alberta

ORGANIC

FALL 2015

ISSUE 03

VOLUME 06

FILMING AT VAL SCHAFERS

THE SUMMER THAT WAS

LETHBRIDGE FIELD DAY

LUCENDS RANCH FARM TOUR

DEBBIE MILLER, EDITOR

SOILS WORKSHOP WITH JILL CLAPPERTON

HOMEGROWN FOODS ORGANIC WEEK

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

2015 will go down in the Organic Alberta

record books as being especially busy full of
everything from filming videos (see http://ow.ly/
ToPln) to organizing and attending workshops
and farm tours everywhere from Lethbridge
in the south to Lac La Biche and Fort Vermilion
in the north, to sampling local organic food
at retail outlets (10 and still counting!) to
participating in a variety of organic week
activities across the province. Here is a small
photographic taste of what we were up to!

FALL 2015 | ISSUE 03 | VOLUME 06

Mission: To represent and support Albertas

entire organic industry.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT

Vision: A strong, sustainable and united

organic community in Alberta.

slow growth, and result in less grain sales. Or they will

source from other parts of the world, something we
have already seen happen.This floods the market and
brings down prices. It addresses the shortage issue, but
brings absolutely no benefits to prairie organic farmers.

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):
780-939-7459 | wmiddleton@interbaun.com
Vice President: Heather Kerschbaumer (N):
780-835-4508 | gaseeds@kerbagroup.com
Treasurer: Danny Turner (M):
780-469-1900 | danny@theorganicbox.ca

One of the goals of the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative

is to transition conventional farmers into organics.
This has prompted a number of farmers to approach
us with concerns. Some are worried that the investment
by the buyers and processors is solely self-interested
because they want lower prices; others are pointing
to grain sitting in their bin and questioning the reality
of the shortage claims, and some are worried that
we will bring in new producers, only to see another
recession that leaves product sitting in the bin again,
year after year.

The overarching goal of the Prairie Organic Grain

Initiative is to build resiliency and increase stability
in the Prairie organic grain sector. As such, we are actively
working to find balance throughout the program. So what
does that mean? It means not transitioning more producers than are needed. It means continuing to monitor the
market, demand, and prices. It means transitioning in the
right people focusing our efforts on the conventional
producers who are most likely to succeed in organics.
It means having identified the biggest challenges they face,
and developing programs to help them through that process. It also means working with current organic producers to increase the quality and quantity of current organic
production. A major component of the Prairie Organic
Grain Initiatives work is focused on programs for organic
growers. It also means focusing on marketing, including
working across the board to help existing farmers to be
able to market their grain, and providing the information
and data necessary to keep everyone competitive.

So what happens if we dont increase supply? We lose

markets. It is as simple as that. Businesses who want
to take advantage of the growth in organic demand
(which is very strong, by the way) will choose to fulfill
the markets in other ways, such as selling natural and
GMO-free.This would undermine the organic brand,

The Prairie Organic Grain Initiative is about the

whole organic industry, and about continuing to reap
the benefits that growth brings for all, from the farmer
to the processors. If we all benefit, we achieve increased
stability and measured but continual growth. Who
doesnt want that?

BECKY LIPTON,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR : ORGANIC ALBERTA

Why do we need more organic producers?

Secretary: Erin Paulson (M):

403-710-8117 | erin@blushlane.com
Lawrence Ashmead (M):
403-971-9682 | lawrence.ashmead@
freshdirectproduce.com
Sam Godwin (C)
780-785-8023 | samhillent@hotmail.com
Jake Drozda (Ab rep at the Federal Level)
780-524-3254 | oscar123d16@hotmail.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

Winter 2016 deadline is Friday, November 27.

Please send comments, suggestions, questions,
ads, and/or articles to editor@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!
Elizabeth Chrapko, John & Dorothy Marshall, Valerie Schafers, Keith & Lois Burger, Isaac & Anna
Krahn, Bar X Ranch, Gerald & Salome Peters, Peter Lundgard, Anderson Farms, John & Caroline
Martens, Frank & Shirley Doerksen, Unruh Farms, Aspen Acres Organics, Jake Wall, Paul Loziak,
Frank Maddock, Terry Sheehan, Don & Marie Ruzicka, Premium Organic Farms, SP Cattle
Company Ltd., Michael Scott, Siri Johnson, Lory Betchuk, Lorraine Giebelhaus, Koekoek Farms,
Jedidiah Franklin, Duke Dobyanski, Brian Luce, Sergius Mankow, Judy Kesanko, Brenda Frick,
Wilf Petherbridge, Ernie Peters, DIY Deer Food Plots, Heather Benedict, David Kowalek,
E Roselyn Elford, Sheila Bailin, Nolan Wohlgemuth.
Are we missing your name? If you havent sent in your donation yet please do it soon!
We depend on you!

