The Rural Voice, 2004-11, Page 25But a very Targe majority of
organic dairy producers only want to
farm and don't want to process and
market their output, Zettel says. They
need someone to pool their milk and
make it work in the marketplace.
The growth of that pool of
producers, up to 20 and 30, meant
that they had to enter the mainstream
channels of distribution.
"I don't think this has
compromised our ideals," he says.
"Others have a different view."
The growth of organizations like
the Ontarbio Organic Co-operative
has meant that there are more sources
of information and expertise than in
the early days when EFAO was the
only place to turn for advice, Zettel
says. Now some producers go
through the whole certification
process without every joining EFAO.
Still, the organization is very
much needed, Zettel says of the
EFAO which currently has a
membership of 400.
Beard sees the possibilities for the
continued growth of the organic
movement as strong. He notes that 85
per cent of organic food sold in
Ontario is imported. "Other countries
have seen the potential growth and
opportunities for their farmers but
Ontario and Canada has not. We
don't that the small processors,
independent distributors and capital
to develop our organic industry
unless you get into partnership with
the large retailers.
That same concern is expressed by
Andres who worries that the small
retailers who supported the early
growth of the organic industry are
being bought out or driven out of
business by large retailers.
Despite worries about the
direction of the movement, things
have come a long way from those
early days when Zettel remembers
meetings of "hippies and hobby
farmers". And the amazing thing,
given the depletion of farm numbers
in general, is that the vast majority of
the early leaders are still involved in
organic farming.
"Each and every one of us is still
there and working the same way, but
with more experience," Andres says.
It's perhaps the best testament to
the success of the movement they
started and the greatest reason to
celebrate the 25th anniversary
November 6.0
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