Skills

Certain crops are easier to grow organically than other crops. For example, fall grains are relatively simple to grow organically, whereas growing table apples can be challenging because of pest problems, which may cause cosmetic damage or reduce storage potential of the crop. For livestock, beef may be easier to raise organically than dairy cows or sheep, because beef often have fewer health problems and lower parasite loads.

Maritime farmers who went through the transition stated that not having knowledge and experience in what substances were both permitted and effective increased the risk of pest outbreaks, crop failure and unnecessary spending.

Labour

Organic farming often involves more labour than conventional farming, particularly for weed control.

What labour is available? In some areas of the Maritimes, there is a shortage of willing workers. Consider family members, apprentices, contractors and paid staff. Describe who is available part-time or full-time, seasonal or year-round. Think about the skills the potential workers have. Consider labour for all aspects of the operation including distribution and marketing, and keep in mind additional labour needs that might arise as the result of a pest infestation or a weed outbreaks. You might also consider investing in labour-saving equipment.

Partnership opportunities

Do you know of anyone you could collaborate with to help produce, process, distribute and/or market your product? You can find out about potential partners by:

• checking out the ACORN directory
  
• asking the government agronomists and extension officers,
• visiting farmers’ markets and livestock auctions,
• asking the local federation of agriculture, organic certifying bodies and other farm organizations,
• asking neighbouring farmers.

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