We all eat. But few of us know what is in our food, what the risks are to ourselves or to society in general. We trust that healthy and ample food will appear, like magic, in the grocery store. We trust the corporations, the "food system", that creates this apparent miracle. And when the experts say it's the best way, most of us believe them (see www.prwatch.org).

But there are troubling questions. What are the effects of agri-chemicals – on consumers, farmers, farms, and the environment? Can industrialized, monocultural agriculture provide a secure food supply? What are the root causes of cancer and other disease? How can we best feed a growing population? Who are the vested interests, and who can be believed? Most importantly, what can you do – as a consumer, a worker, an activist, a citizen?

Whether you are an eater, a gardener, a job seeker, an activist or a business person, you will find something of interest on this page. From good food boxes, to gardening tips, to food-tasting festivals... from weekend workshops, to university programs... from organic getaways, to world travel... from hands-on volunteer experiences, to life-long careers. You will also find links to related topics such as permaculture, solar and wind power, strawbale construction, and ecovillages. A cornucopia of opportunities, waiting to be discovered, experienced, and tasted!

– Peter Blanchard (contact)

The Farm Crisis, Bigger Farms, the Myths of "Competition" and "Efficiency" (2)

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Raffi: We're poisoning our children – "Today's produce is full of toxic residue and our children are most at risk. We need a new pesticide law". By children's troubadour Raffi Cavoukian, Feb 25, 2002, the Globe & Mail. Full article on-line at:
www.commondreams.org/views02/0225-06.htm Related links:
Children's Environmental Health Network www.cehn.org
Children's Health www.cela.ca/ch_health/ch_health_index.htm
Women's Health & Environments Network www.web.net/~when/
Stopping Cancer Before it Starts www.stopcancer.org
Links Between Health & Environment www.planetfriendly.net/health.html
Raffi's Troubadour Institute www.raffinews.com/about/about-ti.html

Ground-up batteries on your food? – "Toxic sludge can be relabeled as fertilizer, spread on food we eat. If you think that eating ground-up car batteries and drinking industrial waste is healthful, don't visit these websites. 'Tis good for many businesses to have their toxic waste relabeled as fertilizer. What the heck, the EPA says 'tis OK. These URLs explain part of the reason why. The process began under Ann Gorsuch, nominated to mismanage the EPA by George Bush Sr. (See book Fateful Harvest for details.) Ironically, many autism-spectrum children are being found to have impaired detoxification (often related to gastrointestinal problems), to have high levels of various toxic metals, and to improve subsequent to gut-healing, nutritional support, and removal of toxic metals (by physician-supervised chelation)". www.safefoodandfertilizer.com www.mail-archive.com/ecofem@csf.colorado.edu/msg08519.html .

Toxic Sludge Is Good For You (book) www.prwatch.org/books/tsigfy.html – "a cautionary reminder that much of the consumer and political world is created by for-hire mouthpieces in expensive neckties"

Protect Farmland, Don't Pave It! www.planetfriendly.net/dontpave.html (article and links to sprawl & smart growth; preservation of agricultural land; landtrusts)

For more on the need for organic food and sustainable agriculture (plus analyses and solutions) please see the section on Organizations & Websites, below.

How to Avoid Genetically Engineered Food (Shoppers Guide) – A catalogue of the Genetically Engineered (GE) foods sold in grocery stores across Canada. Provides alternatives to the GE foods currently available, and reveals which companies are taking action for the environment and their customers by removing GE ingredients. It also reveals those which are not. Lists over 1,000 food products and whether or not they are genetically engineered. It is currently the only source of information available to the majority of Canadians who don't want to eat GE food. We hope you find it useful in navigating the unlabelled aisles of Canada's supermarkets. On-line edition: www.greenpeace.ca/shoppersguide/ Print edition: suggested donation $2. To order, call: 1-800-320-7183 or e-mail members@yto.greenpeace.org or visit The Big Carrot, Grassroots or other environmentally responsible stores. Published by Greenpeace Canada: www.greenpeace.ca www.greenpeace.ca/e/campaign/gmo/

The Eco-Foods Guide (book). New book, available fall 2002: Eco-Foods Guide – What's Good for the Earth is Good for You! The essential guide to making sense of grocery store aisles. "A lively conversation about accessible solutions eating for health, for the environment, and for ecological values designed to empower consumers to vote with their food dollars for positive alternatives". By Cynthia Barstow, New Society Publishers, 2002. Foreward by Francis Moore Lappe. www.newsociety.com/bookid/3805 www.newsociety.com 1-800-567-6772 (if your bookstore doesn't have it on order, see the stores listed at: www.newleaf-dist.com/retail_stores/stores.htm or try www.google.com/search?q=%22eco-foods+guide%22 )

(a) Of interest to both gardeners and farmers

Organic Gardening Articles – soil; composting; flowers; vegetables; natural lawn care; permaculture; pests and diseases; seed saving; herbs; urban gardening; native plants; more Natural Life Magazine | Organic Landscaping Fact Sheets | Canadian Organic Growers Library (e.g. search for subject "gardening") | OrganicGardening.com | Organic Growing | Organically Minded | OrganicAgInfo | Wikipedia | Google Directory

Seeds of Diversity – "open-pollinated", heritage varieties which are not genetically engineered and grow well in organic & low input conditions. Canada's heritage seed-saving network. Their website includes an extensive list of Heritage Seed Companies in Canada, USA, England & France. Don't miss their annual "Seedy Saturday" fairs across Canada each spring, offering seed exchanges, workshops, trade show tables, and more. www.seeds.ca . See also the section on "What is Biodiversity", above, for further explanation of why heritage seeds are crucially important.

