alberta

ORGANIC

WINTER 2015 - 2016

ISSUE 04

VOLUME 06

MUSICAL NUMBERS BY THERES A HEIFER IN YOUR TANK

WERE A HIT AT THE 2015 ORGANIC ALBERTA CONFERENCE

FIRST EVER ORGANIC ALBERTA/

AFFPA JOINT CONFERENCE

FEBRUARY 25 - 26, 2016 | POMEROY INN & SUITES, OLDS, ALBERTA

DEBBIE MILLER

This years conference combines the best of

two worlds as we partner with Alberta Farm
Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) to bring
you two days packed with speakers, trade
show and presentations all hand-picked to
provide you with the information you need
to take your operation to the next level.
Whether you are a grain, vegetable, livestock
or fruit producer you wont want to miss the
sessions on everything from the nuts and bolts
of growing a healthy crop (including managing
those pesky weeds), to discussions on how to

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

make your farm more successful, to the latest

trends in food and packaging, with a healthy
dose of fun thrown in for good measure. We
highly recommend that you bring more than
one person to get the most out of the back
to back sessions there will be a lot going
on. See pages 8 and 9 for a teaser on some
of the sessions we are organizing for you.
REGISTER BEFORE FEBRUARY 12 AND SAVE!

Let us know early that you are coming and

we will reward you with a discounted rate.
If you are an Organic Alberta or AFFPA
member we will register you for both days
at only $100 ($150 for non-members) $140

and $210 after Feb12. Bring someone

else from your Farm Unit and we will let
you both in for only $180 ($250 for nonmembers) $250 and $375 after Feb 12. Hint:
if you are a certified organic producer living
in Alberta you are automatically an Organic
Alberta member. If not, then please consider
purchasing a Friends of Organic membership.
It could be the best $42 you spend today!
There are both registration and membership
application forms available on our website.You
have two choices register or sign up online
and pay using your credit card, or print the
documents and mail to us with your cheque.
Cant wait to see you there!

WINTER 2015 - 2016 | ISSUE 04 | VOLUME 06

Mission: To represent and support Albertas

entire organic industry.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT

Vision: A strong, sustainable and united

organic community in Alberta.

Editor/Submissions & Advertising

Editor: Debbie Miller
306-642-0216
editor@organicalberta.org
Copy Editor
Brenda Frick
306-260-0663
organic@usask.ca
Graphic Designer & Publisher
Curio Studio
780-451-2261
www.curiostudio.ca

Executive Director
Becky Lipton:
587-521-2400 | becky.lipton@organicalberta.org
Board Members
Representatives elected by region:
(N) North (S) South (C) Central
(M) Member at Large
President: Ward Middleton (C):
780-939-7549 | midmore@xplornet.ca
Vice President: Heather Kerschbaumer (N):
780-835-4508 | gaseeds@kerbagroup.com
Treasurer: Danny Turner (M):
780-469-1900 | danny@theorganicbox.ca
Secretary: Erin Paulson (M):
403-710-8117 | erin@blushlane.com
Lawrence Ashmead (M):
403-971-9682 | lawrence.ashmead@
freshdirectproduce.com
Trevor Aleman (S)
403-308-4003 | trevor@busybeasmarketgarden.com
Tim Hoven (S):
403-302-2748 | tim@hovenfarms.com
Janice Shelton (N):
780-623-7664 | tjshelton@mcsnet.ca

Spring 2016 deadline is Friday, March 4th. Please

send comments, suggestions, questions, ads, and/
or articles to editor@organicalberta.org

Imported organic grain continues to come into our

domestic market because the local prices are high
and supply is limited. However, what we want is for
companies, now and in the future, to prioritize prairie
grains not just because they are local, but because
they are the highest quality grains in the world.

BECKY LIPTON,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR : ORGANIC ALBERTA

At the moment, almost everything we produce

sells quickly into the organic market because of
the general shortage in organic grains. Increasing
supply by focusing on profitability of current organic
producers and transitioning in new producers
is the main focus of the Prairie Organic Grain
Initiative and what most of our resources are going
towards. However, we are also exploring what being
intentional about our marketing strategy for Prairie
Organic Grains would look like. So why focus on
a marketing strategy when we can sell what we
produce and the market is so strong? Because the
future is just around the corner.
In order for the organic sector to continue to
grow and take advantage of the strong consumer
demand, we need to increase our overall
production. If we dont, we will lose future market
share. As we balance out the supply and demand,
we want the demand for Prairie Organic Grains to
be stronger than demand for organic grain from
other parts of the world. Even now, we need that.

