Links to Related Organizations and Information Sources

For information on sustainable food economies, community economic development, and other issues of concern to the small-scale food sector, we recommend these:

Agribusiness Accountability Initiative: This organization promotes collaborative responses to corporate power in the global food system. Its website offers a comprehensive overview of problems and solutions related to his issue.

Agricultural Policy Framework (APF): The APF is a means by which federal, provincial and territorial governments have committed themselves to work together to help the agriculture and agri-food sector manage their risks and be more competitive and profitable. The Food Safety and Quality Program is a key part of the APF that will enhance Canada's reputation as a producer of safe, high-quality food products.

Alberta Food Processors Association: AFPA and SSFPA have exchanged supporter memberships to be able to work with transparency to eventually help large and small processors in both provinces. AFPA has a great web site with both industry and consumer information galore. Check out its monthly newsletter.

BC Association of Farmers' Markets notes that farmers' markets operate in every type of community across British Columbia: cities, suburbs and rural communities. Find markets in your area, upcoming events, and information on these markets for both buyers and vendors.

BC Co-operative Association: Co-ops have been vital to Canada's food sector for at least a hundred years. One of six autonomous regions affiliated wtih the Canadian Co-operative Association, the BCCA focuses on the promotion of co-operative enterprise and the provision of support services to members and the broader co-op sector in BC.

BC Food Processing Association: The BCFPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing all segments of the food, beverage and nutraceutical processing industry in British Columbia, and to coordinating common industry activities and resources under one umbrella. The Association represents micro, small, medium, and large processing companies and is a source of up-to-date information on the food processing industry in British Columbia. Learn about current and upcoming activities.

Branding Canada. The Canada Brand strategy to raise the international profile of Canadian food and agriculture products is being implemented by the federal and provincial governments, in cooperation with the food and agriculture sector. The Canada Brand is designed to foster increased demand by nurturing and capitalizing on the positive perceptions of Canada held by buyers and consumers in key markets.

Centre for Alternative Technology: The Centre is the UK's leading provider of environmental, sustainability and alternative technology and lifestyle publications. You can learn about ecological sewage treatment, building, architecture, alternative energy, organic gardening, composting, biofuels, green education, sustainable careers and energy conservation.

Certified Organic Associations of BC is the only government-approved body responsible for overseeing the BC Certified Organic Program and is designated to implement the program under the Food Choice and Quality Act. Its website is the "go to" place for everything organic.

Farm Folk/City Folk. FarmFolk/CityFolk is a non-profit society, based in British Columbia, that wants one simple thing: for people to eat local, fresh, seasonal foods, grown using farming practices that contribute to the health of the planet.

International Association for Food Protection. Founded in 1911, this is a non-profit association of food safety professionals. Comprised of a diverse membership of over 3,000 Members from 50 nations, the IAFP is dedicated to the education and service of its members as well as industry personnel.

Island Farmers Alliance. For farmers: Building a stronger, sustainable agricultural sector on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. For consumers: Superior, tasty, high-quality locally produced food.

Local Flavours Products and Services Co-operative. Local Flavours is a co-operative effort by caring food growers, producers and supporting people who allow its belief in having a wide variety of personal quality food and edible creations available to all. The people at Local Flavours enjoy food! There are many great stories behind the food. These are people who love what they grow and create.

Organic Consumers Association: Look for articles on genetically modified food and fair trade issues along with general information about organic food production. If you'd like regular updates from OCA through its "Biodemocracy News," contact biodemocracy@lists.organicconsumers.org.

Rangeland: An awesome collection of information on agriculture and food-sector business in Australia - with plenty of international information and links as well.

Small Farm Canada. The editors of this magazine point out that "More than 1/2 of Canada's 246,000 agricultural operations are small farms. Yet you wouldn't know it by reading the mainstream farm press. All they talk about are tariffs, subsidies and the latest performance statistics of big tractors." Explore Canada's "other farms" in this new national publication.

Spilling the Beans. This newsletter focuses on genetically engineered foods. An in-depth look at possible health risks can be found in the November 2007 issue. These are taken from Jeffrey Smith's book, Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods.

Women's Enterprise Centre. The Centre helps women decide if business ownership is the right choice. It provides resources, tools, events, and training courses along with an "empowerment lending" program.