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.

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

• 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 

• 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.
• BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) | The BCAC provides leadership in representing, promoting, and advocating the collective interests of all agricultural producers in British Columbia. 
• 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.

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. 

• 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.

TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.

Consultant Websites

• MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
• PwC Canada | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
• Vault Industry Profiles | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research 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.