So how do we achieve that? Firstly, we make sure

we have the highest quality grains in the world. The
Prairie Organic Grain Initiative has a whole series of
programs that are about to be rolled out, focused
on increasing quality, such as a 1-800 number for
production questions, training organic agronomists,
on farm nutrient analysis programs, and farmer to
farmer mentorship programs.
Secondly, we create a brand and key messaging for
the entire sector, so we are all singing the same tune
when we talk about Prairie Grains. This messaging
would be complementary to any individual
companys messaging, and would help buyers in
the Canadian, American, European, Japanese, etc.
markets to all think the same things when they see
Prairie Grains they would think this is the product
I want, this is the product I will pay a premium for
because it is worth it.
We are currently working with the Canadian
Organic Trade Association to develop that branding.
I look forward to sharing it with you in future
issues. In the meantime, be sure to participate in
our many programs aimed at increasing profitability
and supply of organic production. To find out more
contact, info@organicalberta.org

ORGANIC ALBERTA SUPPORTERS

Big thank you to the following people who sent in donations, and/or became Friends of Organic
over the last few months. It is your contributions that keep us going!
Arnold and Jeanette Van Os, Frank and Margaret Dyck, John Wiebe, Keith and Bev Everts, Jerry Kitt,
Donald Bogen, Mark Gibeau, Peter and Irene Mihailuk, Robin and Sarah Curtis, Old Elm Farming
Co. Ltd., Daryl Cole, Prairie Point Holdings, Hill'N Vale Farms, Jacob F and Gertrude Wall, Pier and
Tiny Brouwer, Isaac Marten, Patrick Lipton and Art and Kathy Baker.
Are we missing your name? If you havent sent in your donation yet, please do it soon!
We depend on you!

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

A SAMPLING OF PRODUCTS FROM

BIRD & BEES ORGANIC WINERY AND MEADERY

ORGANIC
FRENCH ENVY SOUP
(Tonia Chrapko, Birds & Bees
Organic Winery and Meadery)
A rich broth made with alfalfa wine and a blend
of sweet and white onions. Topped with hearty
sourdough bread and a sprinkle of cheese.
Saut
3

3 tbsp.
3

medium or large organic onions, a mixture

of sweet and white, cubed
organic butter
bay leaves

Add
cup

Roll in the Hay wine by Birds & Bees

Simmer 5-10 minutes

Add
4 cups water
4 cups organic beef bone broth

(or substitute Harvest Sun or

CelifbR bouillon)
Simmer
Serve with cubes of hearty organic sourdough bread from
a local bakery. Or, you can toast slices of any wholesome
organic bread and then cube them to make croutons.
Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top. Bake if
desired. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy with a Roll in the Hay.
Makes other wines greenwith envy!

Have you heard about the birds & the bees, the flowers
and the trees ...<wink>....
Birds & Bees Organic Winery and Meadery wants to teach you
a thing or two about the facts of life on their organic farm, making
wine from their organic orchard fruits and honey. They even make
wine from organic alfalfa!Their wines can be found at Farmers'
Markets and liquor stores across Alberta.Check out their website
for locations and for ordering online: BirdsAndBeesWinery.com
or check us out on Facebook @BirdsAndBeesOrganicWineryAndMeadery

We clean cereals,
oilseeds, and
pulse crops.
Contact Glen Hartel at 403-578-3810
or coroseed@xplornet.com

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

PUTTING ORGANIC FOOD ON THE MAP

DANA PENRICE

Consumers often say they have a hard time

finding organic food. It can be even more difficult
for them to find local AND organic food. That
is why we have developed the Alberta Organic
Food map.
Consumers can go online to
www.map.organicalberta.org and find over
200 locations across Alberta where local organic
food is sold. They can search within their region
and by category. The map includes grocery
stores, restaurants, home delivery services, farm
direct, farmers markets, bakeries, meat shops
and cheese stores.
Locations we know about are automatically added with basic information
at no cost to the operation. However, if you are selling Alberta organic
products, you may take advantage of this map by upgrading to a Premium
account for a one-time fee of only $99. This way you can include the
additional information consumers appreciate, like websites, hours of
operation and product listings.
The Alberta Organic Food map has been an exciting way to see the
thriving and growing organic industry all in one place. We look forward to
sharing this with consumers and continuing to add new locations and new
information. Contact us about how you can take advantage of this great tool
dana.penrice@organicalberta.org

