< PreviousStand Up For Organics (SUFO): we help farmers transition their farmlands to regenerative organic farming. All the funds we raise go towards supporting transitioning and existing organic farmers across the country. CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS Advocacy and education are at the root of Canada’s organic future 10 MAKE THE WORLD BETTER MAGAZINEOrganic food is widely considered to be health- ier for both people and the environment. While you may be able to fi nd organic food in the supermarket, fi nding in- formation on how to grow and garden organically is a different story – at least it was – in Canada. Canadian Organic Growers (COG) grew from the need for better un- derstanding about organic farming and gardening methods, and today, they’re advocating for organic farming across the country. We spoke with Canadian Organic Growers about their mission and projects. Tell us about COG’s mission. Our mission is to provide education, advocacy, and leadership to help build an agricultural system that empow- ers farmers and consumers, enhances human health, builds community, and mitigates climate change, while increas- ing Canadian food sovereignty. What inspired your founders to start COG? Our founders wanted to grow food without chemicals, both for their own health and the health of the planet. However, there was a lack of informa- tion on organic farming and gardening, particularly in the Canadian context. Backyard gardeners, “back to the land- ers,” and farmers joined together to help share knowledge and resources. What were some of the chal- lenges they encountered? Th ere was a general lack of under- standing about organic farming and gardening methods, as well as a social stigma directed at organic farming. Also, organic farming wasn’t taken seriously by agricultural departments (provincial and federal) or agricultur- al colleges. Th is meant that farmers had to learn by trial and error, or from mentors. Th e organic certifi cation process and logo did not exist, so people didn’t have a way of knowing what foods were actually organic or not. Th ings have come a long way since those days! What do you consider COG’s biggest success? By creating Canadian Organic Growers chapters across the country, organiz- ing workshops, and publishing a series of books, we have played a pivotal role in stimulating the Canadian organic movement. Over the decades, an increasing number of farmers and gardeners have embraced organic methods, and the demand for organic food keeps growing, for example from 1.7% of the Canadian market share in 2012 to 3.3% in 2020 (Canada Organic Trade Association). Part of this refl ects the work COG has done over the decades. Our cours- es and books have helped farmers transition to organic farming. In fact, three of our books have been used as textbooks in universities in their agricultural departments. We have also enabled more people across the country to access organic food – partially by our work in stimu- lating the organic movement but also through specifi c programs, such as COG’s Growing Up Organic, which has led to the development of school gardens and the introduction of organic food in schools, daycares, and other institutions across Canada. What makes your organization unique? Canadian Organic Growers is the only national organization representing or- ganic farmers, gardeners, and consumers from coast to coast. Our membership encompasses people from all sectors of the organic community; no other orga- nization has this scope. As a result, our activities range from teaching people how to grow sprouts and microgreens on the kitchen counter, to creating school gardens, to advocating for government support for farmers who are transitioning to organic agriculture, to teaching prairie farmers about organic regenerative agriculture. We have chapters and affi liates across the country, which allows diff erent groups to work on the local aspects of organic growing, education, and advocacy that meet the needs of their own community. How do you feel COG makes the world better? Canadian Organic Growers makes the world better by advocating for a cleaner environment, greater biodiversity, and a healthy, nutritious food supply. As a result of our work, more peo- ple of all incomes and ages are eating local organic food and more land is being farmed organically. Th is means greater biodiversity and protection of Connaught gardens: students from Connaught Public School harvesting kale in their garden. APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 02 11pollinators, less pollution due to runoff of agricultural chemicals and antibiotics given to livestock, and more animals have access to the outdoors and are humanely treated. Rural communities are benefi tting from more money fl owing into rural economies, and more people living in these communities have access to healthy, nutritious food. COG addresses the human aspect of food production by supporting the development of school gardens, incorporating mindfulness practices into gardening workshops, and developing an online Indigenous gardening workshop. Our work also addresses the current climate crisis. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of total greenhouse gas emis- sions (GHG) globally; COG is teaching farmers how to sequester (trap) carbon in the soil and reduce GHG emissions. Tell us about your organiza- tion’s goals. Our main goal is to promote organic growing and strengthen the organ- ic food supply through education, advocacy, collaboration, and partner- ships. We want to provide farmers and gardeners with the tools they need to grow organic food, and in doing so, promote biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and protect our environment for future generations. For farmers, we’re doing this through peer-to-peer education, publication of books, and production of webinars. We bring experts out to the fi eld to talk with individual farmers about how they can adopt regenerative organic farming prac- tices, and go to schools to help children learn how to garden organically and develop a taste for organic food (and practices). COG also helps seniors fi nd accessible ways to garden and, in doing so, they can enjoy the physical and mental benefi ts of gardening organically in a community. We also want to help consumers understand and appreciate the value of locally grown organic food. COG aims to increase awareness of the many rea- sons to buy local organic food, including the environmental, socioeconomic, and nutritional benefi ts. We do this through webinars, events (such as Organic Week held each September), and through our magazine (currently in the process of be- ing moved to a free online format here). Are there any upcoming ini- tiatives or projects you’d like to share? Regenerative Organic Oats in the Prairies (ROO) is a three-year project to help oat farmers in Saskatchewan transition to Regenerative Organic Certifi cation. Th e educational aspect of the project will help encourage other farmers to adopt regenerative organic practices. Th is initiative, the fi rst of its kind in Canada, is made possible due to the support of industry partners Riverside Naturals and Nature’s Path. In Growing Up Organic (GUO), COG partners with schools to establish school garden programs as the basis for experiential education. For example, in the past year alone, GUO delivered 270 workshops and established 30 new garden beds in Ottawa schools, and the goal for 2022 is to build up to 48 new gardens and deliver more than 250 garden curriculum-connected work- shops. COG is also developing a virtual Indigenous gardening workshop and now incorporating land acknowledge- ments, as well as mindfulness exercises in many gardening workshops. Th e Canadian Access Project (CAP) is a two-year collaborative project, made possible with an investment from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), that will identify current barriers in the organic food supply chain, help the Canadian organic industry fulfi ll its economic potential, and provide Canadians with increased access to regionally-grown, organic food. COG will deliver virtual workshops and reports, and provide a detailed plan to create an environmental model, which would highlight the benefi ts of William Amos announcing a $640,000 grant from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Nature’s Path 12 MAKE THE WORLD BETTER MAGAZINEremoving barriers to organic commodity production and distribution. Growing Eastern Ontario Organically (GEO-O), is a three-year, on-the- ground initiative to support farmers to transition to organic agriculture through mentorship, fi nancial incentives, and on-site experiential learning. GEO-O provides farmers with in-person, on-site, farmer-to-farmer training. GEO-O is a fi rst of its kind experiential learning-cen- tred approach in a specifi c region. It was made possible with funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Aff airs. To date, we have had 57 farms enrolled in the program, representing over 10,000 acres of farmland. COG will compare the outcomes of GEO-O to similar eff orts across the country in order to bring further benefi ts to the entire Canadian organic sector Lastly, for more than forty years, COG published a hard copy magazine; however, we have since gone complete- ly paperless. Th e Canadian Organic Grower is now available free, online, in a blog-style format. Th e new version has information for consumers, as well as resources for backyard gardeners and farmers. Th e content includes features on organic businesses, tips for organic farmers, recipes, and news about organic science. Check it out! A beta version is online here, and we expect to launch the website formally in early 2022. What do you most want people to know about COG? We off er something for everyone who has an interest in healthy food and a healthy environment. Whether