Organic sector looks to spring amid winter slowdown

By Adam Peleshaty
MarketsFarm/Glacier FarmMedia staff

The first month of 2024 began with few organic crop purchases and ended with a pair of events highlighting the current state and the future of the sector.

Buying activity in Western Canada’s organic markets was still in its winter doldrums, unlike the wild temperature swings in the region during January. Scott Shiels, grain procurement manager for Grain Millers Inc. in Yorkton, Sask., said demand was flat and prices were stable for much of January, adding that the latter should see little change compared to conventionals.

• READ MORE: Organic price quotes: Late January

“We’re a little less susceptible,” Shiels said. “I would think even if we see (these moves) occur, we won’t see as much of that in the organic market.”

Jason Breault of RW Organics in Mossbank, Sask. said while talk has been quiet with regards to seeding intentions this spring, growers may stick with the staples in their rotations.

“People are still talking about growing wheat because it’s still an okay price. It’s still double the conventional price,” he said. “(Organic) wheat will probably be around the (C$20 per bushel) mark.”

Clarence Shwaluk, senior director of operations at Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, said buyers are waiting for lower prices.

“Whether organic or conventional, buyers don’t seem to be going long on their supply needs.  Unless there is some significant change to supply and demand, I don’t see a lot of upside in the market prices for now,” he said.

Manitoba Ag Days took place in Brandon from Jan. 16 to 18 and the Manitoba Organic Alliance (MOA) maintained a presence on the first day of the event. While the main events were inside the Keystone Centre, MOA set up shop a short distance away at the Brandon Curling Club where the organization delivered three presentations in the morning followed by a networking lunch.

People are still talking about growing wheat because it’s still an okay price. – Jason Breault

Ian Cushon from Moose Creek Organic Farm near Oxbow, Sask. and Scott Beaton of Jackfish Creek Farm outside of Balmoral, Man. delivered the second presentation of the day, titled Planning Improved Crop Rotations. Cushon said approximately 75 people made their way to the presentation, despite a -35 C windchill outside, while the future of organic farms was also discussed.

“I think there’s been some decline in acreage since 2020, but there’s also been an expansion from some of the longer-term organic farmers who have had a chance to convert more land into organic production,” he said. “There’s an opportunity for a lot of smaller farms to have livestock and also have successful crop rotations.”

MOA executive director Marika Dewar-Norosky said there has been an “organic room” at Ag Days since 2012, welcoming not only organic farmers but also others who are curious about adopting regenerative farming practices.

“We had many new faces in the audience who are not organic producers but wanted to learn from our speakers. For me, this is a highlight. Not only engaging our current producers in enhancing their systems, but also sparking curiosity among new farmers about incorporating sustainable practices on their farms,” she said. “Being present at such a large event provides an opportunity for those curious about organic agriculture and its principles to engage directly.”

I think there’s been some decline in acreage since 2020, but there’s also been an expansion from some… – Ian Cushon

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) hosted the 2024 Guelph Organic Conference (GOC) at the University of Guelph from Jan. 23 to 27, which included 80 trade show booths and approximately 25 workshops attended by more than 1,000 registrants. The trade show’s move to Friday and Saturday, instead of Saturday and Sunday, also seemed to increase the number of visitors.

OCO director-at-large Rob Wallbridge deemed the conference a success, observing that there were more organic growers in attendance than in years past.

“I heard a couple of comments that it felt like the conference was back in a sense. Last year was the first year it was in-person after the pandemic,” he said. “The sense that I got this year was that this was more of a return to normal.”

Wallbridge added that organic markets in Ontario were still very quiet with the exception of soybeans, which prices have been at their lowest in years.

“I’m not sure what kind of influence, if any, that’s it’s going to have on planting intentions. Most growers plan on sticking to their rotations. I’ve had maybe a few more calls than usual from growers looking to see if there are any niche opportunities in some of the crops with smaller demands,” he said. “When prices soften like this, people start to see if there are other opportunities out there… I don’t expect any huge movement (in February).”

*Note: Glacier FarmMedia is an event sponsor of Manitoba Ag Days.