Organic Catalogues – Seeds, Plants & Supplies – Seed companies & nurseries that sell heirloom and rare or endangered varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs (see also "Seeds of Diversity", above) Seeds of Diversity Resource List | Cyndi's Catalog of Garden Catalogs (organic, natives, heirloom, perennials, Canadian)

Native Plants – North American Native Plant Society | Wikipedia | Google Directory

Permaculture What is Permaculture? (2) | Permaculture Links (Canada) | Permaculture Activist (website & magazine, incl. links & listings) | Permaculture.net | Google Directory

Landscaping & Lawn Care – Pesticide-free, low-maintenance gardening with native species, perennials, etc. Do-it-yourself or hire an organic landscaper or organic lawn-care company. Pesticide-free Naturally (Canada) | Organic Landscape Alliance (Ontario) | Society for Organic Urban Land Care (BC) | Gaia College (online course) | Organic Horticulture | Organic Landscaping & Gardening | Ecological Restoration | Naturalization (2) | Native Plants | Xeriscaping | Backyard Habitats | Get Your Lawn Off Drugs

"Each year, Americans spend as much on lawn maintenance as the government of India collects in federal tax revenue" – Wade Davis, The Globe and Mail, July 6, 2002.

Market Gardening – What is Market Gardening? | links

SPIN Farming (Small Plot Intensive, Urban Vegetable Gardening/Farming) SPIN Farming (see also Urban Agriculture)

More gardening and farming info: Google Directory and see also sections below...

Community gardening & urban agriculture

Community Gardening – A community garden is a shared space used by individuals, families, or other groups to grow vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers for consumption, donation, or sale. It can be large or small, on the ground or on rooftops, in plots or in planters. It can be "communal", where everyone shares the work & the harvest, or, gardeners can have their own individual plot within the garden and can also join with others to grow some crops communally (e.g. zucchini or corn). Toronto Community Garden Network www.foodshare.net/garden01.htm
www.toronto.ca/parks/programs/community.htm
Ottawa Community Garden Network www.flora.org/cgn-rjc/
Frequently Asked Questions www.foodshare.net/garden02.htm (2)
American Community Gardening Assoc. www.communitygarden.org
More: http://evreka.passagen.se/g/Lifestyle/Gardening/Gardens_by_Type/Community_Gardens/
[editor's note: not all community gardens are organic]

Why Community Gardens & Urban Farms? – healthy food, healthy individuals, healthy community. www.eatwithabandon.com/communitygardens.html www.co.brown.wi.us/uw_extension/gardens.html

Community Garden E-Newsletter – occasional e-mail newsletter with gardening tips, news, Toronto events, workshops, jobs. Partial archive of back-issues: www.foodshare.net/newsletter_main.htm , www.foodshare.net/garden01.htm Subscribe (free): cgnetwork@foodshare.net

Community Gardening Manual: "How Does Our Garden Grow? A Guide To Community Garden Success", published by FoodShare, $25. www.foodshare.net/garden03.htm

(b) Primarily for farmers, researchers & business

Cyberhelp for Organic Farmers – This portal website is geared to improving accessibility to quality organic content online, and upgrading farmers' capacities to access that information. The overall objective is to provide farmers with the tools necessary to function effectively in the new economy. The learning portion of the website has organic production (livestock, vegetable, fruit, specialty crop, greenhouse) information as well as connections to great resources on soil, farm equipment, organic certification and how to use your computer and the Internet. This is the place to learn the organic ropes. On the services side of the website visitors will find timely market information, farming news, a business of farming page and, coming soon, an online farmers' forum and links to an organic helpdesk, supported by a searchable FAQ system. www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/rcbtoa

Ecological Agriculture Projects (EAP). Large library of on-line publications; resource centre of over 2,000 books (Montreal, Canada); research services; training; more. The "Virtual Library" main subject categories include: Alternative Agriculture; Crop Production; Cropping Systems; Disbenefits of Conventional Agriculture; Environment; Health and Nutrition; Food; International Development; Livestock Production; Organic Agriculture; Pest Control; Policy and Economics; Soils and Fertilizers. http://eap.mcgill.ca

Organic Agriculture Info www.organicaginfo.org (new in 2003)

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, Nova Scotia Agricultural College. "Research & education serving all farmers and students, dedicated to enhancing the environmental and social integrity of agriculture". Also: college/university level web-based courses. www.organicagcentre.ca

Organic Agriculture, Processing, Marketing, Management (enormous directory of information available on-line) BC Gov't Community InfoBasket (or go to http://infobasket.gov.bc.ca/Infoman/communities/community.asp and click on "Organics".