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

ORGANIC MARKET
OPPORTUNITIES
CLASSIFIED ADS
Diversify with Alber tas upcoming frost tolerant specialty
crop! Grow Quinoa! Organic Total production contracts
available for 2016. Premium returns, guaranteed markets
and delivery. www.quinoa.com. Call 306-933-9525.
Buying Organic Milling Wheat, Feed Grains, Spelt, Flax
and Peas for NutraSun Foods and Growers International.
8 Delivery Locations across the Prairies. Call Mark at
306-652-4529 for prices

LAURA TELFORD,
MANITOBA AGRICULTURE, FOOD
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

DECEMBER 2015 - MARKET PRICES

All organic crops are close to double the price of their conventional counterparts.
The price of organic flax is on the rise, as is that for organic mustard. Statistics Canada
data indicate that a considerably smaller mustard crop was harvested in Canada in
2015. It seems that organic mustard is also in short supply, high demand, or both.
Organic wheat prices are stable.

Organic price
$ / bu

Non-organic price
$ / bu

Soybeans - feed

$21.74/bu (USDA)

Soybeans - food

food $28.85/bu del

to e. ON

Oats - milling

$7/bu fob farm, $7.50/bu

fob farm (Jan-Mar 2017)

$2.85

Flax - brown

$38-$40/bu fob farm

(old crop), $34/bu fob
farm (2016 contract)

$11/bu

F.W. Cobs is buying HRSW and feed grains, including Barley,

Peas, Rye, Screenings, and more. We buy FOB the farm,
delivered to Loreburn, SK or loaded rail. Call 888-531-4888
ext 7 or 8.

Flax - yellow

$35/bu fob farm (old crop)

$15/bu (Prairie, fob farm)

Corn - feed

$10.51/bu (USDA)

$4.27/bu ($US)

Wheat - food

$19-21.50/bu (MB)

$6.10/bu

Wheat - feed

$12.25/bu del to e ON

$5.89/bu

Organic meat needed for retail. Frozen or fresh.

Contact Blush Lane erin@blushlane.com

Peas - feed

$17.60/bu del to e. ON

$6.53/bu

Barley - feed

$9.25/bu del to e. ON

$4.16/bu

Mustard seed - yellow

$1.00/lb. (fob farm)

$0.53/lb.

Organic producers of hempseed or flax, Contracting for 2015

and 2016 crop. Contact Bioriginal Crop Production Manager,
Carl Lynn at Cell: 306-229-9976. Email: clynn@bioriginal.com

Are you looking for a consistent supply of Organic Soybean

meal? Shafer Commodities can assist you with all of your
organic needs, we are also buying HRS, durum, flax, barley
& peas. Call 403-328-5066.
Wanted: finished certified organic grain and grass fed beef.
For Sale: Certified organic alfalfa seed, feeder hogs, and
milking cows. Also Freezer pork, lamb and beef. Contact
Peter Lundgard at Natures Way Farm 780-338-2934
Trade and Expor t Canada is buying all grades of organic
grains. Call 306-433-4700.

Organic Premium this Month

(based on highest organic and conventional prices)
Oats - milling

246%

Mustard - yellow

189%

Flax - brown

364%

Flax - yellow

233%

Corn - feed

246%

Wheat food

352%

Wheat - feed

208%

Peas - feed

270%

Barley - feed

222%

WINTER 2015 - 2016 | ISSUE 04 | VOLUME 06

PRAIRIE ORGANICS: THINK WHOLE FARM

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA, WINNIPEG, MB
This two day mid-winter conference
will address key barriers that organic
producers face in improving production efficiency, personal satisfaction
and farm financial health. The conference theme- Think Whole Farm
is intended to stimulate discussion
on big picture ideas such as how to
integrate the cropping, livestock and
marketing components of the farm
business to build more resilient,
lasting and rewarding enterprises.
For the practical producer, the conference will also delve into the nuts and
bolts of farming. Successful organic
producers will share their successes
and failures. What field equipment
works best for seed bed preparation?
How do you manage perennial weeds
such as Canada thistle? What crop
rotations work best in your floodprone par t of the province? How do
you design a rotational grazing system
that works with your field crops?
Researchers with dedicated organic
research programs will also share
the latest science on building fer tility
and managing weeds in organic
farming systems.
Conference organizers understand
that producers learn best from one
another and they have built in many
oppor tunities for producers to network with other producers, agronomists, scientists, equipment suppliers,
cer tification agencies and buyers.

