Organic Council of Ontario

Yesterday we hosted the very first Post-Harvest Organic Sector (PHOS) meeting — and what an incredible start. A huge thank you to Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood) for hosting, and to the businesses around the table: ChocoSol Traders , La Siembra - Camino, Filsinger's Organic Ltd Apple Juice, and St. Brigid's Creamery. This group represents the heart of the post-harvest value chain, and the conversations were outstanding. We heard clearly that the sector needs: • better ways to connect with each other for sourcing ingredients, • scaffolding and support for brands entering organics, • stronger brand visibility, • and solutions to the shortage of certified organic packers — especially when minimums and specialized packaging reduce options. One of the best parts of the day was seeing real connections form — several businesses discovered they could use each other’s ingredients in their products. This is exactly why PHOS exists. We’ll be hosting the next meeting early in the new year and are looking to bring even more post-harvest voices to the table. If you’re part of the organic post-harvest chain — processor, packer, manufacturer, or value-added brand — or know someone who should be, reach out. Email erica@organiccouncil.ca to be included.

EFAO’s 12th Annual Conference is just around the corner! Taking place on Dec 2nd, 3rd and 4th in London, Ontario, the conference will include a buzzing trade show, delicious meals made with locally-produced ingredients, and of course, a program packed with opportunities for learning and connecting. Program highlights include: ● 2 sessions with grazier Allen Williams, 6th generation family farmer and founding partner of Understanding Ag, LLC, and Regenified, LLC ● Keynote presentations including: ○ Seed Rematriation Journey: Returning seeds to their homeland ○ Story and Perspectives from the Treaty Land Sharing Network ○ Nourishing Ecological Farming Networks: Sharing stories & building connections across borders ○ Power to the Farmers: The History and Current Movements of Grassroots Political Organizing ● Celebrating 10 years of Farmer-led Research at EFAO with three in-depth sessions and a Wednesday evening keynote presentation ● Break-out sessions on topics like: ○ Digging into Cover Crops and In-Season Nitrogen Management with CoverCrops ○ Tools & Equipment to Manage Your Grazing and Getting the Most for Your Grass ○ All Eyes on Potatoes and Winter CSAs ○ Bridging the Land Gap and Farming Through Uncertainty ○ Marketing Collectives and Rooted Careers: Farm Management for the Long Haul ○ Measuring and Increasing Carbon Sequestration on the Farm Visit efao.ca to learn more about registration. Share if you’ll be there!

How can innovation strengthen the foundations of organic agriculture? This panel brings together leaders at the intersection of technology, biological solutions, and sustainability to explore how research and innovation are transforming the organic sector. Hear from: Chuck Baresich from Haggerty AgroRobotics, speaking about integrating robotics and data-driven technology in organic systems. Matt Hoekstra and Mitch Downton from The Food Cycler, on circular waste-to-resource innovations, transforming household and commercial food waste into a valuable feedstock for compost and other downstream applications. Nicole Rabe from OMAFA, sharing how federal programming now spans the full research and innovation continuum, along with a demonstration of the Ontario Agri-Food Research Portal (OAFRIP), a tool to explore completed and ongoing OMAFRA-supported research projects across the province. Scott Walker of Velocity Green Inc., speaking about advancements in biologicals and their role in improving soil and crop health. Together, these voices will highlight how collaboration across technology, biology, and policy can strengthen soil health, efficiency, and resilience, helping the organic sector stay true to its roots while embracing the tools of tomorrow. Free to attend. Register here: https://bit.ly/4i8oTGz

As we prepare for the 2026 Organic Conference, we’re excited to share this year’s theme: Where Roots Meet Renewal 🌿🍎🐑 This theme captures the moment our sector is in right now. It is where legacy meets a new era. Where long-standing values meet fresh ideas. Where the foundations we’ve built meet the innovations that will carry us forward. And this year, you will experience that theme in a very real way. After 44 years at the University of Guelph, we are moving to the Guelph Farmers’ Market. It is a space that reflects who we are and what organic stands for: connection, community, accessibility and shared purpose. 🎟Ticket sales open in two weeks.🎟 We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home for year forty-five.🍎🌿

Put your business on Display! Showcase your brand, products, and expertise at the 2026 Guelph Organic Conference happening January 27-28 at the Guelph Farmers' Market! Whether you’re looking to exhibit or sponsor, this is your chance to connect with organic farmers, retailers, and advocates, all passionate about building a stronger organic industry. Why Join Us? ~Network with industry leaders and change-makers ~ Gain valuable exposure to an engaged audience ~ Be part of one of Canada’s oldest organic events Spots are limited! Don’t wait apply today For sponsors, contact: conference@organiccouncil.ca or 519-827-1221 ext. 121 for more information or to shape your sponsorship package. Apply to be an exhibitor here: https://bit.ly/42VXyRr

THIS MONDAY! Pull up a chair, pour yourself a coffee, and join us for a casual yet insightful conversation with organic farmers from across Ontario. This special webinar hosts farmers who are redefining what it means to farm organically. Event Details: ☕ Date: Monday, November 17, 2025 🕐 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST 📍 Online (Zoom) Our roundtable will feature: Len van hoffen Southbrook , Niagara-on-the-Lake Len is the Vineyard Manager at Southbrook, a biodynamic and regenerative vineyard. He focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and low-impact growing practices that support both grape quality and ecosystem vitality. Patricia Kozowyk Baba Link Farm , Flamborough Patricia manages a diverse perennial farm with berries, Asian pears, herbs, edible flowers, and integrated native species for biodiversity. She is passionate about adapting perennial agriculture to climate change and exploring intergenerational land sharing and mentorship. sarah granskou Granskou Greens, Kitchener Sarah runs an abundant all-season urban farm near downtown Kitchener, providing weekly shares throughout the winter. She grows climate-adapted greens and culturally significant crops while collaborating with local high schools. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Erica Shelley, guiding an open and thoughtful exchange on organic farming today. Whether you are a farmer, food advocate, or simply curious about life on the land, this session offers a warm and welcoming space to listen, learn, and connect. Free to attend. Registration required: https://bit.ly/43o6oI4

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is thrilled to host Canadian Organic Growers (COG) for a one-hour conversation with Katie Fettes unlocking the Organic Task Force Report, a groundbreaking national study revealing how organic agriculture can strengthen farmer livelihoods, cut emissions, and position Canada as a leader in sustainable food systems. Discover how expanding organic production could generate billions in farm income, reduce fertilizer emissions, and deliver measurable biodiversity and climate benefits. Learn how policy, market, and research support can turn this potential into action. WEBINAR DETAILS: Wednesday, November 19 12:00–1:00 PM (ET) Online on Zoom Free to attend. Registration required. Register here --> bit.ly/47s2bUJ

Calling all organic processors and manufacturers in Ontario Psst… hey you. Yes, you, the amazing processors, manufacturers, and makers who bring organic food to life. You’re part of the Post-Harvest Organic Sector (PHOS), the final link in the Ontario Organic Value Chain. You make sure our food meets the Canadian Organic Standards. You create the brands lining grocery shelves. And that Certified Organic label on the front of your packaging is there because of your dedication to safe, sustainable, transparent food. At the Organic Council of Ontario, we think it’s time to do a better job supporting you, the people bridging farm to fork. Our first PHOS meet-up is happening in person at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood)on November 24. If this sounds like you, reach out and ask for an invitation. Honestly, we don’t even know who all of you are yet. Let’s change that. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gVyigGXB

TOMORROW: Big things are growing for Canadian organics Join us TOMORROW Nov 10 (12–1 PM ET) for an exclusive webinar with the Canadian Organic Alliance (COA) [Canadian Organic Growers, Organic Federation of Canada, Canada Organic Trade Association] as we explore The Organic Action Plan, a national roadmap to strengthen policy, accelerate innovation, and grow organic markets across Canada. Free to attend. Registration required. Register here: http://bit.ly/437yA1E

🚨 Attention Organic Businesses and Professionals! 🚨 Showcase your brand, products, and expertise at the 2026 Guelph Organic Conference 🌿✨ happening January 27-28 at the Guelph Farmers' Market! Whether you’re looking to exhibit or sponsor, this is your chance to connect with organic farmers, retailers, and advocates, all passionate about building a stronger organic industry. 🌱 Why Join Us? ~Network with industry leaders and change-makers ~ Gain valuable exposure to an engaged audience ~ Be part of one of Canada’s oldest organic events Spots are limited! Don’t wait apply today at the link in our bio! For sponsors, Contact: conference@organiccouncil.ca or 519-827-1221 ext. 121 for more information or to shape your sponsorship package. Apply to be an exhibitor here: https://bit.ly/42VXyRr