Organic Farming Publications (ATTRA) http://attra.ncat.org/organic.html

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Food (OMAF) Organic Crops Factsheets & Infosheets www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/organic/organic.html

Organic Certification
Organic Certification Bodies in Canada www.cog.ca/about_organics/organic-standards-and-regulations/
About Organic Certification (articles & links) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_certification
www.google.ca/search?q=organic+certification+canada

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Organic Gardening Magazine – News, action, how-to's, message boards, free trial issue. Bi-monthly. www.organicgardening.com (print magazine; only partly online)

Canadian Organic Growers publish a quarterly magazine, an e-newsletter, and several handbooks on organic growing such as Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers, Organic Livestock Handbook, Organic Field Crop Handbook and several others. Click on "Publications" at www.cog.ca for book and magazine orders. Or click on "COG Library" at www.cog.ca for access to the mailing library of over 1500 books, audiotapes and articles.

EAP Reference Centre – "One of the world’s best collections of materials on sustainable food and agriculture systems. It contains over 2,000 books, more than 100 periodicals, nearly 100,000 articles organized in files, and an extensive range of audio-visual materials, collected over a 25 year period. Many of the materials are unpublished or out of print, or otherwise difficult to obtain. The holdings are catalogued in print and electronic form. Visitors have access to a photocopier. Staff are available to help you find what you need. Cost: $10/hour for non-members, free for members". http://eap.mcgill.ca/general/services.htm

The Ram's Horn – monthly journal of food systems analysis, by the Brewster Kneen, author of Farmageddon.www.ramshorn.bc.ca

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Articles & Bibliographies
Ecological Agriculture Projects www.eap.mcgill.ca
www.sustainable.org/economy/agriculture.html
www.cplpress.com/glossary/G358.htm www.organic-research.com/books/index.asp
www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/srb9705u.htm (academic & policy)
(for more, search for: "sustainable agriculture books")

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Ecological Solutions Roundtable (Canada) – an on-line forum for the discussion of ecological solutions to common farming problems. eap.mcgill.ca/disc1_frm.htm (source)

BC Organic Farming Newsgroup (British Columbia) – a forum for organic farmers throughout BC to post questions, answers and exchange ideas with regards to production and marketing issues. www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/contact/listserve.htm (source)

Foodnet-L (Ontario) – discussion about food security issues. Ontario Food Security & Nutrition Network. Homepage: www.opha.on.ca/foodnet/

Foodshare Newsletters (Toronto based) – e-mail newsletters with news, events, workshops, jobs, organic & community gardening tips. www.foodshare.net/newsletter_main.htm (source)

Toronto Food Policy Council – About twenty messages a month on food-related conferences & publications, some exceptional articles/reports culled from a wide range of electronic sources and a few reports on the Food Policy Council. To subscribe, email tfpc@toronto.ca (source)

Biodemocracy / Organic View (USA based) – e-newsletter of news and analysis on genetic engineering, factory farming & organics. www.organicconsumers.org/publications.cfm (source)

GoodWork Canada – daily postings of jobs and apprenticeships related to organics, environment and sustainability in Canada. www.GoodWorkCanada.ca

More Organic & Sustainable Food E-mail Lists www.foodshare.net/links01.htm#2

How to use e-mail and e-mail lists effectively www.planetfriendly.net/emailtips.html

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Guelph Organic Conference & Trade Show. 4 days, annually in late January. Canada's largest public, organic event. Includes free organic trade show & food-tasting fair on Saturday and Sunday, with over 155 exhibitors, free to the public. Over 46 workshops & courses for all levels of interest, novice to experienced grower. Come for one day or all four. At University Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario. www.GuelphOrganicConf.ca More info, sponsorship: Tomas Nimmo 705-444-0923 | organix@auracom.com | Volunteer and receive free entry to workshops: GuelphOrganicConf.ca/be-a-volunteer/

Green Communities National Conference, Annual (January), Canada. Info: Sharyn Inward 705-745-7479 www.gca.ca [topical links, resources, opportunities: Sustainable Living Links ]

Eco-Farm & Garden Day, Annual (February), Morrisburg, Eastern Ontario. Speakers, workshops, trade show, organic lunch, more. www.cog.ca/ottawa/ www.cog.ca

Seedy Saturdays, Annual (various dates Feb-April), across Canada. An annual series of separate events that have sprung up across the country. A day for gardeners, local seed companies, merchants, and environmental organizations to come together to share and to learn from one another. Find help for your garden; community seed exchange; buy open-pollinated heritage seeds & plants which are not genetically engineered and which grow well in organic and low input conditions (vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs). Swap table: each item brought to the table allows you to exchange it for another item, anything related to gardening, seeds, plants, cuttings, books, magazines, etc. Workshops on seed saving, biodiversity conservation, organic gardening. www.seedysaturday.ca Seeds of Diversity Canada www.seeds.ca

