What is “Organic No-till,” and Is It Practical? (Mar 10)  Mark Schonbeck - Since the advent of no-till in conventional row crop production, soil conservation and improvement aspects of no-tillage systems have attracted the interest of some organic farmers. The big question, of course, is how to do it without synthetic herbicides.

Using Ground Covers in Organic Production - Studies indicate that organic farmers who need to periodically amend their soils with compost after planting can still control weeds-and hold down costs-by using fabric ground covers.

Guidelines for estimating Organic Crop Production Costs (MAFRI Jan 09) - The following budgets are estimates of the costs of producing four different organic crops.

Saskatchewan Best Organic Management Practices - This is a booklet distilled from interviews with leading farmers about their practices.

Directory of Allowable Organic Inputs - Information, provided by ACORN, on the availability of allowable inputs and resources, as well as identification, prevention and treatment options for pests and weeds.

Canadian Organic Growers - A national charitable producer association with members all across Canada. Provides informative publications, e-newsletters and organic week celebrations.

Cropchoice - Alternative news source for American Farmers: information source about genetically modified crops, alternatives, management options, and profitability.

Seeds of Diversity Canada (SoDC) - Canadian charitable organization dedicated to the conservation, documentation and use of public-domain non-hybrid plants of Canadian significance.

Certified Organic Association of British Columbia (COABC) - As an umbrella association for certification bodies, COABC seeks to educate farmers transitioning to organic production; advocate for organic consumption; provide current research and vital information for consumers, producers, stakeholders and the media; and interface with federal and provincial governments, and various organic sector stakeholders.

Cyber-Help for Organic Farmers - Supported by COABC this site encourages organic and alternative food production in Canada by improving accessibility to organic farming content online.

Rare Breeds Canada - A charitable organization dedicated to conserving, evaluating, and promoting rare and endangered breeds of livestock and poultry.

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) - A non-profit organization in the USA whose primary mission is to publish and disseminate generic and specific (brand name) lists of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food and fiber.

Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals (CCFA) - CCFA, through its member organizations, represents more than 100,000 Canadians concerned about the treatment of animals raised for food.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Organic production site, providing links to statistics, news releases, the regulation and standard.