Links
Below we have provided links to various associations, universities and businesses working in the organic food industry. We have divided these links into following categories:
- Educational & Support Resources
- Certification Bodies
- Marketing Organic Foods
- Canadian Organic Associations
- International Organic Associations
- Seed Companies
Educational & Support Resources
- Soil Management on Organic Farms - Factsheets and Infosheets
- A number of information resources on soil management on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
- OMRI is an organization created to benefit the organic community and the general public. Its primary mission is to publish and disseminate generic and specific (brand name) lists of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food and fiber.
- Organic Farming Research Foundation
- The Organic Farming Research Foundation mission is to sponsor research related to organic farming practices, to disseminate research results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems, and to educate the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues.
- Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC)
- The Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) is dedicated to enhancing the environmental and social integrity of agriculture. This will be achieved through scientific analyses of methods to improve the sustainability of farming. The results of this research will be made available to farmers and the public through this web site.
- Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)
- ATTRA provides technical information for sustainable agriculture.
- Cyber-help for Organic Farmers
- On-line technical resources for farmers interested in organic production.
- International WWOOF Association
- The International WWOOF Association is dedicated to helping those who would like to volunteer on organic farms internationally.
- S.O.I.L. - Stewards of Irreplacable Land
- S.O.I.L. is a non-profit organization that connects those who want to learn how to farm sustainably with teaching farms in Canada.
- The Ram's Horn
- A Monthly Journal of Food System Analysis.
- Organic Consumers Association
- The Organic Consumers Association promotes food safety, organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices in the U.S. and internationally.
- Pest Management - Biological Control Guide
- A guide to natural enemies of pests in North America. Includes four types of natural enemies - parasitoids, predators, pathogens and weed feeders. Extensive listing for each category, including photos, description, and glossary. Excellent resource.
- Beneficial Insectary
- Learn about the use of beneficial insects for pest control.
- Biocontrol Network
- Offers information on alternative forms of pest control. Beneficial insects are identified. Other methods, such as traps and barriers are discussed.
- Natural Pesticides from Plants
- The web site of the Center for New Crops & Plant Products, at Purdue University. NewCROP provides windows to new and specialty crop profiles. This page provides Natural Pesticides from Plants information.
Certification Bodies
- Organic Crop Improvement Association
- OCIA International, a member-owned, nonprofit organization, provides research, education and certification services to thousands of organic growers, processors and handlers in North, Central and South America, Africa, Europe and Pacific Rim. OCIA, Lincoln, NEBRASKA USA, contact: 402-477-2323
- Pro-Cert Canada Inc.
- Pro-Cert Canada Inc. has been providing professional organic certification services across Canada since 1990.
- The Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA)
- A non-profit association of trained farm and processing inspectors dedicated to the verification of organic production processes. (406) 436-2031
- Quality Assurance Int. (QAI)
- QAI offers organic certification under the National Organic Program for Producers, Processors, Private Labelers, Distributors, Retailers, Restaurants, Wild Crop Harvesters, Greenhouse, Mushrooms, Hydroponics, and Facilities. QAI also offers 'Source Certification for Bottled Water Products' under Codex Alimentarius standards, and 'Fiber Certification' under the American Organic Standards. Contact: 802.434.5535
- USDA's - National Organic Program
- This page provides a list of accredited certifying bodies that will allow producers to import into the United States.
Marketing Organic Foods
- BioFach
- World Organic Trade Fair in Germany.
- Organic Products Expo - BioFach America
- A new international show-within-the-show launched at the 19th annual Natural Products Expo East, proved overwhelmingly successful, and provided attendees an opportunity to sample new certified organic products from 13 countries.
Canadian Organic Associations
- Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
- A Regional Network for Farmers, Gardeners, Consumers and Industry Professionals.
- Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC)
- Administrator of the Organic Regulations under the BC Agri-Food Choice and Quality Act. They serve as the voice of organic agriculture in BC and provide outreach services e.g. the Organic Advisory Service dedicated to encouraging organic production
- Canadian Organic Livestock Association
- Canadian Organic Growers Inc.
- Canada's national membership-based education and networking organization representing farmers, gardeners and consumers in all provinces.
- Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD)
- Organic Producers Association of Manitoba (OPAM)
- Certification of growers and processors of organic food in Manitoba and Saskachewan.
- Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada
International Organic Associations
- Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
- Northeast Organic Farming Association (Vermont)
- International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
- SOUL, the Society of Organic Urban Land Care Professionals
- The Organic Trade Association (OTA)
- The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America.
Seed Companies (not all organic)
- Anglegrove Tree Company
- Baker Creek Heirloom
- Burpee Seeds
- Dans Garden Shop
- Eden Organic Nursery Services Inc.
- Elixir Farm
- Halifax Seed Company
- Heirloom Tomato Seeds
- Johnny's Selected Seeds
- Mumm's Sprouting Seeds
- Richters Seeds
- Seeds of Diversity
- Seeds of Victoria
- Stokes Seeds Ltd
- Veseys Seeds Ltd