Research, policy and farm tours were on the agenda as the Certified Organic Associations of BC gathered in Richmond for its annual conference on February 28-March 1. A key theme running through the conference, however, was how to explain organic agriculture to a new generation. With the title, “The Future of Organic,” several speakers touched …
organic
New executive director for COABC appointed
VERNON – A new executive director has been found to lead the Certified Organic Associations of BC following the departure of Jen Gamble, who spent nine years at the helm of the organization. Eva-Lena Lang will step into the role on March 1, bringing with her a long association with organic farming and community-oriented agriculture. …
COABC seeks new ED
Jen Gamble is leaving her role as executive director of the Certified Organic Associations of BC at the end of February after nine years in the role. “Under her leadership we have become more professional in how we grow, how we certify, how we accredit, and how we trade our organic commodities,” says COABC co-chair …
Study compares organic, conventional diets
A recent study conducted by Friends of the Earth and published online by Elsevier in the journal Environmental Research explored whether an organic diet would reduce levels of urinary pesticides. Previous research has done similar studies but they mostly focused on organophosphate pesticides. This study looked at pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, two compounds that are used …
Organic growers prepare for the mainstream
Celebrating organics while preparing for mainstream acceptance was a key theme of the annual conference of the Certified Organic Associations of BC in Vernon, February 22-24. Many speakers remarked on the fact that the sector had gone mainstream, while many of the producers responsible were conspicuous by their absence from the meeting. “People who have …
Lillooet ranch goes green
Spray Creek Ranch of Lillooet has joined a handful of BC producers to receive certification through A Greener World (AGW), a five-year-old certification body based in Terrebonne, Oregon. AGW offers four certifications: Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Grassfed, Certified Non-GMO and Certified Organic. Spray Creek ranchers Tristan and Aubyn Banwell opted for Certified Animal Welfare …