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

JERK STYLE FLAT IRON

STEAK WITH SWEET
POTATO STRINGS

GENERAL

CHEF MARTY SHOWCASING BEAUTIFUL ORGANIC BEEF

PHOTO BY MELISA ZAPISOCKY

JERK STYLE FLAT IRON STEAK INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup

Canola oil*

1 cup

Diced onion* (your choice)

1/4 cup

Peeled, minced gingerroot*

1/2 cup

EACH diced red onion*, soya sauce* and white wine vinegar*

1/4 cup

Sambal Oeleck* (an Asian sauce made with chiles, vinegar

and a little salt. May substitute chile sauce, harissa paste,
or hot pepper flakes to taste)

2 tbsp

EACH ground allspice* and fresh thyme leaves*

1/2 tsp

Ground cinnamon*

5 lb

Flat iron steaks* (approx. 8 oz/250 g each steak), trimmed

SWEET POTATO STRINGS INGREDIENTS

3 lb

Sweet potatoes or yams*

1 tsp

Seasoning salt*

1 tsp

Oil* for frying

INSTRUCTIONS
Jerk Style Flat Iron Steak
1. Heat oil in saut pan. Cook onion and gingerroot using medium-low heat
until caramelized. Let cool.
2. In food processor, combine cooked onion and gingerroot with red onion,
soy sauce, vinegar, Sambal Oeleck, allspice, thyme leaves and cinnamon.
Puree. Place in large sealable freezer bag with steaks. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours.

BEEF FOR THE

SOPHISTICATED BEEF
CONNOISSEUR
As part of our Organic Week celebrations we were pleased to partner
with the Canadian Centre of Beef Excellence in Calgary on menu optimization
and the craft of carcass utilization. A master butcher demonstrated how
to disassemble primal, sub-primal and retail cuts from both hind and front
quarters of an entire carcass and participants learned about the unique
attributes of grass fed beef. Chef Marty Carpenter from Canada Beef
demonstrated some best cooking methods. Participants can attest that
Canadian Organic Beef is indeed very tasty!
Chef Marty prepared a rib eye steak with a Chimichurri sauce, a typical
Latin complement to steak. Here is the recipe for those who would like
to try it at home:
INGREDIENTS
1 bunch

Parsley*

6 cloves

Garlic*

125 ml

Lemon juice*

60 ml

Cider vinegar*

Sweet Potato Strings:

250 ml

Olive oil*

1. Peel sweet potatoes or yams; cut lengthwise into long thin strings
using a mandoline.

2 tbsp

Brown sugar*

1 tsp

Ground cumin*

2. Deep-fry the strings in 375F (190C) oil for 45 seconds; drain

and season with seasoning salt.

Salt*

To taste

1 tbsp

Coarse black pepper*

3. Discard marinade. Wipe excess marinade from steaks and grill 5-6 minutes
per side until rare to medium-rare. Serve each steak with 4 oz (125 g)
sweet potato strings.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS

Cooks Notes

Finely chop parsley and garlic, place in bowl with brown sugar. Add lemon
juice, vinegar and olive oil to make a thick mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
Let stand to mature 1-2 hours. Serve as a side or topping with grilled steak.

To cut the muscle into steaks, fillet the whole muscle, cutting lengthwise
down the centre, following the natural seam. Cut about 2 pieces for each
side (cutting steaks that are about 8 oz/250 g each).Trim off the silver skin.

*Organic

Yams will give a richer colour and sweetness than sweet potatoes.
Sweet potato strings can be served warm or cold, so they may be cooked
in advance of service.
SERVINGS: 10
*Organic

Jerk Stlye Flat Iron Steak with Sweet Potato Strings recipe compliments of Canada Beef,
an independent national organization representing the research, marketing and promotion
of the Canadian cattle and beef industry worldwide, and our workshop partners! Check
their website www.canadabeef.ca for more delicious beef recipes!

FALL 2015 | ISSUE 03 | VOLUME 06

ORGANIC STAKEHOLDER CIRCLE MONTHLY TELECONFERENCE

GROWING THE ORGANIC COMMUNITY THROUGH EXCHANGE

JOIN US!
Second Wednesday of Every Month
Next Call: Wednesday, November 18th, 2015
The goal of the calls is to build community
and grow capacity through exchange and
learning.The whos who in the prairie
organic sector are on the call.