you’re growing herbs in window boxes or planting one thousand acres of wheat, COG has resources to help you learn how to grow food organically. For consumers, COG works to im- prove production and access to organic food across the country and will soon (through the free online magazine) provide tips on buying, storing, and cooking organic food in season. We also do a lot of work behind the scenes, such as advocating for changes in agricultural policies (particularly regarding GMOs), helping develop the Canadian Organic Standards, and stand- ing up for organic growers in any way we can. How can people help or con- tribute to COG’s mission? Grow or buy organic food. When you buy local organic food or grow your own food organically, you are helping to create a healthier planet for ourselves, future generations, and the living organ- isms who share our environment. Th ere are several ways people can con- tribute, including becoming a member of COG, volunteering with a chapter or the national organization, and helping to support our important work by mak- ing a donation on our website. COG is a charitable organization and can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Growing Eastern Ontario Organically (GEO-O): the Beetbox Farm Cooperative Team, who serves West Ottawa with organic produce. cog.ca facebook.com/CanadianOrganic twitter.com/CanadianOrganic instagram.com/CanadianOrganic APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 02 13From freshly baked bread to locally grown and organic produce, Nada makes it their mission to partner with vendors who are prioritizing sustainability in their packaging choices, product design, and raw ingredient sourcing. NADA GROCERY A package-free grocery service with community at heart 14 MAKE THE WORLD BETTER MAGAZINESometimes, simple really is best, especially when it comes to food. Nada, a Vancouver-based grocery service, is working to bring fresh, healthy groceries to people and communities without adding anything extra, like packaging. By embarking on this mission, Nada Grocery, a participant in a past Spring Activator program, is hoping to spark important conver- sations about our food system and its connection to the environment. We spoke with Brianne Miller, Co-Founder & CEO, about how Nada is making the world better through their package-free, healthy alter- native to traditional groceries. Tell us about Nada’s mission. Nada is a package-free grocery delivery service on a mission to connect people to just food, championing a community food system by linking buyers to suppliers, and off ering healthy, local, and unpackaged products and services. Our vision is that healthy people equals a healthy planet, where people link their food choices to the health of themselves and the environment. We’re working hard to connect people to food in its simplest form in an attempt to spark conversations about our food system. By supporting Nada, you’re not only supporting local businesses, but also championing a community food system that links buyers to suppliers who off er healthy, unpackaged goods. What inspired you to start Nada? As a marine biologist, Nada’s CEO & Co-Founder, Brianne Miller, has witnessed fi rst-hand the devastating impact of plastic on the environment. It’s estimated that 9.1 billion tons of plastic have been produced since 1950, and close to 5.5 billion tons are no longer in use and not recycled. After seeing one too many remote fi eld sites littered in plastic debris, Brianne began to wonder why there wasn’t a better way to shop – a way without so much waste. Brianne has always had a deep love of the oceans.Th e magic of diving with dolphins and scouring reefs for nudibranchs is something that she wanted to preserve for everyone. Brianne realized that the current grocery models were broken, and even the most ethical, local, and organic example was still caught in this cycle of waste. And so, she asked the simple question that would positively change things forever. What if food... was just food again? With a leap of faith, a few jars, and some dear friends, the Nada story began. Th e result? A new way to shop for groceries and a commitment to both healthy people and a healthy planet! What were some of the challenges you encountered? Last year, we transitioned from a self-serve retail grocery store to an online business. As an independent grocery store and essential service supporting hundreds of small local suppliers and farmers, and providing food to our neighbourhood when large grocery store shelves were empty, we’ve been able to continue serving our commu- nity throughout the pandemic. Th ere have been lots of challenges and regulations to navigate along the way as we strive to keep our cus- tomers, community, and team members safe. We have been able to grow our team and reach customers in new neighbourhoods and new cities through delivery, mak- ing local and package-free foods more accessible. Nada’s ultimate tumbler for