Betsy Puff has joined the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation in the role of education program coordinator.

Recently, I was in Langley, BC, to visit a couple of great health food stores. The mini road trip was a little extra special because I was accompanied by my Alive Publishing Group (APG) colleagues: Laura Newton, editor; Tracy Peternell, group content director and editor-in-chief; and Ellen Wheeler, vice president of sales.

The Canada Organic logo on your favourite foods did not appear until June 2009. Until then, producers and farmers did not have a federal standard to indicate how organic their products were. There were no harmonized national guidelines along the organic supply chain, no national criteria for audits, and limited access to international markets.

Get ready for an exciting change in organic promotion this fall. While Organic Week might ring a bell, brace yourself for the organic extravaganza that is Organic Month, happening this September! Participate to drive organic sales and build public trust in organic.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This observation was offered by American anthropologist Margaret Mead.

 A compelling example of this is taking place in the heart of Carleton Place, Ontario. There, a thriving initiative known as the Carleton Place and District Youth Centre’s community garden project is sowing seeds of change, nurturing both minds and bodies.

CHFA is turning 60! “We have a lot to celebrate,” says Randi Ptolemy, content and public relations manager for the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA). “Join us to honour the growth of the natural, organic and wellness (NOW) industry at CHFA NOW Vancouver, April 2-5, 2024. We’re gearing up for this to be the best show yet.

After being unable to travel during the pandemic, Sofia Constantinou and Callie Farrell were excited to hit the road again in 2023 visiting Health First Network (HFN) member stores across Canada.

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) Industry Night Out in Montreal on November 7, 2023, was a chance for Quebec-based CHFA and industry members to gather, reconnect, and network.

The organic sector recently unveiled bold plans to accelerate growth: a robust organic action plan is taking shape through a coalition of the national associations—Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), Canadian Organic Growers, and Organic Federation of Canada—working together. The National Organic Action Plan for Canada is positioned as an engine for accelerated advancement. This comprehensive strategy acknowledges the pivotal role of organic practices, underscored by benchmarks, objectives, and strategies designed to fortify the organic supply chain and amplify the global appetite for organic products.

In August 2022, Nutters Everyday Naturals introduced the first annual Mental Health Golf Classic in Medicine Hat, Alberta, home of Nutters flagship store.

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is gearing up for its annual Organic Leadership Awards and evening gala this April in Vancouver, celebrating the remarkable achievements of organic leaders. 

Nature’s Emporium, founded in 1993, opened its first store in Toronto on September 7, 2023. The 25,000 sq. ft. store is located at 1 York Street in Toronto’s South Core, just steps from Union Station. In addition to the new Toronto location, Nature’s Emporium has stores in Newmarket, Maple, Burlington, and Woodbridge, Ontario.

Jenn Slattery has joined the NOW Health Group/Puresource team as national sales manager.

Over the years, many natural retailers have had the chance to experience the Natural Factors Farm and plant tour in BC’s Okanagan Valley.

Mark your calendar now and join us for an unforgettable experience at the 2024 Guelph Organic Conference!