TELECONFERENCE FORMAT:
Guest speaker related to organic grain
production on the Prairies
Cross-provincial Updates:
tell us what youve been up to related to
transition and optimization (1-2 min) and/or

tell us what youve been hearing

in the field and/or
tell us what youre excited about
in the organic world!
Prairie Organic Grain Initiative Update
RSVP to Karen Snethun - karen.snethun@
organicalberta.org if you would like to attend.

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.

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

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

GENERAL

ORGANIC MARKET PRICES

ORGANIC MARKET
OPPORTUNITIES
CLASSIFIED ADS
Growers International is buying all kinds of wheat, durum,
barley, oats, flax, spelt, peas, mustard and lentils. Call one
of our buyers today! Mark Gimby: 306-652-4529, Braden
Neuls: 204-918-5522, Lorne Lix: 204-924-7050.
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 306.933.9525.
Wanted: Finished organic cattle and feeder cattle.
Contact Peter Lundgard, Natures Way Farm 780-338-2934.
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
and peas. 403-328.5066.
Organic producers of hempseed or flax, contracting for 2015
and 2016 crop. Contact Bioriginal Crop Production Manager,
Carl Lynn at 306-229-9976 or clynn@bioriginal.com.
Organic meat needed for retail. Frozen or fresh.
Contact Blush Lane erin@blushlane.com.
FW 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.

LAURA TELFORD,
MANITOBA AGRICULTURE, FOOD
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

OCTOBER 2015 - ORGANIC GRAIN PRICES

Below are the highest organic grain prices (spot market prices unless otherwise
indicated) gathered recently by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Sources include farmers and buyers who have shared recent sales prices and the
USDA National Organic Grain & Feedstuffs Report. Prices do not include transportation unless otherwise indicated. Conventional prices come from Rayglen Commodities. USDA prices are in US dollars, the rest of the prices are Canadian.
The price of organic oats has gone up slightly for the first time in a very long while
as has organic hemp. The price of Hard Red Spring wheat has come down relative
to last year as buyers stored more grain while importing some lower cost wheat from
overseas. Feed grain prices, including corn and soy, but not barley, are down relative
to where they were at harvest in 2014 and 2013. According to Grain Millers, prices
for some of the organic specialty crops are starting to come down from recent highs
as the size of the harvest becomes known.

Non-organic price
$ / bu
Soybeans - feed

Organic price
$ / bu
$21.81/bu (USDA)

Oats - milling

$2.30-2.65/bu

$6.50/bu

Corn - feed

$4.85

$10.75/bu (USDA)

Triticale

$7.25

$15/bu (Prairie, fob farm)

Wheat - milling

$5.20/bu

$19-21.50/bu

Barley - feed

$3.70-3.80/bu

$8.75 (SK, fob farm)

Mustard seed yellow

$0..40-0.45/lb.

$0.95/lb. (Prairie, #1,

fob farm)

Lentils - large green

$0.41-0.45/lb.

$0.75/lb. (Prairie, fob farm)

Lentils - red

$0.34-0.39/lb.

$0.72/lb. (Prairie, fob farm)

Hemp

$0.65-0.85/lb.

$1.55/lb.

Looking for cer tified organic seeds for sprouting alfalfa

seed, smaller quantities of peas, lentils, oilseeds, wheat
and grains. Interested in specialty seeds. Mail samples to
Mumms Sprouting Seeds, Box 80, Parkside, SK. S0J 2A0

Organic Premium this Month

(based on highest organic and conventional prices)

Trade and Expor t Canada is buying all grades of organic

grains. Call 306-433-4700.