on-the-go sipping! Th is Nada Miir Travel Mug is one of the many pieces found in their collection of package-free lifestyle products. APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 02 15What do you consider Nada’s biggest success? Nada is working to champion a community-focused food system by linking buyers to suppliers and off ering healthy, local, and unpackaged products. A women-owned, empathy-led, and community-fo- cused business that encounters many diff erent bro- ken systems contributing to an inequitable world, Nada is focusing all of its eff orts on making a small but mighty impact for the betterment of our collective future by targeting three buckets: impact, community, and supply chain. What makes your organization unique? Nada off ers a package-free alternative to the con- ventional grocery shopping experience. We remove the need for unnecessary packaging by off ering high-quality groceries and goods in upcycled con- tainers, compostable bags, and deposit jars. We off er carbon-neutral grocery delivery via our electric vehi- cles to cities across the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Delta. Nada’s surplus food recovery program also completely off sets our direct carbon emissions. Check out our Nada’s Own prod- ucts online to support this initiative! Nada also facilitates monthly online events to both educate and build relationships with our community to encourage climate action and waste reduction. If you want to learn more about how to get involved in the package-free movement and our local food system, check out our newsletter! How do you feel Nada makes the world better? Our goal is to be part of the climate solution and foster a more just food system. We choose Nada’s Co-Founder & CEO, Brianne Miller Photo by Maxine Bulloch Nada is grateful to call the beautiful coast of British Columbia home and take to heart their responsibility in protecting this special place on our planet. 16 MAKE THE WORLD BETTER MAGAZINEto work with fellow 1% for the Planet, Certifi ed B Corporations, and carbon or climate neutral compa- nies whenever possible – from our products to our offi ce supplies, and everything in between! We strive to foster long-term relationships with our suppliers as much as possible and love working with those who do the same. Th is builds stronger commu- nities and more resilient food systems, while providing better working conditions and compensation for those at all levels of the supply chain, including growers, makers, and manufacturers. Tell us about your organization’s goals. With climate change looming as the global popu- lation continues to grow, and the demand for food continues to rise, it is crucial that we fi nd ways to reduce the emissions associated with the food system. For most people, grocery stores are the vehicle that connects people to their food. Grocery stores thus play a crucial role in transforming the food system and have a unique opportunity to better connect people to their food and help them make more sustainable food choices. Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share? Here at Nada, we accept the donation of upcycled containers and jars to support our zero waste initiative. Each donation that we receive means that one less con- tainer has ended up in our landfi lls. Th e participation of our community in this program helps us continue to reduce waste and promote a more circular economy. Since the beginning of this program, we’ve been able to successfully divert over 1,062,177 containers from the landfi ll! What do you most want people to know about Nada? When we say community is at the heart of all that we do, we really do mean that. From the products on our shelves to the brands we choose to work with, to the partnerships we bring inside of our store, there are so many hands involved and good work being done. Without the collective power of those who are working on improving their small piece of the food system and adapting operations with the planet in mind, we hold each other up and support each other in this rebuild- ing process. How can people help or contribute to Nada’s mission? Nada is 100% committed to improving our local food system. For every purchase you make, 1% of all top- line revenues are donated to grassroots environmental organizations that are supporting a more sustainable food system and standing up for our coast. For the fi rst quarter of 2022, a portion of every purchase of Nada’s package-free groceries will be going directly towards Protect Our Winters Canada. Nada’s goal is to connect people to food in its simplest form and to spark a conversation about the local food system. Nada’s Own is a line of package-free products made from in-house recipes by repurposing surplus food and giving it a second chance by making these creations available to the community. nadagrocery.com facebook.com/nadagrocery twitter.com/nadagrocery instagram.com/nadagrocery APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 