Week of October 1

Jodi Koberinski managed to get her Visa in order and hop a plane to India. The first part of her visit was to attend the Bhoomi Conference featuring Vandana Shiva, Dr. Ana Pawar, Frances Moore Lappe, Winona LaDuke, and Jean Grossholtz. Jodi has been interviewing, taping and photographing and receiving incredible mentorship from these powerful women.

Reviewed the Local Food Act and invited responses from our supporters.

Developing a project proposal for Trillium Foundation funding

Wrote the Minister of Agriculture, Ted McMeekin, to congratulate him on the proposed Local Food Act and to invite a meeting to discuss the concept of resiliency outlined in the Act and the idea that “local” is proxy for many values.

OCO’s Chair, Matt LeBeau, attended the Premier’s Summit on Agriculture on Oct 4th. Matt received the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the Premier and Minister Ted McMeekin to discuss issues affecting organics. When asked what it would take for Ontario to gain ground in the organic supply side, Matt highlighted some of the issues needing to be addressed, including lack of provincial regulation, lack of sustainable funding for the sector,  increased growth of foreign imports, and disadvantage of support when compared to other comparable provinces.

Coordinated an interview with the Global National News on the potential harms of GM alfalfa to the organic sector. Met with Ted  Zettel (OCO Board Member and Chair of the Organic Federation of  Canada) at John & Mary Brunsfeld’s Farm and Jennifer Tyron from the  Global National News to shoot the interview. Interview set to air October 21st or 22nd.