Lentils - large green

166%

Lentils - red

185%

Oats - milling

245%

Corn - feed

211%

Wheat - milling

222%

Triticale

413%

Lentil large green

207%

Barley - feed

230%

FALL 2015 | ISSUE 03 | VOLUME 06

PRAIRIE ORGANIC RESEARCH

AND EXTENSION ENVIROSCAN
NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Time and again, we hear farmers mention some trial, done somewhere by
some researcher about a topic. What
was their name and what were the
results again? Was it red clover or peas
that produced the most available nitrogen? Was it oat or wheat? Was it better
on black soil or dark brown? Where
can we go to find out?
Until now, you had to spend hours
searching online to find the name, the
location, the trial and hopefully the results.
The Organic Agriculture Centre of
Canada website has done an admirable
job over the years of linking farmers to
organic knowledge and research results,
however researchers and farmers still
have to sort through a lot of information
to find Prairie grain. Research trials and
extension resources developed over
the years tend to get lost and therefore
confused. If only there was a list we
could refer to

rganic
roducers
ssociation
Certification
with TCO Cert

Well, that list is now complete! We

have over 600 entries in a categorized
list on everything from soil quality to
weed management to mycorrhizal fungi
in organic systems. We can use this
list to pull information to create new
extension materials, and incorporate
the latest research. We will also use
this list to make an online, searchable
database so producers, researchers,
extension staff, or anyone interested,
can go to find information about
organic production.
Accompanying the list is a report outlining where research has been done and
on what topics, what the main areas
of research so far have been and what
gaps exist. These documents will set
the stage for future work on organic
research and extension on Prairie organic grain.
This report is available at www.
organicalberta.org. The list is also
available to organic associations
to help create new materials.

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

INTRODUCING PRAIRIE
ORGANIC GRAIN INITIATIVES
NEW GROWER TRANSITION STREAM ADVISORY
The New Grower Transition Advisory
is an industry-led group of professionals
who work together in a consensus-based
model of discussion to set priority areas
of focus and provide both ongoing guidance
and input on relevant issues affecting
transitioning organic farmers.
ADVISORY MEMBERS INCLUDE:
ANDREW HAMMERMEISTER
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

STUART MCMILLAN
Consultant, organic farmer
and organic inspector

WILL ODDIE
SaskOrganics Director and organic farmer

CODY STRAZA
SaskOrganics Director and organic farmer
JANET GALARNEAU
PHS Organics and Organic Connections
Board Member

LAURA TELFORD
Manitoba Agriculture, Food
& Rural Development

SAM GODWIN
Organic Alberta Director
and organic farmer

SCOTT SHIELS
Grain Millers Canada Corp.

JOANNA MACKENZIE
Organic Agriculture Centre
of Canada (alternate)

KERI SHARPE
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

MARLA CARLSON
SaskOrganics

The New Grower Transition Stream was

recently presented with the brand platform
for a marketing campaign called Pivot and
Grow: Transition to Organic Grains to be
rolled out over the next four years of the
Prairie Organic Grain Initiative. Marketing
materials for the campaign are beginning
to be produced.
Watch for the Pivot and Grow campaign
at the Canadian Western Agribition
on November 23 to 28th in Regina.

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

GENERAL

FALL 2015 | ISSUE 03 | VOLUME 06

PRAIRIE ORGANIC GRAIN INITIATIVE

HIGHLIGHTS AND UPDATE
WHY THE PRAIRIE ORGANIC
GRAIN INITIATIVE?
Prairie organic grain production has been in
a state of severe supply shortage for the past
several years, leading to instability and extreme
price fluctuations. Processors have had to either
cut back on their organic products, or look
further overseas for organic ingredients.
Some processors have even turned to other
value-added ingredients like natural and
GMO-free, undermining the organic brand.
Supply has been slow to meet demand partly
because there have been no major campaigns
to increase organic acreage or improve
organic production.
The Prairie Organic Grain Initiative, a partnership
of the three Prairie Provinces, with funding
from the industry-supported Prairie Organic
Development Fund and matched federal funding,
seeks to resolve this supply shortage using
a three-pronged approach.
UPDATE ON THE NEW GROWER
TRANSITION STREAM
Promotional Campaign. We are developing a
campaign to promote the transition of conventional farmers to organic farming. It addresses
transition barriers and highlights the benefits
of organic production. As part of their work,
the marketing company has identified a description of Farmers Most Likely to Convert
to Organics, Target Audience Attributes, and
Transition Barriers.
The campaign is also aimed at changing negative perceptions of organic production through
education, engagement and by addressing
misconceptions.
Inaugural Activities. While the strategic planning
process unfolds, the New Grower Transition
Stream has begun to deliver transition workshops and field days.

GOAL OF THE PRAIRIE ORGANIC GRAIN INITIATIVE:

To achieve resiliency and stability while growing the organic sector in the Prairies
by focusing on both quantity and quality of organic grains and developing relationships
across the value chain.

