Organic BC

05/28/2026

Organizations from across Canada have sent a joint letter to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada expressing urgent concern regarding the planned closure of the Organic and Regenerative Research Program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.

The letter follows the recent report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, "Science in Canadian Agriculture and the Closure of Research Centres", which recommended that the Government of Canada “reconsider its decision to cancel the organic and regenerative program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.” The signors are calling on AAFC to immediately pause any actions that could compromise long-term organically managed trial land and authorize planned 2026 field operations to proceed.

The Organic and Regenerative Research Program is the only dedicated organic research program at AAFC and, in contrast to facility closures, is slated for closure at a research facility that remains fully operational.

Read the full letter at https://cog.ca/blog/organizations-call-on-aafc-to-pause-closure-of-swift-current-organic-research-program/

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan
Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Choose Canada Organic
Common Frontiers
Agrobio Québec
Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario - EFAO
Équiterre
Farmers For Climate Solutions - Fermiers pour la transition climatique
Food Secure Canada / Réseau pour une alimentation durable
Friends of the Earth Canada
Growers of Organic Food Yukon
Manitoba Organics
National Farmers Union / L'Union nationale des fermiers
Ontario Organic
Organic BC
Prairie Food System Vision
Prairie Oat Growers Association
Régénération Canada
SaskOrganics
Sask Wheat
SeedChange / Sème l’avenir
Young Agrarians

05/25/2026

Boost biodiversity and buffer vineyard landscapes with the right perimeter plantings! 🍇 Explore the latest research from Organic Science Cluster 4: https://www.organic-science-canada.ca/horticulture/promoting-an-integrative-landscape-approach-in-vineyards-for-greater-resilience-in-the-face-of-climatic-and-environmental-changes/

Perimeter plantings can boost biodiversity and buffer vineyard landscapes — but species selection matters. 🌿🍇

Dr. Vasseur’s team shared “Potential Species in Vineyard Perimeter Plantings” to help identify beneficial and problematic species for healthier vineyard ecosystems.

Find the factsheet on Dr. Vasseur's OSC4 webpage under Additional Links and Resources. https://www.organic-science-canada.ca/horticulture/promoting-an-integrative-landscape-approach-in-vineyards-for-greater-resilience-in-the-face-of-climatic-and-environmental-changes/

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05/20/2026

Cover crops are an effective way to protect and feed your soil while supporting healthy crops and strong yields.

To learn more about this helpful soil management practice, take a look at Organic BC’s Cover Cropping 101 guide, which covers the key benefits of cover cropping along with tips on selecting the perfect cover crop!

Explore this guide and discover more tools and resources in the Organic BC Resource Library: organicbc.org/resources-library

05/11/2026

The Spring/Summer issue of the BC Organic Grower is just around the corner! 🌱

Did you know that most Organic BC membership tiers include a subscription to the magazine—along with access to education, resources, and a strong network of organic producers, experts, and allies across the province?

Sign up today! organicbc.org/membership

📸 Square Root Farm on the Saanich Peninsula, the spotlight of this issue's featured Organic Story

05/06/2026

In this final episode of our two-part miniseries, three BC-based producers share real-world experiences of using grazing to manage w**ds on their farms.

Through practical case studies addressing knapw**d, Canada thistle, and an unidentified invasive grass, farmers discuss lessons learned from a multi-year targeted grazing project and how livestock can become a powerful tool for pasture management.

🎧 Listen now at: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bcdcad9b-e744-4fc3-904a-ae9e6d25bcb6

Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

04/28/2026

Trying something new on the farm isn’t always easy. There’s already a lot to manage, and improving an existing system takes time, money, and comes with some risk.

But there’s a way forward: On-farm demonstration research is a practical tool that allows farmers to evaluate a new practice, product, or technology in a more nimble and simple way.

For a look at some nifty on-farm research that’s been happening on BC’s South Coast (that might inspire you to undertake a similar trial of your own!), check out this article in the BC Organic Grower: bcorganicgrower.ca/2025/10/value-of-on-farm-demonstration-research

04/27/2026

It's a new season for growing—and learning! Stay connected to the latest organic research by tuning into podcasts from Organic BC, Manitoba Organics and Organic Science Cluster 4! 🎧 ↓

🌱 Tis the season for podcasts!

Spring is in the air and you're on the move—but that doesn’t mean missing out on Organic Science Cluster 4 research. 🌼🎧

Catch up wherever you are with new podcast episodes from Organic BC, Manitoba Organics and our very own film-to-podcast series.

Tune in, stay informed, and keep growing! 🌿

OSC4 Podcasts https://buff.ly/FIMd1oz
Organic BC Podcasts https://buff.ly/0Vg8e8S
MB Organics Podcast https://buff.ly/deMXyId

04/22/2026

Today is Earth Day AND it's National Volunteer Week—a powerful pairing.

The health of our planet depends on the people who give their time, leadership, and knowledge to help grow more sustainable ways of farming and living.

Deepest gratitude to all our volunteers, and to organic operators and champions everywhere, for your ongoing commitment to a healthier food system and a thriving planet. 🌍 💪🏼

04/22/2026

New on the Organic BC Podcast: A two-part miniseries on grazing-based approaches to invasive w**d control!

In this first episode, join grazing expert and author Sarah Flack and retired BC agrologist Greg Tegart to explore how intensive rotational grazing can be used as a practical strategy for invasive w**d control. Produced by Small-Scale Meat Producers Association and Organic BC, the conversation focuses on the key grazing management principles that help livestock suppress w**ds while improving pasture health.

🎧 Listen now at: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9d9be88c-218f-4888-913b-29279e53ebb0

Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

04/21/2026

Coming up this weekend at Fresh Valley Farms! Don't miss this practical two-day workshop focused on drought resilience, wildfire preparedness, and climate-adaptive livestock production. Hosted by Small-Scale Meat Producers Association and BC Cattlemen's Association.

Get all the details and register for FREE at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/preparing-for-climate-change-challenges-leveraging-with-livestock-tickets-1985859356794

Are you looking for help with your grazing plan? Do you have questions about livestock health and nutrition? Or maybe you'd like some support with the financial side of farming? This Friday, April 24th at Fresh Valley Farms, three of the industry's most knowledgeable experts will be in one room and ready to answer your questions in a round table format. Bring your grazing plans, farming questions and curiosities and take advantage of this free workshop!
Stick around for Saturday to hear from Amy Norgaard, a Mitigation and Preparedness Specialist on the Emergency Management Team with the Ministry of Agriculture. We'll be talking wildfire preparation and climate change challenges, before heading out on a pasture walk with Greg Tegart and Steve Meggait. Topics will include managing adjacent pastures to mitigate wildfire risk, silvopasture strategies, targeted grazing and more!

Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/preparing-for-climate-change-challenges-leveraging-with-livestock-tickets-1985859356794?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/16/2026

🌱 Tis the season for podcasts!

Spring is in the air and you're on the move—but that doesn’t mean missing out on Organic Science Cluster 4 research. 🌼🎧

Catch up wherever you are with new podcast episodes from Organic BC, Manitoba Organics and our very own film-to-podcast series.

Tune in, stay informed, and keep growing! 🌿

OSC4 Podcasts https://buff.ly/FIMd1oz
Organic BC Podcasts https://buff.ly/0Vg8e8S
MB Organics Podcast https://buff.ly/deMXyId