Did you see a story about organics or GO members in the news? Send links to stories from the publication's website to becky.lipton@goingorganic.ca.

Volatile Markets Affect Western Canadian Organic Wheat Sectorhttp://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/cotl15527

The Western Producer
http://www.producer.com/free/information/links.php

Going Organic
Camrose Canadian March 23, 2009
http://www.camrosecanadian.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1482758&auth=PAMELA+IRVING

A different kind of oil patch-Tony and Penny Marshall
by Leslie Scrimshaw
Harrowsmith Magazine April 2009
http://www.harrowsmithcountrylife.ca/current_issue.htm

Fairwinds Farm-Cover story Western Dairy Farmer
Spring 2009
Don Ruzicka profile inside
http://www.westerndairyfarmer.com/

Standing Together
Letter to the editor
http://www.producer.com/free/editorial/letters.php?iss=2009-03-12&sec=letters&sto=0022

Sunshine Organic
by Anthony Kovats County Market March 4, 2009
http://www.countymarket.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1462227

Organics unite — Camrose to host producers - County Market - Alberta, CA
http://www.countymarket.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1451432

Don Ruzicka The Humble Farmer
http://www.albertafarmer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1451464&auth=Pamela%20Irving

Organics is growing in Alberta!
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/agnw14639

GO members, the Isslers, small farm operation profiled in County Market
http://www.countymarket.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1377013&auth=Pamela+Irving

GO members make a go of organic dairy in Springbrook Alberta
http://www.westerndairyfarmer.com/News/423780.html

GO Member EnSante Winery in County Market
http://www.countymarket.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1339237

Direct marketing in Cuba is profitable

Click here for more

Organics attacked, defended and upheld

The attack:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=39d5d16a-63e1-4721-8c07-e6919359bccd

The response:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=fb08a566-942e-4c59-b7d3-c82d2416b197&p=2

Meet the real Cuba face to face on farm tours

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/travel/story.html?id=5b8c6221-335b-4456-af33-b5229e2cdeb4

Ensante Winery in the news
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/columnists/story.html?id=e655dd30-077b-4704-b6f2-393d207b5539

http://www.cbc.ca/radiosummer/thelateshow/

Victor Chrapko's story will air on CBC radio as follows:

Tues, Aug 12 at 9:30 am
Sun, Aug 17 at 11 am

Go to the following website for more details...
http://www.cbc.ca/radiosummer/thelateshow/

Whitecourt Star Special 10 week series on organics and the environment begins July 2 with GO members profiled

GO member in the News - Lady Bug Organics

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/business/Organic_gardener_finds_agri-tourism_niche.html

GO member Blush Lane in new unlimited magazine-great spread! July issue 2008

www.unlimitedmagazine.com

Spring cleaning the organic way

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/story.html?id=b69ace61-a51a-453c-bc6a-4abd8283f671

Back to the land
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/reallife/taste/story.html?id=5aa70b81-9c4c-4edf-b955-684366bef8da&p=1

Western Producer --
Ron Berezan (April 3)
Organic vet (April 10) and composting (April 17)

Red Deer Advocate and Central Alberta Life
April 3 Vet, composting, and Steven Snider

GO conference was covered by The Edmonton Journal Bistro, CBC Radio Edmonton, Radio Canada, Camrose Booster, Camrose Canadian, Central Alberta Life Magazine, Red Deer Advocate, The Western Producer.  For stories or links to those stories, please contact media outlets directly.

Foodies, farmers, buyers go organic-Bistro-Edmonton Journal
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/bistro/story.html?id=428191e6-e064-42cd-99fb-2a1be913afa0

GO conference news
http://www.camrosecanadian.com/News/382724.html

Going Organic conference in Camrose
Click here for more (PDF).

Organic conference
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/agnw12856

GO conference in the Agri-News
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/newslett.nsf/all/agnw12705

Organics in Canada-New Farm Rodale Institute December 2007 
Canada organics overview-Go to New Farm and click December 2007 issue.

Agri-prenuer Scholarship success-Click here to apply now!

