Below is a list of upcoming Food webinars and teleconferences in February.
Organic Crop Production
Hosted by: ACORN
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3 FROM 8:00 PM (AST)
ACORN Series: Introduction to the Canadian Organic Standards. With Rochelle Eisen B.Sc.(agr), P.Ag – Resilient Solutions Consulting. Understanding the Canadian Organic Standards (COS) is a requirement of organic certification. These standards are currently under review, so this is a good opportunity to learn about it and include your voice in the review process. ACORN will present experts from across Canada for an introductory overview of the Canadian Organic Standards. This webinar will outline the difference between the Organic Products Regulation and the Canadian Organic Standards as well as overview transition requirements and explain the connection between the Canadian Organic Standard and the Permitted Substances List. Learn more about the crop production sections of the standards in regards to land requirements, environmental factors, seed and planting stock, soil fertility and pest and disease management. For more information or to RSVP please contact Tara Scott – ACORN’s Organic Transition Coordinator transition@acornorganic.org. http://www.acornorganic.org
Lessons Learned – Effective Internship and Apprenticeship Programs
Hosted by: New Farmers Initiative of FSC and FarmStart
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5 FROM 1:00 PM TO 2:30 PM ET
This webinar is for everyone interested in how best to teach the next generation of farmers and will be moderated by Lucia Stephen of Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)’s Grow A Farmer program. Rachel Schell-Lambert from the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)-NY and Jordan Marr from SOIL, established and respected programs, will share their experiences. There are myriad issues involved in designing and running training programs that truly prepare students to run their own farm business. Among others, identification of demographic and learning style, selection of trainers and trainees, training methods, suitable location, relationship management and liability are key aspects to consider when constructing or implementing training, internship and apprenticeship programs.
Aullak, Sangilivallianginnatuk (Going Off, Growing Strong)
Hosted by: Food Security Network of Newfoundland & Labrador
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 10 FROM 2:00 PM (Labrador)
Youth Out on the Land and Sea Series. Aullak, Sangilivallianginnatuk in Nain is the first program of its kind in Canada, and is inspiring similar efforts across the North. The program offers youth the experience of going out on the land to learn about hunting, trapping, fishing, and other skills with experienced hunters. Food harvested through the program is donated to the Community Freezer and delivered to elders at their homes. Presenter Dorothy Angnatok, the program’s Coordinator, will share stories about the program and her ideas for engaging youth. Going Off, Growing Strong was recently highlighted in Clara’s Big Ride and just received $150,000 from Bell Aliant to support their amazing work. Learn more from this recent interview with Dorothy on the Marilyn Dennis Show.
To register for one or both of the teleconferences email info@foodsecuritynews.com or call (709) 237-4026
Organic Livestock
Hosted by: ACORN
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 10 FROM 8:00 PM (AST)
ACORN Series: Introduction to the Canadian Organic Standards. With Anne Macey, co-author of COG’s Organic Livestock Handbook. Understanding the Canadian Organic Standards (COS) is a requirement of organic certification. These standards are currently under review, so this is a good opportunity to learn about it and include your voice in the review process. ACORN will present experts from across Canada for an introductory overview of the Canadian Organic Standards. An overview of the livestock production sections of the standards, focusing on information regarding livestock origin, feed, health care, and living conditions. For more information or to RSVP please contact Tara Scott – ACORN’s Organic Transition Coordinator transition@acornorganic.org. http://www.acornorganic.org
Linking Farmers to Land – Alternative Land Access and Tenure
Hosted by: New Farmers Initiative of FSC and FarmStart
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17 FROM 1:00 PM TO 2:30 PM ET
Access to land is often cited as the largest challenge facing new farmers. With the cost of farmland and interest rates as they are, existing farms are consolidating and new farmers are forced to seek alternatives. Kathy Ruhf of Land for Good and Leslie Carbonneau of Banque de Terres will join us to discuss how land-linking organisations work outside the traditional avenues of farmland access, opening doors for new farmers to farmland opportunities.
Fishing for Success
Hosted by: Food Security Network of Newfoundland & Labrador
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17 FROM 2:00 PM (Labrador Time)
Youth Out on the Land and Sea Series. Fishing for Success is a non-profit community dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the traditional fishing knowledge and culture which sustained Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for generations. Their vision is that one day every child in Newfoundland and Labrador will once again be taught the traditional fishing knowledge and skills of the people who came before them. The program has a goal to instill a sense of pride, of place, and a longing to protect and conserve their natural home. Kimberly Orren will introduce the program and share her ideas for putting young people in touch with traditional food skills and knowledge. To register for one or both of the teleconferences email info@foodsecuritynews.com or call (709) 237-4026
Organic Processing and Labelling
Hosted by: ACORN
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17 FROM 8:00 PM (AST)
ACORN Series: Introduction to the Canadian Organic Standards. With Kelly Monaghan – Ash Street Organics. Understanding the Canadian Organic Standards (COS) is a requirement of organic certification. These standards are currently under review, so this is a good opportunity to learn about it and include your voice in the review process. ACORN will present experts from across Canada for an introductory overview of the Canadian Organic Standards. This session will provide an overview of the organic processing sections of the Canadian Organic Standards. Gain a better understanding about what the standards say about maintaining organic integrity, organic percentages, organic processing methods and processing aids. For more information or to RSVP please contact Tara Scott – ACORN’s Organic Transition Coordinator transition@acornorganic.org. http://www.acornorganic.org
FarmStart LLP – Developing financial literacy among new farmers
Hosted by: New Farmers Initiative of FSC and FarmStart
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 FROM 1:00 PM TO 2:00 PM ET
FarmStart LLP, a program of Farm Credit in New England, assists beginning farmers and new cooperatives through their start-up years by providing working capital investments of up to $50,000 to get their business off the ground. Gary Matteson of Farm Credit in Washington DC and Lynn Weaver of Farm Credit East in Connecticut will join us to discuss the conception and effectiveness of the American FarmStart program. Christie Young of FarmStart in Ontario will join us to put the model in context to the Canadian situation. This webinar is 2nd in the New Farmers Initiative “Character Capital” Series and is targeted to anyone interested in financing for new farm businesses and policy development to help new farmers. Also of interest will be the previous webinar in this series, FarmWorks – Investing in Farm Businesses, which is archived on FSC’s YouTube page.
Dismantling Racism and Oppression in the Food System
Hosted by: FoodShare Toronto
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25 FROM 1:00 PM TO 2:00 PM ET
Join us for a conversation with Erika Allen, National Projects Director for Growing Power, Inc to learn about the importance of dismantling racism and oppression in our food systems in order to create a food system that is just and equitable for all. Growing Power is a US acclaimed non-profit organization and land trust providing equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe, and affordable food, especially in underserved communities, and also a leader in challenging systems of oppression in our food systems.