innovation Archives

October 2, 2024

miyo mîciwin – miyo mâcihowin: Indigenous peoples and food in Canada

In June of 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released its 94 Calls to Action , which seek to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance processes of reconciliation in Canada. As implied in the deliberate naming of the TRC, ‘truth’ must come before ‘reconciliation’

October 1, 2024

Exploring the Roots of Organic Farming: COTA’s visit to Rodale Institute

I have been on my organic journey for 3 years now and I am constantly learning everywhere I can to deepen my organic knowledge. If you have not connected with me before now, I am Sophie Marvell, the Senior Communications Coordinator here at the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA).

June 27, 2024

Celebrating 15 Years of Organic Excellence!

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Canada Organic Regime (COR). Established to uphold the highest standards of organic integrity, COR has blossomed into a globally respected system while also earning the status of the most in-demand sustainability claim in Canada.

May 29, 2024

George Brown College Achieves Historic Milestone: Awarded COTA’s Gold Organic Campus Designation, a Canadian First

In April 2023, George Brown College in Toronto became Canada's first post-secondary institution to earn the Gold Organic Campus Designation from the Canada Organic Trade Association, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

April 22, 2024

Enhancing Sustainability: Nitrogen Management and Cover Crops in Organic Farming

Organic farming, rooted in ecological and biological principles, offers a pathway toward sustainable agriculture. By adopting nitrogen management practices and integrating cover crops, farmers can not only enhance soil health but also contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

March 8, 2024

Organic Empowerment: Honoring Women’s Contributions in Organic

We’ve seen significant change within the organic sector in the last few years and a lot of the growth we’re witnessing has come from the incredible dedication of the many women driving the organic movement.

February 13, 2024

Herbs and Organics – The Perfect Pairing

This month's Buzz Builder is in celebration of Canadian Ag Day. COTA celebrates the organic value chain. From farming, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and retail, we applaud all people involved in the creation of Canadian organic food, feed, and seed! Celebrate Ag Day by thanking an organic farmer! Tag @canadaorganictrade and #cdnagday for a repost! For this Buzz Builder, we asked our member, St. Francis Herb Farm, to share their insights on why they are committed to organic herb farming.  

January 3, 2024

Soil: Shaped by Nature, Serving Humanity, and Deserving of Appreciation

Growing up on a mixed farm in Saskatchewan (SK) offered plenty of opportunities to connect with soil, however, Dr. Andrew Hammermeister had little recognition of how valuable our soil resource was. Read about soil health from Dr. Andrew Hammermeister!

September 28, 2023

In Recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day

In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) acknowledges that Indigenous communities around the world have, for centuries, cultivated the land with a profound understanding of the natural environment.