GO Media Release
Dorothy Marshall GO network camfarm@syban.net
GO communications www.goingorganic.ca                   

Alberta’s organic sector rises to the challenge of meeting demand at Going Organic conference Camrose, Alberta March 4 and 5, 2008

Consumption of organic products in Alberta outstrips production three to one. There is a huge opportunity for expansion in the organic farming sector in this province. 

Going Organic Alberta 2008  is designed for existing organic producers and those considering transition to organics. The Going Organic network- the voice of the organic industry in Alberta-is hosting the conference  March 4th and 5th 2008 in Camrose.

GO Alberta 2008 will explore the marketing potential of organic products and offer opportunities for producers to make connections with buyers, processors and will facilitate networking among producers. 

What’s to learn at GO Alberta  2008-

  • The economics of organic crop production and production essentials.
  •  Experts from Canada and the US speak on crop rotations, weed and pest controls. 
  • The art of compost making for use as an exceptionally valuable soil amendment. 
  • Herd health issues addressed by an experienced organic veterinarian. 
  • Ample opportunities for questions and panel discussions. 
  • DINNER speakers address  environmental sustainability and organics in Cuba

Going Organic 2008 will facilitate the growth of organic agriculture in Alberta by equipping current and prospective producers with the tools they need to be successful and at the same time encouraging those producers to make connections with the marketplace. 

Book now and attend Going Organic Alberta 2008 conference!
March 4 and 5th, 2008
Norsemen Inn  Camrose Alberta Registration information available at: www.goingorganic.ca by e-mail at  organic08@telus.net
Or  call 1-877-672-4446 for more information and to register!

Background Research by Alberta Agriculture’s Rosalie Cunningham shows a tremendous growth in the consumption of organic products in Alberta. The “Farm to Fork” project researched who was buying organics, and where and what they bought.

The study deems that the typical organic consumer is not that different from the mainstream consumer and the primary drivers of consumption include health and environmental issues. According to organic consumer Mick Mulloy of Calgary “All the food we buy is organic and it is wonderful, but we also want to buy local.”

A.C. Neilsen found that the value of Canadian  sales of organic food through grocery stores  increased by 28 percent over 2005.  Alberta showed the highest growth rate of organics in the country, at 44 percent.

The two main streams that reflect where consumers shop are the grocery store and through direct marketers. Both offer solid and viable avenues for sound organic businesses to market their products. The growth potential exists; the challenge is how to capture it.
                   
“It is vitally important that those of us who purchase feed grains build long term working relationships with those who grow the crops.” Ron Hamilton of Sunworks Farm and Vice President of the GO network

 “Organic farmers are in the enviable position of having a demand already established for their products.  Now it is up to them to take hold of this exciting opportunity for growth.” Keri Sharpe, Alberta Agriculture Organic Specialist

Organizers feel that one of most beneficial aspects of the conference will be the opportunity for organic farmers to learn from and mentor others.

 “One of the greatest hurdles to organic farming is establishing a sound rotation to be competitive with weeds.  Sharing ideas with other growers on what works for them is a short cut to figuring your rotation out.” Steve Snider, President of GO network, an experienced organic grain farmer of New Norway

“Demand for organics significantly outstrips supply from Alberta but that can be  changed and at the same time put money from those purchases right in the pockets of Alberta farm families.”  Mick Mulloy, Calgary consumer

Book now and attend Going Organic Alberta 2008 conference
 March 4 and 5th, 2008, Norsemen Inn, Camrose, Alberta. Registration information at www.goingorganic.ca  or e-mail organic08@telus.net or call 1-877-672-4446 for more information and to register!

Government of Canada Invests Nearly $1.3 Million in Canadian Organic Industry
http://www.marketwire.com:80/mw/release.do?id=798822

Media releases Send media releases of interest to GO members to becky.lipton@goingorganic.ca.

Media interested in the GO network or members of GO should contact becky.lipton@goingorganic.ca to link you up to spokespersons, businesses and members.

Hot off the press

CONGRATULATIONS - GO network member Don Ruzicka, Winner Environmental Stewardship Award - GALA - October 2007.

GO members featured in Bistro Special Report October 10, 2007