Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Urban Agriculture Business Information Bundle

Organic Production

Organic agriculture involves much more than simply avoiding chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic production is a holistic approach that aims to optimize the productivity and health of the entire agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people.

OMAFRA offers a number of resources on organic production:

• Introduction to Organic Farming
• Organic Agriculture
• Organic Certification
• Organic Livestock
• Starting an Organic Farm
• The Steps to Organic Certification

In addition, take a look at Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers.

You don't need to be certified to apply organic techniques. For tips on improving your soil, managing pests and weeds and rotating your crops, see the Canadian Organic Growers' The Organic Backyard: A Guide to Applying Organic Farming Practices to Your Home or Community Garden.

Associations

• Canadian Organic Growers
• Ecological Farmers of Ontario
• Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

Regulations

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Organic Products