NEW GROWER
STREAM

OPTIMIZATION
STREAM

Objective:
Increased number of new
organic producers

Objective:
Improved management
increases quantity and quality

MARKET
DEVELOPMENT
STREAM
Objective:
Increased markets for Prairie
organic grains

UPDATE ON OPTIMIZATION STREAM

INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES

Priority areas for the Optimization Stream

have been determined and an implementation
plan to focus resources and activities for each
area is now being developed:

We have begun some projects with partners

and stakeholders, in both supportive and
coordinating roles:

Improving Soil Fertility

Understanding the role of Green Manures
in Soil Fertility.
Application of Off-Farm Nutrients
Improving Weed Management
Tillage Equipment and Practices
Cultural Management Practices to Reduce
Weed Pressure
Improving Crop Quality
Post-Harvest Sanitation and Economics
Cultural Management Practices to Improve
Crop Quality
Improving Whole Farm Management
Understanding Crop Rotation for Nutrient
Budgeting and Weed Control
Cost of Production and Rotation Design

Enviro-Scan
Producer Survey
Field Crop Handbook Revisions
Green Manure Manual
Organic Production Conference

UPDATE ON THE
MARKETING STREAM
The Canadian Organic Trade Association is
developing an international marketing strategy
for Prairie Organic Grains with input from the
Advisory Team.
Key priority areas being
developed include:
Branding Prairie organic grain.
Networking with interested buyers.
Marketing Prairie organic grain.

EVER WONDER WHERE TO FIND ORGANIC FOOD IN ALBERTA? CHECK OUT OUR NEW ONLINE MAP AT MAP.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

GENERAL

CHECK OUT OUR

YOUTUBE CHANNEL
The cameras have been rolling, film
editors have been snipping, and
we now have our very own You
Tube channel, with several videos
featuring local Alberta organic
producers and families. Take a look
at http://ow.ly/ToPln. And please,
remember to share the fun with
your friends and neighbours!

Inaugural activities of the Marketing

Stream include participation in:
Japan Organic Trade Mission with
interested Prairie companies.
Korea Trade Mission with international buyers.
BIOFACH, the worlds largest organic trade
show in February 2015.
EXPO East, the largest natural foods
expo in the US, in March 2015.
Thank you to the Prairie Organic
Grain Initiative Funders and Partners
Western Economic
Diversification
Grain Millers
Natures Path Foods
General Mills
Daves Killer Bread

SaskOrganics
Manitoba
Organic Alliance
Certified Organic
Associations of
British Columbia

Clif Bar & Company

The Canadian Organic

Trade Association

The Bauta Family

Initiative on Canadian
Seed Security

The Organic Agriculture

Centre of Canada

GET INVOLVED
Do you want to become involved in the Prairie
Organic Grain Initiative or do you have projects
ideas that may fit into the priority areas? If so,
contact Karen Snethun, Prairie Organic Grain
Initiative Program Director at 587-521-2400 or
karen.snethun@organicalberta.org

THE HONORABLE
MINISTER ONEIL CARLIER

ORGANIC ALBERTA
BEGINS DISCUSSIONS WITH
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
AND FORESTRY
In September Becky Lipton, Organic Alberta Executive Director and Ward
Middleton, President of Organic Alberta had the pleasure of meeting with
the Honourable Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
The meeting went very well. Key topics covered included bringing the Minister
up to date on the shortage of organic grain supply to meet market demand
and also the problems that result from the lack of an intra-provincial Regulation
for organic in Alberta.
The minister requested more information on how to move forward on
both topics. He also demonstrated an interest in building a strong local food
infrastructure including bolstering local organic capacity. We look forward to
working with the minister on these and other issues and will keep everyone
updated as we move forward.

CHANGES
In September, we waved good-bye to David Hobson. We appreciate all the
time and effort David put into his work with the Bauta Family Initiative, and
also with the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative. We wish him nothing but the
best in all his future endeavours.

FALL 2015 | ISSUE 03 | VOLUME 06

FEEDER ASSOCIATION REGULATORY REVIEW

cattle that are considerably lower than those of a more
traditional lender. All feeder associations are set up
as cooperatives. Security deposits of all members are
pooled, and risk is shared amongst members.

