Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council

Project Description

A consultant will be hired to coordinate/execute the first year of the MOA's activities which will include creating a website, establishing a list-serve for communicating with the entire sector, developing a formal logo and letterhead, developing and printing a membership brochure, undertaking a membership drive, developing and producing an MOA booth for tradeshows, organizing an organic tradeshow in November 2009, holding a second annual meeting in March 2010, holding a media training seminar for board members, advertising, and conducting a study on the impact of organic regulations on small-scale growers.

Project Objectives

To establish the office and infrastructure of the new organization, the Manitoba Organic Alliance (MOA), in order to carry out its mandate to be the representative voice and association for the organic value chain in Manitoba.

General Information

Performance Story

Through this project a new organization was successfully launched. An office and coordinator were established; a website, logo, and brochure were designed; and membership drive undertaken. The Manitoba Organic Alliance also participated in tradeshows, educational seminars and held an AGM. Additionally, the MOA continued to represent Manitoba on the Organic Federation of Canada, advising the Canada Organic Office on organic regulatory issues. Also under this project, a study on the potential impact of the pending implementation of new organic legislation in Manitoba on small scale organic growers was conducted. Using the study as a resource base, the MOA conducted a second phase of consultation with small growers. This confirmed MOA's recommendations to request that the provincial government provide a rebate on certification costs to small growers. The MOA had a preliminary meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and will follow up with a detailed proposal. The MOA has established a profile among 250 Manitoba organic producers; 10 other provincial organic associations; provincial and federal government staff and officials, and U.S. and Canadian buyers.

The MOA originally thought that memberships would support the ongoing requirements for running an office, but came to the conclusion that this is not realistic. The MOA has identified a way to achieve its mandate without bearing the regular ongoing costs of supporting staff and an office, and has adopted a new model for bringing the sector together to communicate, create policy positions, and identify potential projects: a provincial organic value chain round table. The MOA Round Table will meet twice per year, with working groups meeting as needed throughout the year. The MOA Round Table will create an opportunity for all stakeholders in the sector to provide input into regulation, promotion, and policy development in the sector. The MOA has presented a preliminary proposal to MAFRI, and will follow up with a detailed request for MAFRI to support the MOA Round Table with staffing support to organize the meetings and conference calls.