Organic production is gaining popularity in the Parkland, but there are some challenges that producers face when deciding to shift to the heavily regulated market.
Laura Telford, Manitoba’s provincial organic specialist talks about some of the challenges producers face when they make the decision.
“Not having enough scientific information to back their decision, not having enough technical support, because organic has a very steep learning curve.”
She talks about what can be done to help farmers. "Just making sure the people are in place to help out organic producers, whether it be with technical information or helping with the paperwork. Because organic paperwork can be very daunting if you are new to it. Many buyers are now hiring agronomists to take this outreach role on themselves and also organic associations are kind of stepping up to the plate and doing more outreach with producers.”
Laura is working on a report that is expected to be released next year that hopes to solve the information vacuum about Canada’s organic sector to better help the organic industry.
