Industry News
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.
Canadian Associations
- Organic BC | A network of organic certifiers, farmers, processors and consumers in British Columbia offering various resources—including a forum, job board, and video series—that promote environmentally conscious production.
- BC Farmers’ Markets | A BC organization committed to helping farmers’ markets grow and thrive.
- BC Farmers’ Institute | An agricultural support network that connects institutes providing information, workshops, and agricultural education events.
- Young Agrarians | A grassroots initiative made up of agriculturalists and media conspirators intent on growing food sustainably.
- 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.
- Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) | The OFC promotes industry growth and promotes the adoption of organic standards.
- Canadian Organic Growers (COG) | COG provides education, advocacy and leadership to help build an agricultural system that empowers farmers and consumers, enhances human health, builds community and mitigates climate change while increasing Canadian food sovereignty.
- FarmFolk CityFolk | By fostering connections between farmers and eaters, influencing policy, and offering workshops, FarmFolk CityFolk helps build strong, sustainable, and resilient food systems in BC.
- Farm Management Canada | The only national organization dedicated exclusively to the development and delivery of leading-edge resources, information and tools to support farm business success.
- Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) | The OACC supports organic farmers and other stakeholders by conducting and facilitating credible and practical research across Canada.
International Associations
- 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.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- BC Organic Grower Magazine | Published three times a year by Organic BC.
- Acres U.S.A. Magazine | North America's longest running magazine covering commercial-scale organic and sustainable farming. Published monthly.
- Small Farm Canada | A national magazine published six times per year that supports small-scale farming.
- Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems | A journal that publishes original research and review articles, focusing on the science that underpins economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable approaches to agriculture and food production.
- Growing for Market | Written by farmers across the U.S. and Canada, this magazine is published 10 times per year and features articles on the business of local food and flowers.
Consultant & Other Websites
Consultant List: B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program | A list of Qualified Business Consultants compiled by the Government of BC.
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.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs
- Farmer’s Blog | An exploration of climate solutions adopted by agricultural producers around Alberta.
- Canadian Organic Growers Blog | Event listings and news related to the organic farming industry.
- The Real Dirt on Farming | Published by Farm & Food Care Ontario, this website offers short articles on farming (including a section specifically dedicated to sustainability) in the form of a blog and magazine.
Podcasts
- Rural Routes to Climate Solutions | RR2CS dives into the technology and practices that are both good for the farm and good for the climate.
- Rural Routes Canada | RRC strives to tell unique stories from the agriculture community that show the true roots of the industry. It will also show off new products and ideas from the ever evolving industry.
- Farm to Table Talk | A virtual table for conversations about our food and how it is grown, prepared and shared throughout society.
- Regenerative Agriculture Podcast | A show for professional growers and agronomists who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems to increase quality, yield, and profitability.
- Real Organic Podcast | Farmers interview scientists, activists, politicians, and authors engaged in protecting USDA organic food against an active corporate takeover.
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.