National Organic Farming Campaign

Canada SPOKE - (Students Promoting Organic Kinship with the Environment) will begin June 20, 2000. A group of cyclists will tour across Canada to raise awareness of the benefits of organic farming, sustainable technologies, and healthy lifestyles. SPOKE will also raise research funds for Canadian Organic Growers and organic farming.

ORGANIC FARMING: Known in some places as ecological agriculture, organic farming is a holistic farming system designed to optimize the health and productivity of the interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. Organic farming practices do not use synthesized fertilizers, chemical pesticides or biocides.

BIOTECHNOLOGY: Sustainable Technology? Genetically engineered foods are moving out.

WHAT ARE CERTIFIED ORGANIC FOODS?

Unlike conventional agri-foods, certified organic foods and products are derived from an agronomic production and management system that excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives such as antibiotics. (COAB - The National Standard) It also excludes genetically modified organisms.

Canadian Organic Growers
Organic growing is more than chemical-free food production. Organic growers use sound ecological principles to build a rich, balanced soil that yields superior produce without depleting natural resources Canadian Organic Growers. COG is a national information network for organic farmers, gardeners and consumers conducting research into alternatives to traditional chemical and energy intensive food growing practices.

The Ecosystem Approach to organic farming is used to develop and maintain soil health, integrity and to optimize soil function. While the soil is a crucial ingredient for the growth of nutritious, healthy plants, the surrounding ecosystem determines how organic farmers develop their various crop planting adaptations.