Mission

To create a streamlined, non-bureaucratic, transparent, cheap and dependable method of certifying large and small organic and ecological farming enterprises.

A self-sustaining, non-profit, public service organization or association.

Researched legal aspects of the National Standard for Organic Agriculture and provincial laws on certification bodies. Developed a structure that matches our mission statement and by passes the bureaucratic provincial status quo structures.

0 to 1 years - Finalise a written document to present to farmers and the public alike. Creation of a certification label, web site with the verification tools and telephone hotline. Hire and train a full time employee with an in home office to manage all the calls and web site updates.

1 to 2 years - Launch of the first farms using this verification system and a publicity campaign to educate the public who are their primary customer base.

$25,000 for start up.

Per year thereafter depends on coverage area but for province wide coverage $30,000 to $50,000 estimations are reasonable (the majority of which is the income of employee(s)).

Donations and grants will be the start up sources then yearly business user fees will allow the project to self sustain.

Once established, Peer Certification (which goes well beyond just organic) could cut out the newly established middlemen of this industry and therefore pressure to have it fail could be brought upon it by the for profit archaic model of certification bodies.

This alternative certification system would cut down waste and get the public really involved. Since I have experience as a small organic producer and I have already dealt with certification bodies here in Quebec I know that it is a substantial fee and paperwork hassle to comply with such certification systems. Their validity furthermore is tarnished in my opinion because I have seen certification of some places that should not be certified.

What I suggest is a label that is simple, with the name written on it and a toll free number for questions included. Very low registration fees per farm, per year will pay for the "peer to peer" or "pure ecology" publicity, hotline and web site. Tools and information to verify will be provided to the public to ensure transparency.

This project is feasible starting off at the local farmer level and once gains acceptance the larger enterprises may consider it. Also this is intended within Canada for now but the possibility of a global certification in the future may be possible.

A grass roots peer to peer certification!

Photo by: Ivan Tattoli (1999)