Organic Landscape Alliance – Annual Conference (Feb), Toronto. Of interest to seasoned organic professionals; those interested in integrating organic techniques into their existing businesses; novices and anybody interested in the issues of pesticide use and the alternatives. Speakers, break-outs, trade show, gourmet organic lunch. www.organiclandscape.org

ACORN Atlantic Organic Conference & Trade Show, Annual (March), Atlantic Canada. Conference tapes available. Info: Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network (ACORN) www.acornorganic.org

Canada Blooms, Annual (March), Toronto. Large mainstream flower & garden show. Be sure to ask the vendors about their use of pesticides and other chemical, water, energy and labour inputs (especially compared to native plants and organic approaches). Read ingredient lists and look for organic certification. Listen critically to any responses about why organic isn't necessary, practical, or affordable. Consider alternative gardening events such as Seedy Saturdays, the Organic Landscape Alliance, the Native Plant Sale, etc. Canada Blooms: www.canadablooms.com

All Things Organic Conference & Trade Show, Annual (May), USA. The place to be if you're passionate about organic, want to learn about the latest regulations facing the industry, looking for outstanding business opportunities to meet decision makers, and enjoy doing business in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Info: Organic Trade Association (USA, Canada & Mexico). www.ota.com www.atoexpo.com

Foodshare Open House, Spring Plant Sale & AGM, Annual (May), Toronto. Foodshare works with communities to increase access to affordable & healthy food – from field to table. Free. Info: www.foodshare.net 416-392-6653

Native Plant Sale, Annual (May), Toronto. Annual sale offering hundreds of species of native plants & wildflowers under one roof. Add interest & beauty to your garden. Native plants benefit the environment, providing vital food and habitat for indigenous birds, butterflies and other wildlife. They don't require additional watering, fertilizers or harmful chemicals. Plants are grouped by habitat (sun, shade, etc.) for easy selection - no matter how poor your garden conditions seem, we have the perfect plants for you! Native plant experts are available to answer questions; also native plant seeds, books, magazines, info sheets, memberships, more. Free admission, inexpensive plants. Info: North American Native Plant Society nanps@nanps.org 416-631-4438 www.nanps.org www.nanps.org/sale/frame.shtml

Herb Fair, Annual (June), Toronto. Medicinal & culinary herbal displays, demos, lectures, children's activity tent, culinary treats, plants & products for sale, organic vegetarian cafe. Free. York Quay Centre, Harbourfront Centre, Queens Quay W. (Harbourfront LRT from Union Stn.). Info: www.herbalists.on.ca/annualherbfair.html www.herbalists.on.ca/events/ www.herbalists.on.ca

Feast of Fields, Annual (September), various locations near Toronto (shuttle bus from Toronto). Celebrate the organic harvest with chefs, wineries, breweries & farmers! Imagine strolling through a sweet-smelling field, sampling dozens of the freshest, most succulent organic creations, accompanied by organic local wines & beers. Meet and enjoy the delicacies of 35 chefs. Sample the beverages of 18 wineries and micro-breweries. Purchase organic food and learn about organic agriculture, the environment and fair trade (display stations of 50 organic farmers and non-profits). Live music & entertainment. Funds raised support numerous sustainable food & farming causes. Largest-ever gathering of local organic farmers, chefs, consumers, suppliers, wineries, and like-minded non-profit groups. Rain or shine. Media passes & chef interviews available. www.organicadvocates.org/feast.html www.organicadvocates.org

Ottawa Feast of Fields, Annual (September). A feast of local organic food samples - offered by local area chefs renowned for their haute cuisine with a twist. Also: organic wines, beers, teas & coffees. Environmental & social concerns are highlighted on the menu. Last year a crowd of 300 attended. Eating tables: 12-3pm. Silent auction. Wandering entertainers. Help support Canadian Organic Growers! www.cog.ca More organic events in eastern Ontario: www.cog.ca/ottawa/

Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, Annual (September), Woodstock, Ontario. Includes: Eco Expo; Clean Water Expo; more (click on expos). At the U. of Guelph Research Station, in Woodstock (approx. 2hrs west of Toronto). www.outdoorfarmshow.com Eco Expo Clean Water Expo

Vegetarian Food Fair, Annual (September), Toronto. A fun-filled weekend celebration, free to the public. Sample a diverse cross-section of vegetarian cuisine and learn more about making healthful, ethical and earth-friendly food choices. New vegetarian products; over 80 exhibits; free food samples; hourly cooking demos; dynamic guest speakers; interactive workshops; great vegetarian meals; children's activities. A dynamic roster of presenters will address a range of issues such as prevention & reversal of disease; biotechnology; ethical & cruelty-free investing; and mind/body wellness. Of interest to vegetarians and everyone else. Each year, over 12,000 people from across Canada, the U.S. & beyond make our Food Fair the largest annual vegetarian event of its kind in North America. Free. Seeking volunteers. York Quay Centre at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen's Quay W. Info: Kathleen Farley, Food Fair Coordinator foodfair@veg.ca 416-544-8891 www.veg.ca www.veg.ca/foodfair (Toronto Vegetarian Association) [editor's note: while only a few of the exhibitors and events are specifically organic, there should be much of interest and relevance to organic enthusiasts].

