Organic Farming and the Social Economy Jennifer Sumner and Sophie Llewelyn Community-University Research Alliance for Southern Ontario ’ s Social Economy University of Guelph ~ Second Southern Ontario Social Economy Node Symposium April 26, 2007

Organic Farming Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that –Protects the environment –Maintains soil fertility and biological diversity –Recycles materials and resources –Promotes the health of livestock –Prepares organic products –Relies on renewable resources OMAFRA 2006

Organic Farming Organic farming comprises a range of approaches within the broader sustainable agriculture spectrum. In its most developed form, ecologically sustainable agriculture (including organic farming) is both a philosophy and a system of farming. It is based on a set of values that reflect an awareness of both ecological and social realities, and on a level of empowerment that is sufficient to generate responsible action. Hill and MacRae1992

Organic Farming Movement More than just organic farmers Consumers Academics Restaurateurs and chefs Small entrepreneurs Social-economy organizations –NGOs, co-ops

Project Description University Partners- Jennifer Sumner and Ann Clark Community Partners - OntarBio and Foodshare Builds on previous research on the links between organic farmers and sustainable rural communities Study the extent of the social economy among organic farmers in southern Ontario Study the spread of the social economy among and beyond organic farmers in southern Ontario Mobilize knowledge to support organic social- economy organizations and rural community development.

Preliminary findings The social economy and organic farmers Types of social economy organizations Summary of this research to date Further study

The Social Economy and Organic Farmers Organic farmers are active participants in Southern Ontario ’ s social economy Withdrawal from conventional agriculture has prompted growth of organic social economy Alternative, farmer-founded social-purpose organizations allow organic farmers to meet their diverse needs: - Education and training - Marketing products -Knowledge sharing - Influencing policy and -Social support consumer behaviour -Sourcing organic inputs

Social Economy Organizations NGOs: –Farmer education and training: EFAO, COG –Policy making and promotion: NFU, CFFO –Internships and volunteer farm workers: CRAFT, WWOOF –Urban food security: FoodShare, food banks Producer co-ops Small, farmer-founded, social-purpose businesses Credit unions Churches Social Service Organizations Environmental NGOs

Research Summary The social economy is a crucial part of organic farming in southern Ontario. Social economy organizations support connections and collaboration between rural organic producers and urban consumers. The social economy is expanding through an organic, ‘ rhizomatic ’ process: social economy nodes generate new co-ops and organizations. Social economy organizations are actively changing the landscape of organics in the region.

Further Study How can we accommodate environmental responsibility in our understanding of the social economy? With the rapid growth in demand for organic products, how will successful social-economy organizations resist the threat of demutualization? As first-generation organic innovators age, how will social-economy organizations support their members into retirement?

Thank you Sophie Llewelyn MSc, Capacity Development and Extension University of Guelph Jennifer Sumner School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph