2007 New Co-operative of Distinction Award - Quinte Organic Farmers Co-op

Quinte Organic Farmers Co-op (QOFC) was created to pool the resources of local farmers and share in the benefits of co-operative marketing. Like an organic farm, the co-op operates as a closed-loop system because it hires its own members to manage the six farmers markets it services in southern Ontario. All of the farms involved are certified organic, and their produce and meat provides an important source of healthy and sustainable food to local communities.

QOFC has been a passionate champion of the values of organic farming through co-operation shown most poignantly through a series of radio programs they created entitled Listen to the Land. The broadcasts profile the co-ops members over a growing season, and highlight their challenges and successes. The program demonstrates the natural linkages between the co-operative business model and organic farming. I was struck by the approach of these farmers to public education about organics and co-operation, says Cathy Lang, a Toronto-area co-op developer, this is an exemplary start for a new
co-operative. QOFC was nominated for this award by Jen Heneberry and Russ Christianson, registered co-operative developers.

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