Call for Directors 2021

Position: Director, Organic Council of Ontario Board of Directors
Type: Volunteer
Start: April 2021
Term: 2 years, renewable
Commitment: 5-10 hours/month
Meetings: Once or twice a month, weekday mornings (video conference)
Location: Anywhere in Ontario

Key Dates
February 9th, 2021: Nomination packages become available 
March 8th, 2021: Deadline for nominations 
March 9st-26th 2021: Online voting period 
March 31st, 2021: AGM voting and (re)election of Board of Directors

Registration for AGM:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ocos-annual-general-meeting-tickets-141343846249aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=43bd3dc2cb&mc_eid=UNIQID

Board Openings for 2021

We have three (3) positions open for (re)election. There are opportunities in the producer (1) non-certified value chain (1) and certified value chain categories.

Below find a table describing the different sectors of representation that exist on the OCO board. Potential applicants must meet the criteria of the category that they represent.

About OCO 

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is the voice for organics in Ontario. We are the only full value chain association operating at the provincial level. We represent over 1300 certified organic operators, as well as the businesses, organizations, and individuals that bring food from farm to plate. We work to catalyze sector growth, support research, improve training, increase data collection, encourage market development, protect the integrity of organic claims, and inform the public of the benefits and requirements of organic agriculture. 

We encourage all qualified applications including those from racialized persons/persons of colour, members of the LGBTQ community, indigenous people and persons with disabilities.

About the Board

The Organic Council of Ontario is governed by an elected Board of Directors with alternating two-year terms.  The Directors are responsible for setting strategic targets and direction for the organization, general financial oversight, guidance on policy and regulatory initiatives, assisting with fundraising and engaging with the organic membership.  The Board also elects officers from among the Directors.  The President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary work with the Executive Director to represent the organization and provide leadership on the operations of the organization (e.g. oversee financial matters and corporate documents).  

Strategic Direction

Since 2015, the Organic Council of Ontario has shifted its mandate to focus more on matters that affect organic businesses.  This is reflected in OCO’s fundraising strategy, which has shifted in focus from consumer donations to industry funding.  

To see what we’ve been recently working on explore our Achievements from 2020.

Some of the exciting projects we are working towards in 2021 include:

• Release of the Ontario Organic Knowledge Hub an online resource for consumers and the whole organic value chain which includes the Organic Directory, Data Portal, and Organic Knowledge Base.
  
• Publish our Regenerative Agriculture Feasibility Study
  
• Pursue stable funding for the organization
  
• Continue our work in Farmers for Climate Solutions
  
• Push for the regulation of Ontario’s organic sector.
  
• Host a series of webinars for members throughout the organic value chain.

How to Apply

Please complete the online nomination form or contact communications@organiccouncil.ca for a printed pdf nomination form and any further information you may require.