11.21.11
Learn about organic farming online!
This winter there will be two organic courses offered online to both university students and farmers. Check it out!
Weed Control in Organic Agriculture is offered by the University of Saskatchewan. Enhance your knowledge and keep pace with organic innovation. This flexible and interactive course allows you to study where and when you want. Learn about principles of weed control in organic agriculture, explore strategies and develop a weed management plan for your operation. Learn more at: http://ccde.usask.ca/weedcontrol
Organic Crop Production on the Prairies is a web-based course available through the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. In seven modules, the course highlights organic crop production principles and practices within the different prairie soil zones. The next course runs January to April 2012. Learn more at: www.umanitoba.ca/afs/organic_prairies/
11.20.11
Organic Research and Resources
University of Minnesota and University of Manitoba Cover Crop Research
The University of Minnesota has posted a website reporting on its research into canola as a cover crop for pre-emergence weed/disease suppression. The site reports on a study to determine the effectiveness of several pesticide-free methods of killing canola to maximize weed suppression in the production of strawberries, pumpkins, and fresh-market new potatoes. One method the researchers evaluate is the roller-crimper, also called a blade roller, which has also been the focus of recent University of Manitoba research into organic zero-till systems.
Organic Essentials Shopping Guide, and more from the Organic Center
The Organic Center, through its program Generations of Organic, has produced a pocket shopping guide that helps consumers assess the pesticide risks of fruits and vegetables. Read more at http://www.generationsoforganic.org/in-the-kitchen/pocket-guide/. See also Transforming Jane Doe's Diet and the Nutritional Quality Index for more on food and pesticide risks.
Are you concerned about Monsanto's new genetically engineered sweet corn?
US-based Food and Water Watch will be delivering petition signatures to major US grocery store chains. Sign the petition at http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8405
11.02.11
Manitoba Organics in the Media!
Members of Manitoba's organic community were the focus of two major articles in the Manitoba Cooperator during October, in conjunction with Organic Week.
October 20, 2011: A fresh look at our organic roots
Featuring Janine Gibson (Organic Food Council of Manitoba), Martin Entz (University of Manitoba) and Priscilla Reimer (MOA), this article highlights the potential of organic food production systems to provide safe and abundant food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil and environmental quality.
See the article here (Page 1, Page 2).
October 27, 2011: Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-op demonstrates advantages of composting manure
Industrial-scale compost turning demonstrations were held at several locations in southern Manitoba during Organic Week. The purpose of these demonstrations was to introduce Canada's first agricultural composting co-op, Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-op. One of the three interim directors of the co-op is Gerry Dube, a founding member of the Organic Food Council of Manitoba. Composted manure can be an important source of nutrients for organic farmers.
See the article here.
