Organic Science Cluster
Research is needed to drive growth in the organic sector!
to leverage research funding programs
to support the growth of the organic industry and
the sustainability goals associated with organics.
Donate to organic research!
The Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) has been leading the national science program of organic agriculture in collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) at Dalhousie University since 2009 through the Organic Science Cluster Program.
Three Organic Science Clusters have been conducted between 2009 and 2023 supporting 91 research projects across Canada.
Research must continue: the OFC and the OACC have received over 25 research proposals in organic agriculture needing industry commitment.
Improving the productivity and performance of organic agriculture provides ecological and economic benefits that are good for the environment and the Canadian organic business community.
Support organic research to:
And most importantly, proudly post the Organic Cluster Partner logo on your platforms to spread the word!
The Research Priorities of the next Organic Science Cluster
Organic agriculture develops sustainable solutions, supports resiliency, while also maintaining economic growth.
The research activities are categorized under 4 major priorities.
Climate Change
Addressing climate change, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction or carbon sequestration.
Environment
Addressing environmental sustainability, focusing on soil health, water quality, air quality and enhancement of biodiversity.
Economic growth & development
Supporting economic growth: increase in productivity, reduction in labour costs, decrease in use of inputs.
Sector resilience
Prioritizing resiliency: ecological responses to weed control, resistance to drought, enhancing food security.
Fundraising campaign target
$250,000 per year
Partnerships levels
SPONSORSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Your letter of support will be the basis for a contract between OFC and your operation once the OSC4 project is approved by AAFC (approval expected to be confirmed in June 2023)
- Payment of industry contributions are scheduled at the beginning of each OSC4 fiscal year – April 1st.
Contact us to discuss your interest and our proposed research plan
About the Organic Science Cluster
The national Organic Science Cluster program includes a wide range of projects that support ecological innovation ranging from regenerating soil health by storing carbon and maintaining healthy soil biology, identifying biological controls of insect pests and diseases to reduce use of pesticides, providing year-round fresh vegetables through organic greenhouse production, and displacement of nitrogen fertilizer manufactured with fossil fuels.
Dr. Andrew Hammermeister
Director, Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada
A history of research success
- Organic Science Clusters bring together scientists from Canadian universities and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research centers.
- Organic Clusters are the largest research projects in organic agriculture in Canada
- All research activities are peer-reviewed by nationally and internationally recognized scientists
- The OSCs are managed by an experienced team of OFC and OACC managers who have overseen over 91 research activities since 2009
