First organic feed mill in Atlantic Canada

By Barbara Scott

One of the pieces missing in the development of the Atlantic organic industry will be filled in this fall when the Sussex Co-op in New Brunswick starts producing organic feed.

Until now, organic farmers had to buy feed from Ontario or Quebec, and grain growers had to send their crops outside the region for processing.

“Having to get feed from markets outside our region has been a definite stumbling block for farmers,“ said Beth McMahon.

“There are very few certified organic farmers in Atlantic Canada compared to other parts of the country. I’m sure that having this local supply for feed will encourage others to get involved in organic farming because of reductions not only in transportation costs, but also in the amount of time it takes to get delivery of the product,” the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) executive director said.

Ecocert, an internationally recognized control and certification organization, recently certified the Sussex Co-op to manufacture organic feed. The Co-op will begin mixing organic feed with this fall’s harvest. General Manager Dave Arsenault said it will be able to source almost all ingredients within the region, except for soybean meal and corn on occasion.

The Co-op will begin mixing organic formulas one day every two weeks but Arsenault expects production will gradually increase. He estimates orders could quadruple within the next few years. “There is an increasing demand for organic feed and a growing desire among farmers, and dairy processors in particular, to enter into the organic market in Atlantic Canada.”

There are now only 170 certified farms and processors in the region.

Many farmers want a product that is both local and organic. Since this hasn't been an option, many potential buyers have opted for local, McMahan said.

“Several certified farms have opted to not certify livestock because of the prices of organic feed. We believe that these farms will be prompted to reconsider this decision when the local organic feed becomes available.”

She added that organic farmers have been upset by the additional shipping costs getting their crop to Ontario and back. The distance has caused frustrations because products take longer to arrive, sometimes up to two weeks from the order date.

The Sussex Co-op has the capacity for storing and distributing organic grains throughout the region. At present Co-op Country Stores collect orders that are sent to Ontario. When the local product becomes available, buyers will be able to order and pick-up through their Co-op Country Store, Arsenault explained.

He noted that cutting down the shipping distances should have a positive environmental affect, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Grain growers, too, are looking for markets closer to home that reduce their transportation costs.

ACORN has organized a "Maritime Organic Grains Network" with the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, which already has 200 members. (There is no charge to join.) McMahan has noticed a marked interest from conventional growers to tap into the organic market. “Now with a local buyer, combined with our initiative to provide research and market information, we foresee that organic grain production will continue to grow over the next several years.”


OACC gratefully acknowledges the author and Atlantic Farm Focus for permission to post this article on our website.


Photo courtesy of Barbara Scott: Sussex Co-op Feed Mill Supervisor Fran Simpson and lead hand Lloyd Simpson (no relation) discuss changes in feed formulation for organic feeds.


Posted October 2008