The Government of Canada is investing up to $297,330 for the Prairie Organic Development Fund (PODF) to enable farmers to adopt best practices in organic farming production.
PODF is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on enhancing the development and growth of organic agriculture across Canada. Canada’s organic farming sector is valued at $8 billion and is the sixth largest in the world.
Farmers will be provided with tools and support to incorporate organic farming practices that help meet the growing demand for organic foods in Canada. Demand for organics in Canada is increasing at a rate of 8.7% annually.
"This investment will accelerate the adoption of organic best practices among farmers and increase the supply and quality of organic grains, fruits and vegetables, and livestock, fostering the expansion of the Canadian organic food processing sector,” says Marla Carlson, Program Manager of Prairie Organic Development Fund.
“The development of the organic sector creates opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors to meet the increasing demand for organic food domestically and internationally."
The investment will help PODF deliver its Canada Organic Ingredient Strategy, which transfers specialized skills, knowledge, and best practices to existing organic farmers and those interested in adopting more organic production methods.
Through this project, PODF will do the following:
- Raise awareness and understanding about the benefits of organic farming to help strengthen public trust in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system.
- Offer business extension tools and skills development to farmers across Canada through producer conferences and webinars, podcasts, online agronomic tools, and training.
In addition, the Government of Canada announces over $550 million to enhance sustainability and mitigate climate change.
The Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) Living Labs program creates a Canada-wide network of regional collaborations made up of farmers, scientists, and other sectoral stakeholders. They engage in co-development, evaluation, and adoption of beneficial management practices to better store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The On-Farm Climate Action Fund, a stream under ACS, will encourage more farmers to adopt and implement beneficial management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in areas of nitrogen management, cover cropping and rotational grazing.
This includes the Agricultural Clean Technology program, which supports the adopting and development of cleaner, more energy-efficient equipment.