Canadian Health Food Convention & Trade Show, Annual. Feb: Québec. April: Vancouver. September: Toronto. Includes Organic Market-Place. Info: Canadian Health Food Association 905-479-6939 www.chfa.ca www.chfa.ca/conferences.html [from the website, it is not clear which portions of this event are open to the general public; please call them for details]

American Community Gardening Association, Annual Conference, location varies (usually USA). 2004 dates & location: Oct 1-3, 2004, Toronto, Canada. Scholarships available. www.communitygarden.org/conf/ www.communitygarden.org

Ontario Land Trust Alliance Conference, Annual (October), location varies. www.ontariolandtrustalliance.org [topical links: Open Directory | Google Directory | Protect Farmland, Don't Pave It ]

Royal Winter Fair, Annual, (November), Toronto. Includes an "Organic & Natural" section. www.royalfair.org

World Organic Trade Fair & Other International Events, Annual (various dates and locations). Info: International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). www.ifoam.org/conf/ www.ifoam.org

Smaller Annual Events & Courses

Friends of Everdale Annual Meeting, Annual (July), Hillsburgh, Ontario. At Everdale, a non-profit learning centre, working organic farm, diverse wildlife habitat, and sustainable technology showcase, one hour northwest of Toronto. Free. Bus & train service to Georgetown. Info/RSVP: www.everdale.org info@everdale.org 519-855-4859 (Everdale Environmental Learning Centre)

Permaculture Design Fundamentals, Annual (July, week-long course), near Orangeville, Ontario. Practical training to help you become more self-sufficient in your own life by learning to meet your basic needs for food, shelter, energy, fulfilling employment and supportive community. A whole systems approach to ecological living. Classroom and hands-on experiential learning; personal empowerment work. For backyard gardeners to design professionals. With Gregoire Lamoureux, Richard Griffith, Monica Kuhn. At the Ecology Retreat Centre. Info: Russell 519-941-4560 http://welcome.to/ecorc [topical www.permacultureactivist.net www.permaculture.net ]

Ecovillage Network of Canada, Annual (late summer/fall), location varies. Annual gathering of the Ecovillage Network of Canada, facilitating the exchange of ideas and information on healthy, sustainable living in our homes and daily lives. http://enc.ecovillage.org/events.htm http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ecovillage/ Ecovillage Network of Canada: http://enc.ecovillage.org Global Ecovillage Network: www.ecovillage.org Communities Links: www.planetfriendly.net/community.html

Seventh Generation Annual Meeting & Social Gathering, Annual (September), Ottawa. Seventh Generation is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable living practices in the greater Ottawa area to help in the preserving of our beautiful planet and in creating health and well-being for people and our communities.  We do this through organizing conferences, workshops, seminars, trade shows and tours; networking and partnering with other like-minded organizations; and supporting and promoting "green" businesses. Free. Info: 613-839-3997 info@seventhgeneration.ca www.seventhgeneration.ca

Ongoing

Guelph Sustainable Agriculture Forum, Thursdays 11am, Guelph. A student group at the University of Guelph, offering information, ideas and accessibility to sustainable agriculture, organic farming, genetic engineering issues, family farm community, etc. University Centre, Grad Lounge. All welcome. Subscribe to our e-mail list for updates. www.angelfire.com/on4/sustainable/ saf_opirg@yahoo.ca

More Upcoming Events

For many more events, see: People- & Planet-Friendly's On-line Calendar; links to Other Calendars; the Learning Centres & Places directory; Protect Farmland, Don't Pave It; and the next section. Please let us know of upcoming events & activities!

