Organic Council of Ontario

As we round up our Feet on Farms tours, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who opened their fields, kitchens, and hearts to share the story of organics in Ontario. A huge THANK YOU to Pfenning's Organic Vegetables for being our bookend this past weekend. Your generosity in hosting, your leadership in the sector, and your deep commitment to organic farming inspire us all. A special shoutout to Lauren Stallard Wedderburn, our OCO Board Chairperson and Pfenning's Sales and Marketing Manager, for her tireless work in advancing organics both on and off the farm. 💚 Thanks to Jenn Pfenning for your inspiring words and to all of Pfenning's for all that you do!

Congrats to our August prize winner Lonach Lea Farms for contributing to organic data collection! Enjoy your @tearebellion prize pack! Your input helps strengthen and grow the organic sector in Ontario. There's still a chance to win September's prize—$100 OCO Bucks, for contributing to future events, membership or your tickets to @guelphorganicconference  Fill out the survey and help us build better data for better organics: https://lnkd.in/eWCpggHg

TODAY! Looking to expand your organic or regenerative operation? Join us for a free, informative online session exploring the wide range of grants, cost-share programs, loans, and mentorship opportunities now available to organic producers across Ontario and Canada. We're excited to be joined by ECOCERT Canada and Fair Finance Fund for today's session. Whether you're improving soil health, restoring habitat, or investing in your team, this session will help you identify the right programs for your goals and how to apply. Date: September 24, 2025 Time: 12-1pm EST Location: Online Zoom Cost: Free Register here: http://bit.ly/3W4Lz01

🌿🏆 OCO Organic Champion Awards: Call for Nominations! 🏆🌿 Do you know someone making a difference in Ontario’s organic sector? From innovative farmers to pollinator protectors, processors to community educators, this is your chance to celebrate them! 📅 Nomination Period: Sept 1–25 📣 Winners announced Sept 30 via newsletter & socials 🎁 Winners receive 2 all-access passes to the 45th annual Guelph Organic Conference! ✨ Self-nominations are welcome. 👉 Nominate today and help us honour the champions building a healthier, more sustainable food system in Ontario: http://bit.ly/4n5j8Lb

Let's Chat Over Coffee on Monday, September 22! Hear from organic farmers Bill Van Ness, Terry Hoover, Dean Martin, Ben Caesar, and more in a lively roundtable moderated by Dr. Erica Shelley. Register here: http://bit.ly/47Li9LI

🌱 Become an Organic Advocate & Win! 🌱 Join or renew as an Organic Advocate member between Sept 1–25, 2025, or refer a new member, and you’ll be automatically entered to win a $150 Mama Earth Gift Card 🎉 Open to Canadian residents 18+. One entry per new/renewed membership or referral. Winner chosen by random draw. Contest closes Sept 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Full rules & eligibility: http://bit.ly/45XQMg8

🎉🌱 We're still celebrating Organic Month! 🌱🎉 September is well underway, and we’re celebrating the people, farms, and foods that make organic so special. From stories to memberships, contests to community, there are so many ways to join in! A big nod to our national partner, the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), for leading the Organic Month campaign across the country 🙌💚 Give them a follow to organic month fun all month long! #OrganicMonth2025 #OntarioOrganic #WhyOrganic

🌱 Organic Month Contest Alert! 🌱 Share your Why Organic story with a photo or video on Instagram or Facebook by Sept 25, 2025 for a chance to win a Mama Earth Organics Produce Box ($150 value)! 🎉 To enter: ✔️ Tag @OrgCouncil (OCO) ✔️ Use hashtags #WhyOrganic #OntarioOrganic #OrganicMonth2025 One entry per person. Canada only. Must be 18+. Winner chosen by random draw. Contest closes Sept 25 at 11:59 PM ET. Full rules & eligibility: http://bit.ly/3IaSvoX

🌿🏆 OCO Organic Champion Awards: Call for Nominations! 🏆🌿 Do you know someone making a difference in Ontario’s organic sector? From innovative farmers to pollinator protectors, processors to community educators, this is your chance to celebrate them! 📅 Nomination Period: Sept 1–25 📣 Winners announced Sept 30 via newsletter & socials 🎁 Winners receive 2 all-access passes to the 45th annual Guelph Organic Conference! ✨ Self-nominations are welcome. 👉 Nominate today and help us honour the champions building a healthier, more sustainable food system in Ontario. http://bit.ly/4njz8Jy

Ontario farmer-entrepreneurs are driven by independence—not just profit. But lack of reliable staff & red tape are major barriers, according to a survey of 60 farmers. Building a resilient ag economy means supporting what matters. 🌱 http://bit.ly/4fpSHwJ