ACORN Receives $90,000 for Maritime Organic Grains Network

July 25, 2007. Sackville, NB

It’s often only thought of in Prairie landscapes, but grain is grown and milled right here in Atlantic Canada-and that includes certified organic grain.

Nevertheless, over 80% of organic grain for animal feed and human consumption is imported from outside the region, because there isn’t enough local supply.

“There’s quite a bit of interest from organic farmers who want to grow grain and oilseeds,” said Andy Hammermeister of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). “But most production and research information available is Prairie-based, so it’s not entirely relevant to growing in the Maritimes.”

“Interest from processors is also very high,” said Beth McMahon, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN). “Speerville Flour Mill in New Brunswick tries to use local organic grain for its flours and cereals, but it must still buy from outside the Maritimes. There are also some processors that would love to make local organic oils.”

“Atlantic Canada doesn’t even have its own organic feed mill, which has been prohibitive for developing organic livestock production and dairy,” said McMahon.

This production shortage may soon be coming to an end.

ACORN will receive up to $90,000 over the next three years to work with the OACC to establish a Maritime Organic Grains Network. The funding comes from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s ACAAF funding program, which is administered by three Maritime councils.

“This is great news for the entire agricultural community,” said McMahon. “The Network will help identify the missing information that farmers need to increase organic grain and oilseed production.

Atlantic Canadians will also benefit because of the increased supply of local organic grain, dairy products and meat.”

The Maritime Organic Grains Network has planned several projects for the next several years, including field trials to provide critical research and production information. There will also be seasonal field tours, educational workshops, networking events, and market analysis conducted.

“We’d like to include conventional and organic farmers, researchers, processors, and anyone else who is interested in grains and oilseeds in this initiative,” asserts McMahon. “We’ll be sending out quarterly newsletters with market and production research, as well as regular technical bulletins. This information is all free to receive, so there’s no reason not to get involved in the Network.”

 

If you would like to learn more about the Maritime Organic Grains Network, please contact Beth McMahon at ACORN by phone (1-866-322-2676) or email (admin@acornoganic.org).

 

 

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Posted August 2007