Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz announced a funding of $6.5 million, matched by $2.2 million from industry partners to establish Canada’s Organic Science Cluster (OSC).

The funding, awarded through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Growing Forward Program, is meant to support growth in the organic sector by strengthening the science behind organic agriculture in Canada.  

The Organic Federation of Canada is the applicant on behalf of the Canadian organic sector, but the OSC will be managed by the Organic Agriculture Center of Canada.

The OSC:

-          involves 80 lead and collaborating scientists, the longest standing and leading scientists in organic agriculture, who will be working alongside other scientists who are leaders in their respective disciplines;

-          will run until March 2013, spans the country with activities in nine provinces, engaging all major agricultural universities in Canada and enlisting the collaboration of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists;

-          involves twenty industry partners, representing many aspects of the organic sector across the country, that will contribute $2.2 million in matching funds to support research activities;

-          includes 30 research activities

o   that will set the groundwork for significant improvements in phosphorus use efficiency in organic crop production,

o   lead organic into an era of low-till production without herbicides,

o   provide a landmark breakthrough in energy efficient organic greenhouse production,

o   develop effective systems for management of organic horticultural crops,

o   characterize the contribution of organic production to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,

o   establish benchmarks for animal health and welfare in dairying,

o   and address barriers in high value fruit production. 

The Organic Science Cluster will serve to strengthen the capacity and market for domestic organic production while supporting ecologically sound farming practices. 

Regular updates will be posted on OACC website.

Fresh ideas for local harvests

New food company Ontario’s Own wants to create a larger market for small producers with a focus on diverse products created by artisan farmers and producers

You can view this story at: http://www.thestar.com/business/article/842584–fresh-ideas-for-local-harvests

Information to ensure a safe, healthy, and sustainable food supply. The Organic & Non-GMO Report is the only monthly newsletter that provides information you need to respond to the challenges of genetically modified (GM) foods.

August 17, 2010, Toronto - Starting in Fall 2010, Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education will be offering a course series through online learning in urban agriculture as part the Certificate in Food Security. Students who complete the course series will receive official documentary acknowledgement from the university. The four courses that make up the series are: 

Understanding Urban Agriculture (CVFN410) offered in Fall 2010

Urban Agriculture Policy-Making (CVFN413) offered in Fall 2010

Urban Agriculture Types (CVFN412) offered in Winter 2011

Dimensions of Urban Agriculture (CVFN411) offered in Spring/Summer 2011 

The series will provide students with a comprehensive picture of current practices in urban agriculture and the environmental, socio-economic and political challenges that must be addressed to support them. Students will not only gain in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of urban agriculture but also of the policy dimensions and governance issues that must be taken into account for development of effective urban agriculture systems. The thematic focus of the course series is to demonstrate the importance and value of urban agriculture as an integral part of planning and development for sustainable, food-secure and healthy urban environments.

The urban agriculture courses are also electives for the Certificate in Food Security and can be used by students as part of their course requirement for completing the certificate.

The courses have been developed in a unique international ongoing partnership between The Chang School and the International Network of Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF) in the Netherlands, a global leader in urban agriculture research and development (http://www.ruaf.org/). The instructors for the course series are based in Canada, Lebanon, and the Netherlands and bring a wide range of local and international knowledge and experience to the courses.

For more information about the course series in urban agriculture, please contact the academic coordinator for the Food Security Program, Reg Noble, at food@ryerson.ca, or visit www.ryerson.ca/ce/ua.

About The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University

Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education (www.ryerson.ca/ce) is Canada’s foremost provider of university-based adult education, facilitating access to the University’s renowned, professionally relevant courses and programs. Since 1975, we have been delivering leading-edge workplace knowledge that empowers learners to reach their personal and professional goals. We have approximately 70,000 annual enrollments (in more than 1,400 courses) in Arts; Business; Communication and Design; Community Services; Engineering, Architecture, and Science; Gateway for International Professionals; and Programs for 50+. We also offer 77 career-related certificate programs and numerous course series. Our flexible, accessible programming is available on campus, via distance education, and off-site for employee groups. The expertise of our Digital Education Strategies unit – an innovative leader in online learning – has been recognized by the National University Telecommunications Network and the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education.