A live streaming webcast means that

you do not have to leave the comfort of your own home to par ticipate
(high speed internet is required) or
come to Winnipeg in the dead of
winter. Web par ticipants will be able
to ask questions of speakers and

FEB 18-19 2016

panelists. The webcast consists of five

one-hour sessions each day over two
days and you will have time to take
care of your chores between sessions.
Cost for web participants is $50.
Check out the lineup of great organic
speakers at www.prairieorganics.ca

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

OCIA International - Canada

OCIAThe Root of Organic Integrity
Leading the Way in Organic
Certification for Over 25 Years
Contact us today regarding discounts
for new members!

Marg Laberge, Member Services T: 780-851-9482

Email: mlaberge@ocia.org www.ocia.org

Simply Fish
SOIL AMENDMENT

APPR
FOR O OVED
PROD RGANIC
UCTI
ON

sales@simplyfish.ca

simplyfish.ca

ORGANIC
Grain Millers, Inc. is privately held
family company that has been a
leader in Organic milling for over
25 years. Our business is built on
strong partnerships with our
farmers. We offer competitive,
farm gate pricing, agronomy and
sustainability advice and strong
markets for your grains.

OATS
FLAX
BARLEY
MUSTARD
WHEAT

ORGANIC ALBERTA AND ALBERTA FARM FRESH PRODUCERS ASSOC PRESENT

TAKING YOUR FARM TO THE NEXT LEVEL

OLDS, ALBERTA | FEBRUARY 25, 2016

THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 25, 2016
DAY 1

STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

STREAM 4

8:00 8:45 AM

REGISTRATION

8:45 9:15 AM

Connecting the Community Becky Lipton

9:15 10:00 AM

PLENARY - How to Make a Small Farm Successful Rebecca Thistlethwaite

10:00 10:30 AM

COFFEE BREAK & TRADE SHOW

10:30 11:55 AM

12:00 1:30 PM

Practical Crop Rotation

in Vegetable Production
Mike Kozlowski

Grazing & Planning

for Drought
Abe Collins

Organic 3.0: The Next

Phase of Organic
Development
Becky Lipton

LUNCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AFFPA / ORGANIC ALBERTA)

How to Make
Your Farm Customer
Friendly Blake Hall /
Tam Anderson

Organic Alberta AGM continued: Updates and

news from the organic industry

2:30 3:25 PM

Weed Control Options

for Vegetable crops
Janice Shelton

Making Lean work for

on-Farm processing:
Practical Business
Stories Jody Marshall
& Irvings Farm

Better housing
and pasture systems
for poultry
Daniel Chappell

3:30 4:00 PM

Weed Management in
Grain Production
Katherine Stanley
(tentative)

TBD

TBD

COFFEE BREAK & TRADE SHOW

Pest ID
Know your
enemies
Rob Spencer

Soils Bringing Soil

Science Back to the
Farm Abe Collins,
Kim Wickwire,
Daniel Chappell,
Wally Hamm

Local Food
Perspectives on
Where it is Going

Canadian Organic
Standard Update
and Revisions
Amy Kremen

5:00 5:30 PM

TRADE SHOW

5:30 6:30 PM

5:30 6:30 Dinner & Awards (Cash Bar available)

7:00 PM +

MIXER HOSTED BY YOUNG AGRARIANS

TBD

TRADESHOW

1:30 2:25 PM

Strawberry production
on plasticulture
Blaine Staples (tentative)

4:00 4:55 PM

TBD
NEW VENTURE CONSULTATIONS

Strawberry Production
Soup to Nuts
Rob Spencer

BUSINESS /
CONVERSATION
ROOM

ORGANIC ALBERTA AND ALBERTA FARM FRESH PRODUCERS ASSOC PRESENT

TAKING YOUR FARM TO THE NEXT LEVEL

OLDS, ALBERTA | FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 26, 2016
DAY 2