Organic Calendars – many more organic & related events, workshops, conferences

Canadian Organic Growers www.cog.ca/news_events/events-calendar/
COG Chapters across Canada www.cog.ca/chapters/
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada www.organicagcentre.ca/wn_upcoming.html
British Columbia Gov't Organic Events Calendar (Canada, USA, international) http://infobasket.gov.bc.ca/infoman/mypage/gadgets/Organics/EditedContent/Events.asp
Organic Opportunity (North America) (especially the sections on "Events & Conferences", "Learning Centres", "Short Courses & Workshops" and "E-mail lists") www.planetfriendly.net/organic.html#conferences
Ottawa-area Events (Canada) www.seventhgeneration.ca
Ontario Events www.planetfriendly.net/calendar/ and latestnewsletter.php
Learning Centres & Places (North America & worldwide) www.planetfriendly.net/learn.html
Food Safety Events & Conferences (USA & worldwide): www.organicconsumers.org/eventlink.htm or www.organicconsumers.org (click on "events")
Organic Trade Alliance (USA, Canada, international) www.ota.com/calendar_of_events.htm
Organic Research (international) www.organic-research.com/whatson/events.asp?yr=2003
USDA Organic Calendar (international) www.fas.usda.gov/agx/organics/Calendar/Calendar.htm
Sustainable Business Events (international) www.sustainablebusiness.com/events/
OFRF Calendar (mostly USA) www.ofrf.org/events/conferences.html
OEFFA Calendar (mostly USA) www.oeffa.org/events.html
Sustainable Agriculture Events (USA, Canada) www.sare.org/calendar/
Green People (mostly USA) www.greenpeople.org/search2nd.cfm?type=Event_Planning
Ecovillage Network Calendar (North America) http://ena.ecovillage.org/English/Calendar/ (includes a variety of events related to organics, permaculture, renewable energy, etc.)
Mother Earth News Calendar www.motherearthnews.com/2003_cal.html
Permaculture Courses & Events (USA & Canada) www.permacultureactivist.net/culturesedge/Culture'sEdge.htm www.permaculture.net/courses/
IC.org Sustainable & Community Events Calendar (North America) www.ic.org/events/
Sustainable Communities Network (USA) www.sustainable.org/information/calendar.html
Farmland Preservation & Urban Sprawl www.planetfriendly.net/dontpave.html#events
Progressive Calendars Directory (Canada & USA) www.planetfriendly.net/calendars.html
People- & Planet-Friendly (mostly Canada) www.planetfriendly.net
The Green Pages (mostly Canada) www.thegreenpages.ca/events/

Mainstream Food, Gardening & Agriculture Calendars

Gardening Conferences & Events (mostly mainstream)
Canada: www.icangarden.com/event.cfm
http://directory.google.com/Top/Home/Gardens/Events/
http://dir.yahoo.com/Recreation/Home_and_Garden/Lawn_and_Garden/Events/

Food & Agriculture Conferences & Events (mostly mainstream)
Canada: www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/food/events/ontcanfoodtradeshow.htm
Canada: www.agr.gc.ca/pubs_e.phtml#cal
www.agnic.org/mtg/ www.agnic.org/mtg/2003.html www.agnic.org/mtg/omc.html
www.fcc-sca.ca/english/ag_insight/managing_your_farm/agriculture_events.shtml
http://directory.google.com/Top/Science/Agriculture/Conferences/
http://dmoz.org/Business/Agriculture_and_Forestry/Trade_Shows/
http://dir.yahoo.com/Science/Agriculture/Conferences_and_Events/

PLEASE LET US KNOW of upcoming organic, ecological & sustainable living events, meetings & activities! We can help spread the word to thousands of interested people. Please use our submission form: www.planetfriendly.net/submit.html – your listing will be posted to the on-line calendar within 24-48 hours, and will also be submitted to our e-mail newsletter.

Learning Centres & Places in North America: Sustainable Living Learning / Eco-Experience Centres | Wwoof Gateway | Organic Gateway

When you phone a host, be clear about any skills, specific goals or interests you may have, and limitations. Make sure you understand the host's expectations: ask ask lots of questions. See also the "tips" section, at the bottom of this document.

For other volunteer, work exchange & barter opportunities, go to your farmers market; browse a festival or trade show; see the learning centres listed below; or contact a farm or organization of interest to you.

Please note that some of these centres are operated from peoples homes, without corporate or government funding. Please be considerate in your requests. Do not contact farm-based centres later than eight or nine in the evening, unless they specify otherwise. They often have very busy lives and are doing this for little or no money. Try to ask not only what they can offer you, but what you can offer them – if only willing hands and an open mind.

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada "Research & education serving all farmers and students, dedicated to enhancing the environmental and social integrity of agriculture". Offering college/university level web-based courses across Canada. www.organicagcentre.ca

Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture, Nova Scotia Agricultural College nsac.ca/cde/courses/DE/Organic/

Ecological Agriculture, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec agrecon.mcgill.ca/ecoagr/

Agriculture Biologique, Universite Laval, Quebec www.fsaa.ulaval.ca/agribio.html and www.ulaval.ca/sg/PR/C1/1.341.00.html

Food Security Studies, Ryerson, Toronto, Ontario www.ryerson.ca/foodsecurity/

Organic Agriculture, University of Guelph, Ontario www.organicag.uoguelph.ca (2)
Introduction to Organic Agriculture | Ann Clark

Everdale Organic Farming Certificate everdale.org/farmer-training/organic-farming-certificate/

UW Farm Market, Waterloo, Ontario http://www.foodservices.uwaterloo.ca/uwfarm_market/

Natural Systems Agriculture, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg /www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/naturalagriculture/

Organic Inspector, Assiniboine Community College, Brandon, Manitoba http://public.assiniboine.net/?tabID=84&prgID=69

