The Rural Voice, 1994-10, Page 33Helping farmers make the transition
Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
Since it was formed nearly 15 years ago the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario has been helping farmers
make the transition to ecological farming. Emphasizing the importance of operating the farm as a living organism
the EFAO has helped farmers learn how to build soil fertility and health using crop rotations, green manures, cover
crops and composts. A healthy soil is the base on which to grow healthy crops and livestock. Ecological Farmers
see their goal as working with natural systems rather than fighting them. Weeds, pests and diseases can be
controlled by understanding their life cycles and using diverse crop rotations. Using chemical pesticides is attacking
the symptom rather than the cause of the problem and can create new problems. Pesticide use can also pose risks
for farmers and their families.
Farmers have been joining the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario for many reasons. Some see new
market opportunities in organic farming and want to learn how to make the transition to organic crop production on
their farm. Others are concerned about the health of their family and themselves and want to reduce their
dependence on pesticides. Some have environmental concerns about current farm practices and are looking for
ways to operate their farm more ecologically. Whatever their reasons the resources available to them have
increased dramatically since EFAO started.
In its early years EFAO was a handful of farmers sharing their experience with each other so they wouldn't have
to repeat the same mistakes. Farm tours were introduced to give members a chance to see successes and
mistakes in the field. A two day introductory course was developed and taken by several hundred farmers. Today
the EFAO continues with courses and tours but also offers its members an extensive lending library and an on farm
consultation by an experienced farmer. Members also receive the quarterly newsletter which includes a selection of
seasonal articles and information on upcoming tours and courses. The Annual Meeting will be held on November
12, at Grey Central School.
Two valuable resources which EFAO helped produce are the Organic Field Crop Handbook and Organic Field
Crops: Sharing the experience, a two volume video program. The Organic Field Crop Handbook provides detailed
information on the principles of organic farming, designing crop rotations and crop production information on a
number of field crops. It was done in collaboration with the Canadian Organic Growers. The video features a
number of experienced farmers demonstrating aspects of soil management, crop rotation, weed control, composting
and marketing on their farms. Both are available from the EFAO library or for purchase.
EFAO has an impressive selection of courses and workshops coming up in the fall and winter of '94-95. There will
be an advanced Ecological Farming course, an extensive Holistic Resource Management Workshop, a pasture
management/intensive grazing course and plans are under way for an advanced dairy course and an
orchard/garden combined workshop. Membership in the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario is $20/year and
is a great bargain for farmers and non -farmers interested in learning how agriculture can become more ecological
and economical.
WORKING WITH CONSUMERS - COMMUNITY SHARED AGRICULTURE
A recent addition to EFAO services has been the resource centre for Community Shared Agriculture (CSA)
Community Shared Agriculture joins farmers and consumers in a mutually beneficial partnership. Consumers get
fresh, local produce in season and get to know the farm and farmer producing their food. Farmers have a secure
market and a good cash flow because the consumers prepay their share of the year's harvest. They also have the
satisfaction of dealing��
'
directly with people who ■ o join EFAO or for more information send this coupon to:
want the products they EFAO, BOX 127, WROXETER, ONT., NOG 2X0 1
are growing. Name 1
EFAO has a packet of
information on how to ' Address
start a Community
Shared Agriculture ' Phone '
program. The resource ❑ I'd like to join EFAO, enclosed is my cheque for $20.00
centre has listings of ' ❑ I'd like more information on coming events, send me a complimentary newsletter.
CSA projects which can ' ❑ I'd like more information on Community Shared Agriculture
help consumers join a (the information package is $2.00 for copying & postage)
CSA near them. or call Chris Hoskins (519) 335-3557 or Ted Zettel (519) 366-9982.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — M —
OCTOBER 1994 29