source: Farm and Food Report
In the fast changing world of agriculture, organic producers can use all the help they can get in increasing awareness about the opportunities in organic agriculture, the benefits of organic agriculture, and the real value of organic producers’ contributions to the industry as a whole.
According to association President Arnold Taylor. the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD) has made a difference for those producers and their families in elaborating policy positions; making organic certification more accessible for all participating producers; and promoting organic agriculture generally.
“We started out as an umbrella organization for organic certifiers in 1997,” Taylor says. “We have since evolved into a farmer-oriented organization working to bring about financial success and long-term environmental sustainability for organic agriculture. Our members now number 450 growers, through their producer associations, as well as processors, traders and consumers. They all count on us to help create a viable organic operating environment in our province.”
Policy work is one of the main resources the directorate has used over the years to bring about greater recognition from the industry in general. “While we don’t always agree on every issue, our by-laws require us to try to reach consensus before votes are taken,” Taylor points out.
SOD has also instilled a better appreciation for the particularities of organic agriculture and the challenges those who practice it must face with stakeholders and all industry players.
“Among other things, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate has worked with the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation on much needed changes in its policies so that coverage and programs reflect organic production practices,” Taylor points out.
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Blaine Recksiedler, the Provincial Specialist for Cereal and Organic Crops, recognizes the contributions made by SOD. “The Saskatchewan Organic Directorate provides useful services for the organic sector,” he says. “As the sector grows, we certainly expect SOD to be front and centre in guiding and facilitating its development.”
SOD’s Organic Agriculture Protection Fund (OAPF) is hosting a fundraising event at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts in Regina on April 25, 2005, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Geneticist David Suzuki will be the featured speaker. Tickets are available at a cost of $20.00 at the Centre’s box office and other ticket outlets across the province, or by calling 1-800-667-8497.
For more information, contact:
Arnold Taylor
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate
(306) 252-2783
www.saskorganic.com
In the fast changing world of agriculture, organic producers can use all the help they can get in increasing awareness about the opportunities in organic agriculture, the benefits of organic agriculture, and the real value of organic producers’ contributions to the industry as a whole.
According to association President Arnold Taylor. the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD) has made a difference for those producers and their families in elaborating policy positions; making organic certification more accessible for all participating producers; and promoting organic agriculture generally.
“We started out as an umbrella organization for organic certifiers in 1997,” Taylor says. “We have since evolved into a farmer-oriented organization working to bring about financial success and long-term environmental sustainability for organic agriculture. Our members now number 450 growers, through their producer associations, as well as processors, traders and consumers. They all count on us to help create a viable organic operating environment in our province.”
Policy work is one of the main resources the directorate has used over the years to bring about greater recognition from the industry in general. “While we don’t always agree on every issue, our by-laws require us to try to reach consensus before votes are taken,” Taylor points out.
SOD has also instilled a better appreciation for the particularities of organic agriculture and the challenges those who practice it must face with stakeholders and all industry players.
“Among other things, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate has worked with the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation on much needed changes in its policies so that coverage and programs reflect organic production practices,” Taylor points out.
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Blaine Recksiedler, the Provincial Specialist for Cereal and Organic Crops, recognizes the contributions made by SOD. “The Saskatchewan Organic Directorate provides useful services for the organic sector,” he says. “As the sector grows, we certainly expect SOD to be front and centre in guiding and facilitating its development.”
SOD’s Organic Agriculture Protection Fund (OAPF) is hosting a fundraising event at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts in Regina on April 25, 2005, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Geneticist David Suzuki will be the featured speaker. Tickets are available at a cost of $20.00 at the Centre’s box office and other ticket outlets across the province, or by calling 1-800-667-8497.
For more information, contact:
Arnold Taylor
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate
(306) 252-2783
www.saskorganic.com
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