IOPA - Connecting Organic Farming To Community

Beyond the benefits of organic produce for the wellbeing of people, organic farming includes management practices that research is showing does in fact help mitigate climate change. Carbon, created by pollution, can actually be absorbed back into soil through a process called carbon sequestration. Although soils globally are highly depleted, the importance of soil quality is at the forefront of organic farming through what is now called regenerative practices, many of which have been practiced by traditional farmers for centuries. Some of these practices include intercropping (a biodiverse mutually beneficial planting system), low tillage practices and cover cropping (planting a non-saleable crop strictly to provide ground cover, water retention and health to the soil microbiome). Encouraging organic farming means supporting the reduction of pollution, not only in our food, but also in the atmosphere.

There are, however, many barriers for organic farmers, such as securing land, sourcing crop inputs approved by the Canadian Organic standards and making connections with local businesses.

To support organic farmers, local food security and improve access to land, IOPA has created programs that are part of the solution. The Incubator program matches aspiring farmers with mentors from existing certified organic farms. This allows new farmers to develop their business name and skills under the guidance of

experienced organic producers, share in certification cost and infrastructure and sell their products as certified organic faster because their mentor ensures organic integrity is always upheld.

The Associate member program spotlights businesses on Vancouver Island who support organic farmers by providing certified organic seeds, crop amendments, machinery and tools for use in organic production as well as businesses who sell local organic products in their stores or restaurants.

When local businesses sponsor IOPA, they not only connect with a wider network of farmers but their support enables IOPA to provide educational workshops to the public at various agricultural events and to continue raising awareness of the benefits of organic food, grow the organic sector here on the islands and provide food security to all who live here.

If you are interested in supporting the organic movement or becoming an Associate member, you can sign up at iopa.ca or contact admin@ iopa.ca for more details.

The Islands Organic Producers Association (IOPA) is a nonprofit member-driven society that has been certifying farms on Vancouver Island and surrounding islands since 1990.

Image above; Kale undersown with clover on Tatlo Road Farm. Undersowing helps protect the soil and adds nutrients. Courtesy Tatlo Road Farm

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