Check out our September Newsletter or come visit us at the Trout Lake and Kitsilano Farmers Markets September 11th and 12th weekend or at the Okanagan Organic Festival on September 26th at Summerhill Winery in Kelowna
September Newsletter
September 3rd, 2010GM products moving into the wild
August 27th, 2010Organic farming prohibits the use of GM products and here is another example of why. A recent study of GM canola in North Dakota found that the GM plants are not only found in the wild they are also cross-pollinating. The evidence for cross-pollination was a sample that was contained the resistance to both Monsanto and Bayer crop science herbicides. This shows that in the wild a plant with traits found nowhere else was bred. What happens if this resistance actually transfers into undesirable weeds? Do we then create a new pesticide to deal with those weeds? It feels a little bit like the old lady that ate the spider.
For more information: http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100806/full/news.2010.393.html?s=news_rss
Summer Newsletter
July 30th, 2010Have a read of our the latest OFIBC newsletter. Upcoming dates, events, as well as interesting articles.
Enjoy a little summer reading with the August Newsletter
OFIBC AGM
March 29th, 2010The Organic Farming Institute of BC held it’s AGM on Thursday March 25, 2010 in Cawston BC. The OFIBC reviewed the past year.
As the Chair’s report states “This past year has seen the OFIBC roll out and implement its first course…we have also been developing the second course for Soils. This course is now complete and will be rolled out in the next few weeks. All in all it has been an active year.” The Chair also discussed the future which is to continue to secure funding and sponsorship for more course development, securing a ” bricks and mortar” home for the institute, looking to build on more partnerships as well as Board of Director recruitment and development.
After the AGM the OFIBC and interested attendees enjoyed a viewing of the film Food Inc. The film re-affimed the resolve of those present that continuing to promote and provide organic farming education is important for our future.
Course Schedule Updated
February 15th, 2010The updated Organic Farming Institute course schedule is now listed on the website for both on-line and field training. On-line technical and knowledge courses start monthly beginning March 15th, 2010.
The field-training course in Organic Soil Management, ORG 101F, will run monthly starting April 24th adn 25th. These weekend courses will also run monthly throughout the growing season. Lead by our seasoned instructor and farmer, Lee McFadyen, students will visit and tour two working organic farms to see different farming styles. Students will also learn practical skills and participate in practical assignments.
Registration is open for the field training course at the reduced rate of $325! Get in early and learn the skills and theory to make a difference in this years growing season.
Our courses have been developed for farmers by farmers - practical and effective.
At the Organic Farming Institute we will help you Learn and Grow!
Certificate in Organic Soil Management
July 1st, 2009The Organic Farming Institute of BC is pleased to announce the Certificate in Organic Soil Management.
The organic agriculture sector continues to grow as consumers look to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices and sources of food. The demand for organic food has been growing at about 20% annually, and although it has recently slowed, it is still growing. The trend in Canada shows that local organic producers supply less than 25% of the Canadian Organic Market.
This changing market place provides opportunities for farmers that choose to move towards organic methods, however organic farming requires new and different skills than conventional methods. The certificate in Organic Soil Management provides the foundation for success in organic farming. “Introduction to organic soil management and nutrient cycles” is the first of three courses on building fertile and productive soil using organic methods.
Lee McFadyen, who developed the course content, explains the importance of organic soil management. “Soil and organic farming methods are inextricably linked. Understanding how soil functions, plant nutrient cycles and growth, is fundamental to successful organic farming, healthy plants and nutritious food. These courses provide the foundation for such understanding.”
The next on-line course starts August 4, 2009 and field training is planned for three days in the fall, September 19-21, 2009.
Contact our administrator, Sarah Clark, for more information sclark@ofibc.org
Next Courses
June 19th, 2009The next start date for Introduction to organic soil managemntand nutrient cycles is Tuesday August 4, 2009. You can sign up on line at http://www.ofibc.org/registrationform.html
The second course in the organic soil management called Transitioning to Organic methods will start September 14th, 2009.
Field training in organic soil management which will cover elements from both these courses will be September 19th - 21st, 2009 in the beautiful Similkameen Valley.
Please contact Sarah Clark if you have any questions sclark@ofibc.org
Come learn and grow with us at the Organic Farming Institute of BC.
FIRST COURSE STARTS JUNE 15
June 8th, 2009The first on-line course, “Introduction to organic soil management and nutrient cycles” starts next Monday, June 15th. This is a great time to take this course. With the growing season in full swing what better way to assimilate the information by working and learning at the same time. Don’t wait until another growing season has gone by. In just 5 hours a week you will have a much better understanding of the importance of organic soil management practices before the summer is over.
There is still time to register. Go to our registration page fill in the form, payment details and be one of the first to sign up for this awesome new course.
If you have any questions send an email to our administrator sclark@ofibc.org and she can provide you with the answer.