Posts by Samantha Mills

The Business Of Organic Regenerative Agriculture

Transitioning to organic involves a lot more than just removing agrochemicals from your fields. Often, it means completely reorganizing sections...

Ontario Scores Low on Organic Report Card

The Canadian Organic Trade Association has just released its State of Organics: Federal-Provincial-Territorial Performance Report 2021, which summarizes the current state of support for the organic sector from all levels of government. This year’s data shows that while Ontario consumers have shown enthusiasm for the organic industry – as discussed in OCO’s Ontario Organic Market Report 2021 – the province lacks significant  support for the growth of organic agriculture. So where are opportunities for improvement?

Reducing On-Farm Emissions and Energy Use

Climate change and agriculture are closely connected. Agriculture makes up 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, excluding on-farm fossil fuel usage and fertilizer production processes. Canada has pledged to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the economy by 40 percent and reduce agricultural emissions by 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030. In order to meet these targets, changes across the agricultural industry are necessary.

On-Farm Natural Habitats: What They Are and Why They Matter

With so many external stressors threatening our natural ecosystems, some farmers have turned to rebuilding or preserving natural spaces on their farmland. If done correctly, this practice can prove enormously beneficial to the farm and its surrounding environment. So what kinds of natural landscapes can farmers rebuild, and what kind of care will these new spaces require?

We’re Hiring: Events and Communications Specialist

The Organic Council of Ontario is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and dynamic Events and Communications Specialist who is passionate about agriculture and the environment.  Ideal candidates will have a balance of left and right brain thinking with both sharp attention to detail, technical know-how, problem solving skills, administrative and logistical organizational prowess; as well as an eye for digital marketing, the capacity to parse complex issues into clear sentences, strategic thinking and political acumen.