STREAM 1

STREAM 2

STREAM 3

STREAM 4

BUSINESS /
CONVERSATION
ROOM

8:00 8:30 AM

REGISTRATION

8:30 8:55 AM

PLENARY A Deep Topsoil Legacy: Growing Deep Soil Catchments Abe Collins (tentative)

9:05 10:00 AM

Practical Integrated
Pest Management
Dustin Morton

10:00 10:30 AM

Small-scale Pork
Production
Rebecca Thistlethwaite

Green Manure
Management
Joanna McKenzie

TBD

COFFEE BREAK & TRADE SHOW

Transitioning
to Organics
HORT/MEAT
Brian Luce, John Mills
& Stuart McMillan

12:00 1:00 PM

Meat Regulations
Mark Miller

Grain Producer
Panel: Crop Rotation
Design Steve Snider,
Jim Schoepp, Ward
Middleton,Tim Hoven

TBD
TRADESHOW

Newer Fruit Crops Sour Cherry & Haskap/

Blue Honeysuckle
Production
Rob Spencer

LUNCH & TRADE SHOW

1:00 1:55 PM

Spotted Wing
Drosophila
(& Other New
Threats)
Rob Spencer

Innovations on the
Horizon: Hoops,
Houses, and
Aquaculture
Greg Rekken, Daniel
Chappell, Dr. Nick
Savidov

Beef Cuts that

Appeal
Marty Carpenter
and Abe Van Melle

Grain Buyers Panel

TBD

2:00 2:55 PM

Basic to Fancy
Post-Harvest Handling
and Storage
Ron Erdman
(tentative)

Building the
Next Generation
of Farmers
Young Agrarians

Transitioning to
Organic Grain
Production
Stuart McMillan,
Amy Kremen, Scott
Olson, Melisa Zapisocky

Prairie Organic Grain

Initiative:What's
in it for You?
Karen Snethun,
Iris Vaisman

TBD

3:00 3:30 PM

COFFEE BREAK & TRADE SHOW

3:30 4:25 PM

PLENARY Carbon Farming:The Future in Resilient, Regenerative Farms - Abe Collins (tentative)

4:30 PM

Conference ends

Funding to support the delivery of this conference is provided by Growing Forward 2 through the Explore Local Initiative as well as
Western Diversification and Industry partners through the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative and from our conference sponsors.

NEW VENTURE CONSULTATIONS

10:30 11:55 AM

Packaging Options
and Regulations
Lindsay Sutton
& CFIA

WINTER 2015 - 2016 | ISSUE 04 | VOLUME 06

PRAIRIE ORGANIC GRAIN INITIATIVE UPDATE

KAREN SNETHUN,
PROGRAM MANAGER

The main focus of the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative

is to increase supply by focusing on profitability of current
organic producers and transitioning in new producers.
It is essential to address supply issues so that companies
are able to launch new organic products and move into
new markets. This will also help to prevent natural and
non-GMO from gaining ground, and imported grains
from flooding into Canada.
Without supply, the organic market will not grow
as much as it could, reducing our potential. Lack
of supply is already having a detrimental effect on
our local markets; from feed and livestock, to
bakeries who cant find local flour.
But we dont want to just increase supply. We want to
be smart about it. Its important that supply grow with
demand. Prices need to stay strong so farmers make
money. We also want to address market infrastructure
issues, such as pricing and trends information. Farmers
need robust markets. In essence, we want to build
resiliency and stability into our sector so it continues
to be strong and vibrant.

To that end, the Optimization Stream Advisory Team

has determined four key priority areas:
Building Soil Fertility
Managing Weeds
Optimizing Crop Rotations for Weed and Fertility
Management
Maximizing Grain Quality
See below for some of the activities already underway.
Over the next three years, we will continue to roll out
projects targeting the four priority areas. There is still
budget and time to influence the process. If you have
a project related to our priorities, please let us know.
You can contact the Optimization Stream Chair at
Laura.Telford@gov.mb.ca or the Optimization Stream
Manager at Iris.Vaisman@organicalberta.org.

