Accomplishments in 2020

This has been a memorable year for the Organic Council of Ontario. The pandemic significantly changed how we operate as an organization. However, despite the challenges brought by COVID-19 we’ve had a jam-packed year, during which we’ve done some meaningful work for the organic sector. 

Below is a list of some of the projects and work we’ve done in 2020:

• Held Another Successful Ontario Organic Day at Queens Park (Pre-Covid)
  We met with MPPs and the Minister to discuss a wide range of Organic priorities including the establishment of organic regulation in Ontario
• Launched our Ontario Organic Data Portal
  Found on our website the portal tracks important organic information within the sector. The portal will be an important resource in the future for tracking trends within the sector and better informing us of the continuing growth within Ontario organics.
• Development of an Organic Resource Hub
  This soon to be released hub will be a one-stop shop for organic information. It will contain info on policy, regulation, production practises, and a lot more, and the information will be useful to all levels of the organic value chain.
• Provided Covid-19 Resources & Supports
  In consultation with the government and other sectoral partners, OCO kept abreast of the latest updates to Covid-19 resources for members seeking clarifications.
• Provided Organic Priorities to OMAFRA and Minister Hardeman to inform the provincial government’s statement of priorities at the November Federal-Provincial-Territorial meetings. 
• Established a Clear Strategy for Acquiring Stable Funding of Organic Sector
• Developed Organic Cost of Production Resources for Four Production Areas
• Joined the Farmers for Climate Solutions Coalition  
  In recent months, OCO joined Farmers for Climate Solutions, a first-of-its-kind coalition of farmer-led organizations and supporters to make agriculture part of Canada’s climate solution.
• Delivered the Fall Field Day Series in partnership with the EFAO
  The Series was a part of OCO’s ongoing Regenerative Programs and Incentives Feasibility Study. This series entailed four virtual field days of Ontario farms that employ regenerative agriculture practices and principles. 
• Conducted Regenerative Agriculture  Surveys
  With over 400 responses to help inform our research on the demand for climate-friendly food production and practises. 
• Published Multiple Articles
  In partnership with Fruit and Vegetable magazine and Better Farming we wrote multiple articles within each magazine’s organic section. 
• Launched Three New Board Committees: Stable Funding, Fundraising, Organic Regulation
  In support of OCO’s priorities for 2021 these committees will endeavour to bring stable funding to the organic sector and stabilize core funding for OCO as well as work toward the successful adoption of organic regulation in Ontario. 
• Delivered  a Webinar on Farm Product Marketing
• Provided Member Services and Information on Organic Certification 
• Conducted Focus Groups
  As part of our regenerative agriculture project. The results will help inform the conclusions in our upcoming project report.
• Kept OCO Operational and Healthy Amidst the Pandemic
  OCO had to adapt by shifting staff to home offices, transitioning to digital events, and shifting operations and procedures to comply with changing health and safety requirements.

If you think our work is valuable and would like to support us in the work we do on behalf of Ontario’s organic sector, please become an Individual or Supporting Member today!

Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our funders: