In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
International
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) | IFOAM's mission is leading, uniting and assisting the organic movement in its full diversity.
Organic Consumers Association (OCA) | The OCA is US-based public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics.
Canada
Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC) | The CLRC is the national pedigree service for purebred and non-purebred livestock in Canada.
Young Agrarians | The Young Agrarians is a grassroots initiative made up of agriculturalists and media conspirators intent on growing food sustainably. Young Agrarians are: young agriculturalists, farmers, urban farmers, market and community gardeners, community groups and academics, organizations and the public.
Chicken Farmers of Canada | A resource for chicken farmers; includes recipes, food safety, and resources on sustainability and farm to table.
Canadian Hatching Egg Producers | The national representatives for the broiler hatching egg industry in Canada.
Egg Farmers of Canada | A resource for egg farmers; includes recipes, food safety, and resources on sustainability and animal care.
Turkey Farmers of Canada | A national organization representing Canada’s 500+ turkey farmers.
Canada Organic Trade Association | COTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy. Check out their Data and Research section, including the Canadian Organic Market Report 2017.
Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) | The OFC works on behalf of organic farmers in Canada to promote industry growth.
Canadian Organic Growers (COG) | COG's mission is to lead local and national communities towards sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre while respecting nature, upholding social justice and protecting natural resources. COG's membership is diverse and includes farmers, gardeners, processors, retailers, educators, policy-makers, and consumers.
Farm Folk/City Folk | FarmFolk/CityFolk supports community-based sustainable food systems by engaging in public education with farm and city folk, actively organizing and advocating around local, timely issues, and by building alliances with other organizations.
Farm Management Canada | Farm Management Canada (formerly the Canadian Farm Business Management Council) is the only national organization in Canada devoted exclusively to developing and distributing advanced farm management information. Visit the comprehensive Resources section of the website.
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) | The OACC was formed in 2001 with a vision to serve Canada’s organic sector through science and education. The OACC supports organic farmers and other stakeholders by conducting and facilitating credible and practical research across Canada. Check out the Resources section of the website.
Young Agrarians | The Young Agrarians is a grassroots initiative made up of agriculturalists and media conspirators intent on growing food sustainably. Young Agrarians are: young agriculturalists, farmers, urban farmers, market and community gardeners, community groups and academics, organizations and the public.
British Columbia
Agricultural Land Commission | An independent administrative tribunal dedicated to preserving agricultural land and encouraging farming in British Columbia.
BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) | The BCAC provides leadership in representing, promoting, and advocating the collective interests of all agricultural producers in British Columbia.
Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) | The COABC is an umbrella association for certification bodies which provides certification accreditation and leadership in the development of organic food production throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA) | The SSFPA represents the interests of small-scale food and beverage processors in British Columbia. It encourages the creation and development of these businesses and assists with the distribution of their products.
Island Farmers' Alliance (IFA) | The IFA's mission is to ensure the sustainability and growth of agriculture on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Check out the Partners and Links (link is external) page.
BC Association of Cattle Feeders | Represents cattle feeders and producers regarding issues relating to all aspects of the industry.
BC Breeder & Feeder Association | Eepresents the feeder and breeder associations in British Columbia operating under the BC Provincial Government Loan Guarantee Program.
BC Cattlemen's Association | A grassroots association that communicates the latest industry news & positions and offers programs & services to members.
B.C. Dairy Association | Representing the just under 500 dairy farms in British Columbia.
B.C. Milk Marketing Board | The British Columbia Milk Marketing Board has the authority to promote, control and regulate the production, transportation, packing, storing and marketing of milk, fluid milk and manufactured milk products within British Columbia.
B.C. Egg Marketing Board | BC Egg is a non-profit organization that oversees and manages the province’s egg farming industry.
Dairy Farmers of Canada | Run for farmers by farmers, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the voice of Canadian dairy farmers.
BC Pork Producers Association | Resources on small lot pork producers, consumer information, and traceability.
Canadian Pork Council | The Canadian Pork Council is the national voice for hog producers in Canada.
B.C. Chicken Marketing Board | The BC Chicken Marketing Board regulates the pricing and production of BC chicken while meeting consumer expectations in animal care and on farm food safety.
B.C. Broiler Hatching Egg Commission | The Commission works under the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers (CHEP) who represents 300 farmers from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Québec.
B.C. Turkey Growers Association | The British Columbia Turkey Marketing Board and the B.C. Turkey Association represent British Columbia's registered turkey farmers.
B.C. Poultry Association | BC Agriculture Council is a non-profit, non-governmental "Council of Associations" representing nearly 30 farm associations.
Interior of British Columbia
North Okanagan Organic Association (NOOA) | NOOA an accredited certifying body for the British Columbia Certified Organic Program.
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission | Offers farm operators, aspiring farm operators and agriculture businesses one-on-one expertise and support.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Successful Farming | They have a Livestock News section in their magazine.
Sustainable Farming Magazine | Leading magazine for sustainable livestock production.
BC Organic Grower Magazine | Published quarterly by the Certified Organic Association of British Columbia.
The Canadian Organic Grower | Canadian magazine on organic production and marketing. Print issues published by three times per year.
Acres U.S.A. Magazine | North America's longest running magazine covering commercial-scale organic and sustainable farming. Published monthly.
Organic Farming Magazine (UK) | UK's leading journal on organic food and farming.
Tradepub.com - Agriculture | Offers an extensive collection of free Agriculture magazines, white papers, downloads, and e-books.
Consultant & Other Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.