GUIDE TO ORGANICS - page 5 - events & organizations

Organic Events & Organizations

Canadian Organic Growers • Toronto Area Chapter

Canadian Organic Growers Inc. is Canada's national, non-profit, membership-based, education and networking organization representing farmers, gardeners and consumers in all provinces.

The Toronto chapter has regular meetings and events to foster and encourage the organic ethic. We also exchange experiences growing our own organic gardens in Toronto and spread the word on new sources of organic products in the Toronto area.

COG also supports the following activities: Organic events – COG has been actively involved with the annual organic conference in Guelph and IFOAM World Organic Congress; COG works with other organizations and government to achieve regulatory change (definition of organic food, certification, etc.); The COG quarterly – The Canadian Organic Grower magazine provides the latest organic news and information, farming and gardening feature articles, plus regular columns; COG's lending library is the only free mail service organic library in Canada. Borrow classic organic texts, periodicals and the latest publications.

You do not need to be an organic farmer or an organic gardener to be a COG member. Please join COG to help us educate people on the benefits of organic growing for our health, the health of the environment and the health of our communities.

The 25th Anniversary Guelph Organic Conference, Organic Expo Canada & Tasting Fair

• Title: “Living Organic – The Next 25 Years.” Canada's longest running organic event is held at the Guelph University Centre, January 27-29, 2006. The Jan. 28-29 Expo/Tasting Fair is free to consumers, retailers, backyard gardeners, students and to any enthusiast who wants to meet organic food suppliers face-to-face. Approximately 135 booths, including over 30 organic food samplers and numerous others selling organic books, seeds and garden supplies. Want to learn more about growing and using organics? Then, take in some of 30 workshops on topics such as: employment in organics, compost teas, the GENEAction eco-films, bio-energy, culinary tourism, the professional organic market gardener, the Slow Food chef program, GMO's in grain crops, as well as ones on large-scale organic crop farming for those who want to buy acreages and get into the business.

“HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT – HEALTHY FOOD” • 16TH annual FEAST OF FIELDS

Once again on Sunday September 18, 2005 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Albion Hills Conservation Area in Palgrave (north of Bolton) is the Annual Feast of Fields. Savour organic offerings from food to drink to sound, and scenic walks. An organic harvest celebration of the highest quality. Approximately 40 chefs and up to 20 wineries and microbreweries. Get an up close look at what Ontario’s finest chefs are doing  organically. Taste organic and indigenous wines, and try Ontario’s finest micro-breweries latest recipes. Up to 30 organic farmers and non-profit displays expected. Talk to the folks who produce your food. Develop your own personal organic network in Southern Ontario. This outdoor event will be held rain or shine! Tickets are $120. Pre-order tickets by phone or fax.