02 17Everyone loves to indulge in chocolate now and then – or frequently (we’re not here to judge). It’s a lucrative industry that employs and benefi ts the producers and retailers; however, one very important group that can be overlooked are the cocoa farmers themselves. EMKAO wants to change that. EMKAO Foods is a manufacturer of organic, single origin cocoa beans, which participated in Spring Activator’s Campbell River Impact Investor Challenge. We spoke with Ayissi Nyemba, Founder & CEO, about EMKAO’s personal connection to cocoa beans, their progress towards their goals, and upcoming projects. EMKAO FOODS Supporting cocoa farmers in Cameroon and transforming their local economy Tell us about EMKAO Foods’ mission. EMKAO Foods is committed to disrupting the traditional cocoa manufacturing model by using a direct trade model to purchase high quality cocoa beans at a fair price to support small cocoa farmers in Cameroon, thus transforming their local economy. What inspired you to start EMKAO Foods? My family comes from generations of cocoa farmers in a country where co- coa production and export contribute signifi cantly to the national economy and poverty alleviation. From my experience growing up on my parents’ cocoa farm, I made it my lifelong vi- sion to help and support the struggling cocoa farmers in Cameroon. What were some of the chal- lenges you encountered? One challenge was having access to capital and raising capital to scale-up my business, as well as the adoption of healthier products by the industry. Also, in the industry, cocoa beans imported from Africa are, most of the time, associated with child labour. What do you consider EMKAO Foods’ biggest success? We opened our doors in February 2021 and are in full production! We have made a good impression in the indus- try with our products, and the feed- back we have received is incredible. We have been supporting the livelihoods of 100 cocoa farmers and have planted an additional 20 trees. Th e farm is a diff erent entity itself! What makes your organization unique? We specialize in the chocolate industry through a vertically integrated struc- ture that leverages direct trade and single sourcing for the primary input product: cocoa beans. Th is structure is possible due to an ownership stake in a family farm (Kotou Farm) located in Cameroon, in western Africa. EMKAO is able to directly import high quality, certifi ed organic, cocoa beans from Kotou Farm with favour- able payment terms. Once imported into Canada, EMKAO is able to 18 MAKE THE WORLD BETTER MAGAZINEprocess these raw cocoa beans into fi ve marketable fi nished products. Th e current focus is to sell these products wholesale to other businesses, such as chocolatiers, bakers, candy producers, and related businesses. We fi ll an im- mediate need in the western Canadian market, as there are currently no other competitors who are processing beans locally with a B2B focus. How do you feel EMKAO Foods makes the world better? EMKAO makes the world a better place by fairly engaging the small cocoa farm- ers in our supply chain. We are making sure our customers know the names of our farmers. And, at the same time, we are off ering ethically sourced cocoa beans, traceability via QR codes, and healthier locally made cocoa ingredients to our consumers in Canada. Tell us about your organiza- tion’s goals. Th e main 2022-2025 goal is to obtain additional capital to fi nance the scale-up phase of the company. We plan to do this by: 1. Serving the Canadian market and expanding to the US market, 2. Measuring and sharing the impact we are creating both in Cameroon and Canada, 3. Building up the team and bringing on more partners, 4. Creating more impact by growing more trees, and empowering wom- en involvement in agriculture, 5. And having “just in time” trace- ability and production systems. Are there any upcoming ini- tiatives or projects you’d like to share? We are working on developing our own in-house tracking device, TRAKAO. Th is project will provide immediate help to EMKAO by enabling tracking of raw material shipments from Cameroon to Canada. We will also be planning to launch some retail products in two years. What do you most want people to know about EMKAO Foods? EMKAO envisions a world where cocoa farming is a fair and decent livelihood, and where the profi ts from the choco- late products so widely enjoyed around the world are shared with the farmers who make it possible for these products to exist. How can people help or con- tribute to EMKAO Foods’ mission? Sharing, liking, and following us through our social media pages, @emkaofoods. Spread the word about our mission and vision, and purchase from us here! Crafting LIKAO cocoa liquor EMKAO’s line of vegan and organic cocoa ingredients Ayissi Nyemba, Founder and CEO of EMKAO Foods emkaofoods.com facebook.com/emkaofoods twitter.com/emkaofoods instagram.com/emkaofoods APRIL 2022 • ISSUE 02 19Next >