As part of EFAO’s Member Month, join us for Demystifying Organic Certification, a practical session designed to break down the organic certification process and help farmers determine if it’s the right fit for their operation.

What We’ll Cover:

This session will provide a clear overview of the organic certification process in Ontario. Experts from Ecocert will explain how independent certification bodies operate, address common misconceptions, and outline the practical steps involved in becoming certified. We’ll discuss the costs associated with certification, why it may be more accessible than many farmers think, and the potential benefits for those looking to enter the organic market. To bring these concepts to life, Phil Oegema will share his experience transitioning a 1,200-acre conventional farm to organic, offering insights into the challenges, opportunities, and evolving landscape of organic production.

Who Should Attend?

This session is ideal for farmers who are curious about organic certification, those considering transitioning, and anyone wanting to better understand the organic marketplace in Ontario.

Speakers:

Ecocert Canada: Representatives from Ecocert, one of Canada’s leading organic certifiers, will walk through the certification process, debunk common misconceptions, and answer your questions.

Phil Oegema: Phil farms with his family in Talbotville, Ontario, just south of London. After farming conventionally for most of his career, he and his father transitioned their entire 1,200-acre farm to organic in 2015. He’ll share insights on making the switch, the challenges and rewards, and how advancements in technology, equipment, and market demand are making organic a strong opportunity for enterprising crop farmers.

This webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.