what we’re doing and receive other benefits like a listing in the directory, they can become a (paid) supporting member.”

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.