MELISA ZAPISOCKY,
ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PROGRAM MANAGER,
ORGANIC ALBERTA

If you are in the livestock business you are likely

already familiar with feeder associations and what they
do. To date, organic producers tend not to join local
feeder associations, and I wanted to learn more on this.
I had a chance to talk with Dace Cochlan, with Alberta
Agriculture and Forestry. He provided a rundown on
what feeder associations do, their history working with
organic beef producers as well as future opportunities
for organic livestock producers to get involved with
feeder associations.
FEEDER ASSOCIATION BACKGROUND:
The Feeder Association of Alberta (FAA) represents
48 local feeder associations that are divided into five
zones.Their main priority is to allow small to medium
sized family operations access to capital that is highly
leveraged (5% security deposit down) with rates for

To become a member, a producer must apply to the

feeder association in their area, be an Alberta resident
and own or lease land.Typically a small application fee is
included. A local board makes all membership decisions.
A good credit history (doesnt need to be perfect),
honesty as well as the knowledge and ability to feed
livestock and handle them makes a strong candidate
says Cochlan.
In the past, two or three organic producers (including
producer groups), approached a local feeder association
with a proposal, but in the end did not see their application through.
The feeling is they [the organic producers] dont
think its the right fit. Although a producer can have
multiple contract due dates, the maximum extension
is one year. Some dont feel this is long enough for
their borrowing needs.

2016 REGULATORY REVIEW:

The regulation is up for review for August 2016. Cochlan
will sit on a steering committee involved in the review
process.There will be some changes to legislation.
We will certainly be consulting with industry heavily says
Cochlan, this will include talking with key users as well as
others such as lenders, auction markets, dealers, truckers
and a wide range of people and groups to get their
feelings on the program.
Conference calls, questionnaires and face to face
strategies will be employed.
There is the opportunity for anyone to get their
two cents in on the program, says Cochlan. We
would certainly welcome organic producers if they
wanted to send a letter or correspondence in
regards to the regulations.
Please contact Melisa.zapisocky@organicalberta.org,
phone 587-521-2400 if you would like to participate
in a conference call to review the regulations with the goals
of developing a letter, on behalf of organic producers to
be presented to the FAA regarding the regulatory review.

Provisions in the regulation do allow for animals to be

financed right up to retail sales. According to Cochlan,
this allows financing flexibility if finishing and selling or
going further down or up the chain, including processing,
marketing and storage.

ORGANIC

WWW.ORGANICALBERTA.ORG

GENERAL

11

SEED SAVING WORKSHOP AND OPEN FARM DAY

PHOTO BY JANICE SHELTON

GETTING DOWN N DIRTY AT

SAND SPRINGS RANCH
If youve ever wondered about expanding your farm
business to include the production and sale of your
own seed crops, or are interested in saving your
own fruit and vegetable seed to use next year, then
the Seed Saving Workshop and Open Farm Day on
Sept 12th hosted by Sand Springs Ranch in Lac La
Biche was the place to be!
We told everyone to plan to get down n dirty
and we did! said Janice Shelton, owner of Sand
Springs Ranch. We had about 35 gardening
enthusiasts and farmers in attendance, ranging
in age from 5 to 65 years old.
The day began with a class-room style workshop
attended by 22 people. Participants learned
about seed saving principles and techniques from
experienced trainer Rachelle Ternier from Prairie
Garden Seeds of Humboldt, Sask. Rachelle has been
involved in seed saving since a young age and is still
actively involved with the work of growing, saving,
and distributing seeds for the family seed collection
and business.
After lunch, even more participants travelled
to Sand Springs Ranch where they gained some
hands-on practice collecting seeds from different
vegetables going to seed.
Rachelle taught participants different methods
of collection, ways of cleaning seed like the
fermentation method for tomatoes/cucumbers/
squash, and storage of seed. She also discussed
which methods are the easiest ones to start with,
said Janice.

The goal of the day was to see how easy

it is to save seed and the benefits of it
the main benefit being having fun! Seed
saving is also good for creating regionally adapted seed. For example, Rachelle
brought along a Siberian melon and
showed us how to collect the seed, and
grow some not-so-common varieties
that could thrive in our cooler climate.
The highlight of the day was seeing how
passionate the participants were for learning and attending a workshop such as this.
The workshop attendees are now planning a Seed and Plant Swap in the spring,
and want to make it an annual event.

PHOTO BY JANICE SHELTON

The event was hosted by Sand Springs

Ranch, a family-operated certified organic
farm located on the north side of Lac
La Biche Lake.They operate a Certified
Organic vegetable market garden and
a beef cow/calf operation. Sand Springs
Ranch also offers a Farm Share Program.
Funding support for this event was
provided by the Bauta Family Initiative
on Canadian Seed Security and the
Lac La Biche Agriculture Society.

PHOTO BY JANICE SHELTON

FALL 2015 | ISSUE 03 | VOLUME 06

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