ATTRACTING NEW GROWERS

Another way to increase supply is by attracting new
growers into organic grain production. Over the last
several months, the New Grower Transition Stream
Advisory Committee has been working with an
Edmonton-based marketing firm to develop a campaign
aimed at conventional farmers. The PIVOT & GROW
campaign will promote the transition to organic farming
by addressing barriers and highlighting the benefits of
organic production.
The PIVOT & GROW campaign challenges farmers
to rethink their assumptions about organics. It reminds
them that theres more to the story than whats in the
mainstream media or meets the eye. The brand aims
to provide three key messages: youll make money, you
can do it and well guide you.
The campaign will be implemented at conventional trade
shows, in print magazines, roll-up banners, postcards and
digital media (e.g., website, Facebook and Instagram).
The PIVOT website for transitioning organic grain
farmers will be launched mid Feb, 2016. Check out
www.pivotandgrow.com Visit our PIVOT Facebook
Community online at: https://www.facebook.com/
pivotandgrow. For more information about
the New Grower Transition Stream, contact
Melisa.Zapisocky@organicalberta.org

INCREASING PROFITABILITY
One of the key ways we will build supply is by optimizing
organic grain production and grain quality, thereby improving and stabilizing profits to organic producers. Improved
yields can help producers to withstand marketplace fluctuations, especially declines in the organic price advantage
relative to conventional.

UPCOMING PRAIRIE ORGANIC GRAIN

INITIATIVE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO
FARMERS ACROSS THE PRAIRIES INCLUDE:

WEB-BASED TOOLS BEING CREATED

INCLUDE:

FARMERS WILL BE ABLE TO CONNECT

WITH EXPERTS VIA:

Green Manure web based decision tool

Organic Agronomist Training

Enviro Scan Research Summary (available now

for free download on our website)

Videos seeding rates, inter-row cultivation, etc.

1-800 number

Organic Field Crop Handbook

On-line discussion forum

with expert content

On-Farm Nutrient Consultations

Fact Sheets

Social media

Farmer Profiles

Transition Workshops and Conferences

Pivot & Grow website

On-Farm Trials

Organic Standards Guidance Document

New Farmer Kits
FCC Record-keeping Software

Mentorship Programs

Field Days
Farm Clubs

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

11

CREATING LONG-TERM MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

We need to think about the future. Some may think we dont need to focus on market
development today, because we cant fill our current markets.
However, as the effects of the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative programs play out, we will
have strong supply. Having a resilient system in 5 years means building a strong reputation
both domestically and internationally for Prairie Organic Grains, as well as investing in building
market relationships. To achieve this, the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative is working with the
Canadian Organic Trade Association to build a brand and key messaging that can be used
by all marketers of Prairie Organic Grains, and also to identify what markets will have the
most potential for us when we have balanced our supply with our demand, and are ready
to expand our markets.
Another strategy is to invest in building market relationships. We do that by participating
in international trade missions. One of those trade missions was to Japan in October 2015.
Two companies dealing in grain based products joined us: New Century Produce and
Northern Nutraceuticals. Here is what we found out:
POTENTIAL NEW MARKETS FOR PRAIRIE GRAIN
The Japanese market has a lot of future potential. It is the 9th largest organic market in the
world, and Canada is already Japans 4th largest agri-food and seafood supplier. Japanese people
buy organic food because it is tasty, safe, clean and fresh. Food safety is a major concern.
The organic market started in Japan with the birth of CSAs, and in 2000 the JAS organic
standard was created. 0.5% of farms in Japan are organic, with rice, vegetables and fruits being
their primary products. JAS does not cover livestock products, and therefore is a potential
opportunity for Canadian exports. Current Japanese organic consumption is made up of coffee/
tea (24%), organic restaurant sales (27.3%), cotton (18%) and cosmetics (11%). The market is
currently strongest for processed products because of limited domestic production, but as their
processing capacity increases so will demand for raw products, including grain.
During the trip Becky met with over 30 importers, as well as attending retail tours to get
a sense of the organic market and opportunities. If you are currently interested in supplying
Japan in any of the categories below, please contact info@organicalberta.org.
There was a demand for Adzuki beans, soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, marrowfat peas, oats
(for noodles only), barley (for noodles) and an interest in packaged and retail ready hemp,
flax and other oils.
There was also a strong interest in anything that could be called a superfood or functional
food such as berries or hemp, as well as a strong interest in packaged products such as: gluten
free and organic, new and innovative processed products, chocolates, chocolate cookies,
candies, cereals, snacks, jams, granola, drinks, pancake mixes, oat powder (as an ingredient
for food supplements), pasta, wine, coffee, bulk teas.
The 2015 organic equivalency agreement between Japan and Canada opened up trade
opportunities between our two countries. As the market continues to grow, there will be
increasingly more opportunities for prairie organic grain and grain based products in Japan.

