Local Chapter - Yukon
Next meeting: The Organic Conference - Saturday, February 28 at Alpine Bakery. Steve Snider will be visiting from Alberta to talk about what is involved in the transition to organic production, why it's worth getting certified, and what some of the hurdles are. You can read more about Steve on the Organic Agriculture of Canada Website where Steve was named 2003 Young Farmer of the Year.

Conference starts at 11:30 am with brunch and will end with a communal dinner. Local certified organic growers from Aurora Mountain Farm, Lendrum Ross Farm, M'Clintock Valley Farm and Rivendell Farm will be there along with Claire Desmarais, the Yukon's Organic Verification Officer and Mike King from Bean North Coffee Roasters - Yukon's only certified organic processing facility. What a great opportunity to ask questions!

Schedule for the Organic Conference at Alpine Bakery:
11:30 - 12:30 brunch and informal discussion
1:00 - 2:00 presentation by guest Steven Snider
2:00 - 2:45 discussion followed by 15 minute break
2:45 - 3:45 panel presentation by certified organic growers, processor and inspector
3:45 - 5:30 discussion and preparation for potluck supper
5:30 - 7:30 potluck supper!

Please call Joanne (867) 660-5128 if you have any questions.

Growers of Organic Food Yukon Members

If you'd like to have information about your farm posted, call Simone 393-4628.

Feeling out of the loop? There's a slew of great books out there. Many can be borrowed from the Public Libraries in the Yukon, or the Energy, Mines and Resources library on the third floor of the Elijah Smith building, or you can request them from the COG library. We now have our own library too in the office in Shipyards Park. Any member can borrow or contribute books, videos, or magazines.

Organic Federation of Canada/Fédération biologique du Canada (OFC/FBC - used to be CORC) -
Claire Desmarais has agreed to represent the Yukon organic community on the Organic Federation of Canada. Here is Claire's 2007 report.

It's important for us to educate consumers and growers about what the new regulations will mean. Tom and Claire attended the OFC/FBC meetings in Ottawa in November.

Yukon Farm Products Guide is now available online as well as in print. Printed copies can be picked up from the Yukon Made Store in Shipyards Park, at the Yukon Agricultural Association office, at the Agriculture branch office, at the Visitor's Information building, or at City of Whitehorse Parks and Rec office.

Meeting Minutes

Projects and Ideas
OFC organic outreach project has been started by Joanne Jackson Johnson. Completion is expected by March 2009.

Matt Ball, Joan Norberg and Claire Desmarais attended the organic conference in Saskatoon thanks to funding from APF.

The Legume Study 2008 completed its 4th year with technician Jodi Crewe. The 2008 report will be ready soon.

Fireweed Community Market
The 2008 AGM will be booked soon for a Thursday in Feburary in the meeting room at the Whitehorse Public Library.

The Yukon Made Store and Fireweed Market Kitchen is open year round in the new Frank Slim Building in Shipyards Park.

The summer Thursday evening market will be starting up again May 21 in Shipyards Park. We'll look forward to seeing you there!

If you live in the Yukon (or northern BC), come join other local farmers and gardeners who are interested in using organic growing methods.

You don't need to be big and you don't need to be certified. Find out how to get the best tasting, healthiest food from your garden or farm.

If you live in the Yukon (or northern BC), and become a member of Canadian Organic Growers, you automatically become a member of the local chapter - Growers of Organic Food Yukon. Membership includes quarterly publications of Canada's national organic magazine (Canadian Organic Grower) as well as monthly farm tours, speakers, and workshops on issues of interest to organic growers.

Yukon Contact Information

Phone: (867) 393 GOAT
Email: jjj (at) northwestel.net

P.O. Box 20228
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 7A2