Richmond Farm School, Richmond, BC www.kwantlen.ca/ish/RFS.html

Organic Farming Institute of BC, Similkameen Valley, BC www.ofibc.org

Land and Food Systems, UBC, Vancouver BC www.landfood.ubc.ca
Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm, BC landfood.ubc.ca/ubcfarm/

Growing Food, Gaia College, BC www.gaiacollege.ca/growing-food.html

Food Studies Programs in Canada www.foodstudies.ca/programs.html

More Organic Educational Programs & Links (Canada & USA): www.organicag.uoguelph.ca/links/

*** For a more hands-on approach to organic education,
see also Organic Internships & Apprenticeships, below ***

(B) USA Sustainable Agriculture Programs / Colleges / Universities
http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/ (2) | www.permaculture-hawaii.com/links.html#univ

(C) Industrial/Conventional Agriculture Colleges & Universities in Canada, USA & Europe (mostly mainstream / not organic)
"We're learning how not to farm. The school is as good as owned by the pesticide and genetic engineering companies" – student of an agricultural university program, Ontario, Canada)
directory.google.com/Top/Science/Agriculture/Education/ | (2)

Wwoof organizations in Canada and around the world, have listings of farms, gardens & businesses who are seeking "wwoofers" and/or apprentices. Some of these could also lead to paid positions or other opportunities:

World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms & Gardens – An amazing diversity of organic farms, gardens and businesses have opportunities – from a few days to a few months – where you can work in exchange for accomodation, organic home-cooked meals, learning and fun. Locations across Canada and around the world. Working/learning opportunities vary from organic farming & gardening, to cooking, carpentry, business admin, creative work, childcare, solar power, sustainable living skills. Everything is negotiated between you and the host. From solar-powered to strawbale homes, from herbs to orchards to rare-breed cattle, from swimming holes to gourmet cooking – the variety is endless. Year-round; all ages. Membership is $30/year; this gets you a fascinating booklet describing over 400 organic farms, gardens & businesses across Canada. Also known as Willing Workers On Organic Farms. Also known as Willing Workers On Organic Farms. What is Wwoofing? All About Wwoofing – wwoof gateway, articles & link directory. Wwoof Canada: John Vanden Heuvel, WWOOF Canada, 4429 Carlson Road, Nelson, BC, Canada, VIL 6X3. Tel. 250-354-4417 (please call Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Pacific Time). Wwoof USA: Overview | Organic Volunteers (online listings) | Wwoof USA | New England Wwoof (mostly apprenticeships) | Wwoof California Worldwide: Wwoof.org | How to Join | Organic Links & Resources | Sustainable Living Learning Centres across North America

Don't stereotype or be stereotyped. To some people, volunteer always means "inexperienced". To others, farmer means "hard working but not very intelligent". Both of these are very misleading and harmful. Getting beyond the stereotype depends on clear communication – assertively expressing who you are and what you can do. If you have unique skills, interests or motivations, make you express them in a way that is understood. Skills as diverse as sales, marketing, computer skills, cooking, tutoring and handyman skills – can be of great value on a farm or garden. If you have them and are willing to share them, say so. They may or may not be able to make good use of your skills at that time – but if they can, they probably will.

Something for every taste. There is a wide variety of opportunities in farming & gardening – part-time or full-time, urban or rural, as an employee or in your own business. If you don't want to be spending time in the garden, there are also opportunities in education, research, writing, sales, marketing, distribution, retail, cooking, landscaping, non-profits, activism – but in any case, it's a good idea to start with a good hands-on gardening/farming experience. I was unable to find a website discussing careers in organic agriculture, so here is a mainstream site: www.cfa-fca.ca/careers/ To learn about organic career paths, you might need to take a more organic approach – ask around, surf, read... try different events, workshops, volunteering, even travel.

Be willing to try something new – and to give it your best effort. This is how we grow, expand our horizons, and become better, well-rounded human beings. But don't unnecessarily try to "go it alone" – don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Keep looking. Just because one opportunity wasn't right for you – the work was too challenging or not challenging enough; the social or physical situation wasn't to your liking; there was a personality or communication gap between you and your employer – doesn't mean that another opportunity might be everything you could hope for. Reassess your hopes and goals, and keep looking!

Don't give up. Full-time farm apprenticeships are hard work. It takes a different kind of energy to stay outside & active for many hours. If you're new to it, give it at least three weeks. Your first two weeks should be by far the most difficult, as you slowly gain stamina. Never quit before the third week! Then you will find that not only does it take a different kind of energy – but it can offer a special kind of joy.

