BC Organic Harvest Awards a Success
News Release
November 9, 2005
The first annual Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia’s BC Organic Harvest Awards, the only event that officially recognizes the growth and accomplishment of the province’s organic sector, was a triumphant success. The event, which took place at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Vancouver on Saturday, November 5, was a lively celebration that toasted 11 category winners, brought together the BC organic community and recognized organic leadership and innovation.
The evening attracted 150 participants including organic growers, farmers, brokers, producers, processors, retailers, wholesalers, marketers and media who came together to pay tribute to this environmental and health-conscious agricultural sector. The Organic Industry is also a business leader, being the fastest growing segment in Canadian food retailing. Organic retail sales were estimated at $1 to 1.3 billion in Canada in 2003, making Canada the sixth largest market in the world.
Guests dined on an entirely organic menu prepared by Coast Plaza Hotel Chef Luc Gruffaz. Summerhill wines were generously donated by Capers Community Markets; Crannog Ales provided their award-winning Back Hand of God Stout, Pacific Western Brewery provided Natureland beer and Thomas Reid Farm provided organic chicken. Gregor Robertson, MLA from Vancouver-Fairview welcomed the guests and thanked the attendees for their leadership and their vision for change. Master of Ceremonies Deb Foote, Certified Organic Association of British Columbia President, provided an industry update and presented the awards.
AWARD WINNERS
- Best Bakery Product – Nature’s Path Foods for Carrot Raisin Manna Bread and Artisan Bake Shoppe for Ancient Grains Bread (tie)
- Best Dairy Producer – Avalon Dairy/Bradner Farms
- Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage – Happy Planet Organic Happiest Orange Juice and Ethical Bean organic coffee (tie)
- Best Processed (non-livestock) Product – Kootenay Kitchen Vege Pate
- Best Direct Farm Marketing Business – Cincott Nursery and Market Garden
- Best Integrated-Farm System – Alderlea Biodynamic Farm
- Best Livestock Producer – Bradner Farms
- Best Processed Meat Product – Organa Farms Smoked Turkey Bacon
- Best Retailer – Salt Spring Natureworks
- Best Home-Delivery System (non-farm) – Small Potatoes Urban Delivery (S.P.U.D.)
- Best Alcoholic Beverage – Crannog Ales Backhand of God Stout
The awards are designed to recognize members who have made a difference, those who have established strong, profitable businesses in what was originally a small niche market, and those who have launched innovative concepts to increase the sector’s production, integrity and growth potential.
Deb Foote also gave a tribute to Bruce Ashley of Capers Community Markets who recently passed away.
The event’s Presenting Sponsors included Nature’s First Fruit/Ambrosia Apple Growers and Avalon Dairy. Supporting Sponsors Nature’s Path, Vancouver Croissant, Olympic Dairy and the Organic Grocer played a valuable role. Shared Vision and Grocer Today magazines provided media support.
The BC Organic Harvest Awards are unique in Canada. They are the only provincial organic awards program. The BC organic sector is led by the Certified Organic Associations of BC, the producers of the Organic Harvest Awards. The COABC is the only government-approved body responsible for overseeing the BC Certified Organic Program. The COABC implements strict government-approved standards for organic farm production and processing under the Agri-Food Choice and Quality Act. The COABC accredits11 Certification bodies which in turn have over 550 members.
For media inquiries please call (604) 737-7515 and for information about the Certified Organic Associations of BC call (250) 260-4429 or visit www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca