Lorraine Beaudette, Saskatchewan (Member at Large) was raised on a diversified family co-op farm in Saskatchewan and has worked in the agriculture sector for over 20 years. She holds a certificate in Adult Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a certificate in Community Development from Mahidol University, Thailand. She started Sage Management Services in 2005, carrying out the “Saskatchewan Organic Sector Training Needs Assessment” in 2006, a project which looked into the training needs of organic farmers and the barriers that they face in achieving their educational goals.  Lorraine has been the Organic Connections Coordinator since 2007. She and her husband have 2 young children and reside on 80 acres near Saskatoon.  They raise horses; have free range laying hens, and produce hay, fruit and vegetables, incorporating composted manures. Lorraine is committed to sustainable food production and organic systems and continues to build her knowledge and understanding of these methods.

Daniel Brisebois, Québec (Vice President) Daniel is one of five founding members of la ferme coopérative Tourne-Sol, a certified organic farm that runs a CSA and sells at farmers markets. Prior to his time with Tourne-Sol, Daniel spent four years climbing the ranks from apprentice to field manager on three different farms. He also holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering. Daniel is currently involved in the establishment of an Eastern Canadian Seed Growers Network, as well as les Jeunes Maraîchers Écologiques – a group of young farmers in Québec who meet regularly to share experiences and resources.

Janine Gibson, Manitoba (Past President ) An author, educator & public speaker, Janine is an organic crop, livestock and process inspector and instructor. The Past President of Canadian Organic Growers Janine was the recipient of the 2007 Manitoba Eco-Network Environment Award. She lives on a small mixed farm off grid, using solar and wind alternatives near Steinbach Manitoba. Janine’s goal is to help COG increase organic acres across Canada.

Geneviève Grossenbacher, Québec (Member at Large) is passionate about and has always worked to promote local food and organic agriculture. After studying alternative food systems at York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies, Genevieve traveled to B.C. and to Cuba to promote urban agriculture before marrying an organic production manager. Genevieve now serves as an organic agricultural advisor, for Équiterre, a Quebec-based nongovernmental organization that promotes ecologically and socially just choices. Genevieve coordinates a farm-to-school project in 30 schools in Quebec, and is the author of two educational kits to help students more responsible food choices. Genevieve is eager to join COG’s board to help cultivate its inspiring mission and to contribute to COG’s development in Quebec and across the country.

Sheila Hamilton, Alberta (Member at Large) Sheila and her husband Ron purchased their farm near Armena, Alberta in 1992 and immediately began the process of organic certification.  Sunworks Farm was certified as organic in 1997 and the Hamilton family started raising their first flock of poultry for sale to the public that year.  Sunworks Farm now raises a variety of organic poultry and livestock which they direct market at Farmer’s Markets in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as to selected restaurants and a private school.  The farm has a mentorship program where individuals interested in learning about sustainable organic farming practices live with the family in order to learn every aspect of the farm business as well as the full depth of what the family believes in. Education in all aspects of organic agriculture, from the implementation of the new Canadian National Standards to the consumer who purchases organic products is very important to Sheila. Sheila has experience being a part of, or chairing, many non-profit Boards.

Vivian Vilich, British Columbia (Member at Large) moved to Canada from Germany in 1999 leaving university life behind. During her academic life, Dr. Vilich focused on biological plant protection and organic agriculture. The fresh start resulted in a consultancy for organic certification and work as an independent organic inspector in Canada – mostly B.C.  Vivian occasionally works as an independent proposal evaluator for the EU Commission. Her focus is to raise consumer awareness by education about the Canadian Organic Regime. She believes consumer feedback to be essential for fairness in and credibility of the organic market. Vivian sees a future role of COG as a one-stop Canadian information portal and market place for members and consumers.

Pacific/Northern: vacant

Prairie: Arnold Taylor, Saskatchewan (President) Arnold has been on the board of directors since 2006, acting as President this past year.  He has been farming grain and beef in Kenaston, Saskatchewan since 1972. His 3500 acre mixed farm has been certified organic since 1992. Arnold is a past president of the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate and chairs SOD’s Organic Agriculture Protection Fund. Arnold also sits on the certification committee of OCIA Chapter V and is on the board of directors of the Organic Federation of Canada.

Ontario: Carrie Ann Watson Carrie Ann is a graphic designer living in Oakville. Carrie Ann has a strong interest in local organic food systems and has played a key role in developing local markets for organic food southern Ontario.

Quebec: vacant

Atlantic Canada: Roxanne Beavers, Nova Scotia has a market garden and works as an organic inspector throughout the Maritimes. She is also representing ACORN on the Standards Committee for Organic Agriculture. In 2005, she completed her masters in agriculture and continued working in research with the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada until her son was born last year. This will be her fifth year serving on the Canadian Organic Grower editorial committee, and she looks forward to working with and learning from the Board of Directors.