Stay in your zone. If you're thinking of starting your own garden or farm, don't go too far away for a volunteering or apprenticeship placement – unless you're planning on moving to the area. The farther you are from the bioregion (or "zone") where you expect to start your garden, the less relevant your experiences will be, at least in terms of specific knowledge of plants, pests, etc. You'll be amazed how much diversity (of skills, specializations & cultures) you can find close to home. On the other hand, traveling to other regions can help open your heart & mind to new experiences, and can foster cross-cultural sharing & understanding. Plant hardiness zone map: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/nsdb/climate/hardiness/intro.html , Ecozones: http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/natress/inf_pa1/ECO_DES/ECOZONES/ZONE_00E.HTM , www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/Framework/NarDesc/ , www.uottawa.ca/library/map/local.html Soils: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/ USA: http://gardening.about.com/cs/msub79/ , www.gardentoad.com/zones.html

We are seeking career tips, information, articles, and statistics on where there is the highest demand for organic employees, gardeners, farmers and entrepreneurs in Canada and/or the USA. By "where", we mean: what kinds of roles, in what kinds of businesses or organizations? We are planning to write an article (and possibly a directory of links & resources) on how and where to find work in organics. Any information is welcome! Contact Us

FoodShare – At FoodShare we work on food issues "from field to table" - meaning that we focus on the entire system that puts food on our tables: from the growing, processing and distribution of food to its purchasing, cooking and consumption. We operate several innovative grassroots projects that promote healthy eating, teach food preparation and cultivation, develop community capacity and create non-market-based forms of food distribution. Public education on food security issues is a big part of our mandate: we create and distribute resources, organize training workshops and facilitate of networks and coalitions. We believe that food is vital to the health of individuals and communities, and that access to good, healthy food is a basic human right. FoodShare promotes policies – such as adequate social assistance rates, sustainable agriculture, universal funding of community-based programs and nutrition education – that will make food a priority at all levels of society. www.foodshare.net (based in Toronto, Canada) links: www.foodsecurity.org

Tangled Routes – Women, Work & Globalization on the Tomato Trail (book). Where does our food come from? The fact that we even have to raise this simple question raises many other questions. Very few of us in the northern hemisphere have any sense at all of the processes that bring food to our table, nor of the people who grow it, process it, and move it along the way. The tomato is a perfect "entree" to a process of cross-border research and popular education around the complex pheneomenon and often confusing concept of globalization. This book stems from a five year commitment to research, education and action called the Tomasita Project. It traces the tomato trail from a Mexican farm field to a Canadian supermarket; examines the significance of fast food chain McDonald's and Loblaw's supermarket conglomerate; looks at workers who serve the global food system, a trucker and a migrant picker in Ontario; and at the role and position of women within the Mexican agroexport industry The experiences of women workers in different sectors of the food chain between North & South are examined. The book concludes with alternatives and a framework for "the other globalization" through collective action and transnational coalitions. By Deborah Barndt, Garamond Press, 2002. ISBN 1-55193-042-0 $35. www.garamond.ca/Barndt.html www.yorku.ca/fes/faculty/barndt/ www.coolwomen.org/coolwomen/cwsite.nsf/vwWeek/ (click on "Barndt, Deborah) www.mindfully.org/WTO/5-Environmental-Reasons-FTAA.htm [food & diversity links: www.ryerson.ca/~foodsec/fooddiv/ ]

Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply (book). By Vandana Shiva, world renowned environmental thinker and leader, physicist, winner of the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize. Available at www.southendpress.org/books/stolen.shtml Orders: 800-533-8478. Sonia Shah or Alexandra Etheridge, South End Press 617-547-4002. Progressive booksellers: www.planetfriendly.net/voices.html#books Big bookstores: www.chapters.indigo.ca www.amazon.com Related: www.vshiva.net www.smallisbeautiful.org/shiva.html

Farmageddon: Food & the Culture of Biotechnology – the latest book by food system analyst Brewster Kneen. By the same author: From Land to Mouth: Understanding the Food System (2nd ed.), more. www.ramshorn.bc.ca/Books.html www.ramshorn.bc.ca

Sustainable Living Links – "sustainable living" includes organics, renewable energy, non-toxic home & garden alternatives, alternative construction, etc.
www.planetfriendly.net (People- & Planet-Friendly Events, Jobs, Resources, Links)
www.planetfriendly.net/living.html#d (Sustainable Living links directory)
www.planetfriendly.net/voices.html (Alternative Voices links directory)
www.thegreenpages.ca (Canada)
www.sustainable.org (Sustainable Communities Network, USA)
www.life.ca (Natural Life Magazine, Canada)
www.oen.ca (Ontario Environment Network, Canada)

Organic Food, Gardening & Agriculture – Search Engine Links
Organic Food
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Environment/Food_and_Drink/Organic_Food/
http://search.dmoz.org/cgi-bin/search?search=organic+food
Organic Gardening
http://directory.google.com/Top/Home/Gardens/Specialized_Techniques/Organic/
http://search.dmoz.org/cgi-bin/search?search=organic+gardening
Organic Farming & Sustainable Agriculture
http://directory.google.com/Top/Science/Agriculture/Farming_Practices_and_Systems/Sustainable_Agriculture/
http://search.dmoz.org/cgi-bin/search?search=organic+farming
http://search.dmoz.org/cgi-bin/search?search=sustainable+agriculture

– Peter Blanchard (contact)

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