rganic
roducers
ssociation
Certification
with TCO Cert

Seeking

timely & efficient

organic certification?
Minimize and Simplify Your Paperwork
Connections to Local and Global Markets:
Canadian Organic Regime
JAS Organic Equivalency
USDA NOP Equivalency
EU Organic Equivalency
Bio Suisse Verification

More than 15 Years of Experience in Delivering

a CFIA Quality Assurance Program

Contact us:
Toll-free: (800) 516-3300
Phone: (613) 236-6451
www.csi-ics.com

About CSI
The Centre for Systems Integration, a division of
the Canadian Seed Institute, is a proven service
provider of quality assurance programs in the
agriculture sector.

WINTER 2015 - 2016 | ISSUE 04 | VOLUME 06

OATS

COATED GRAINS
& CLUSTERS

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

13

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

The Prairie Organic Grain Initiative is pleased to announce the following personnel changes:
Iris Vaisman has joined the team as Coordinator for the Optimization Stream and will also
be working with the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security. Her previous
experience was at the University of Manitobas Farming Systems Lab where she served
as a Technician. Iris has a Master of Science (Plant Science) from the University of Manitoba.
Melisa Zapisocky will now be serving as the New Grower Transition Stream Coordinator
of the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative in addition to continuing her work as livestock program
manager. Melisa has incredible experience in the local food movement, farm direct marketing
and organic livestock. She has a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Food and Agriculture
Development from the University of Manitoba.
Karen Snethun will assume the role of Program Director for the Prairie Organic
Grain Initiative. Karen was formally working with the Transition Stream. Becky Lipton
will continue to stay on in an advisory capacity.
A special thank you to Laura Telford who has been acting in the role of the Optimization
Stream manager. We appreciate her ideas, hard work and experience. Thank you, Laura!

WELCOME IRIS VAISMAN

WINTER 2015 - 2016 | ISSUE 04 | VOLUME 06

Prairie Heritage Seeds

Proud supporter of organic agriculture.

Wishing all organic growers a productive 2016 crop year.
Currently contracting Kamut and other grains.
WWW.PHSORGANICS.COM | 1.306.869.2926

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

15

ARE YOU GETTING

THE MOST VALUE
OUT OF YOUR BEEF?

MELISA ZAPISOCKY

For farm direct marketers of beef, a common challenge is finding value for
the whole carcass. The memorable and easy to prepare cuts like steak, ribs,
even ground beef, are the first to go. Whats left might require a little bit
more ingenuity to sell.
Tenderness Rule of Thumb: the farther a cut is from hoof, horn or hip,
the more tender the meat. Less tender cuts often have more flavour.
There is tremendous value in the rest of the carcass; this is where the truly
flavourful and interesting cuts are found from the loin, brisket, flank and
chuck. However, you are going to have to learn about these cuts, develop
or find recipes and cook with them. Find a butcher to work with you, and
help your customers/family members learn to love them. Not to worry,
there is an app for that!
Canada Beef has developed an intuitive and descriptive app, called
THE ROUNDUP which shows you how to break down the entire
carcass into retail ready cuts and then cook it. Search by name, and find
common, alternate and less common cuts. Prep and cooking instructions
are offered for each cut, so you and your customers know whether it
should be grilled, roasted or marinated. Tips, recipes and videos are
included, as well as a tenderness guide.
Download the App today by searching THE ROUNDUP app

CLASSIFIED ADS

Stony Plains Organic Master Gardener program

is Albertas only organic master gardener program
and is geared to adult learners. Class begins Wednesday,
February 3, 2016. Go to multicentre.org or contact
judyk@multicentre.org

#1, 10329-61 AVE NW

EDMONTON, AB
T6H 1K9

FIRST NAME LAST NAME

COMPANY NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, PROVINCE
POSTAL CODE

Organic Grain Marketing

Feed Grains
Food Grade
Oilseeds
Pulses
Screenings

Contact:
Jake, Kelly, Tom or Glen@ 306-931-4576
sales@sunrisefoods.ca
Sunrise Foods International Inc. - Saskatoon, SK
Licensed and Bonded by the Canadian Grain Commission