ABOUT MANITOBA ORGANICS | Manitoba Organics

Our Story

Manitoba Organics is a provincially registered, not-for-profit organization.
As a not-for-profit, our efforts are driven by our commitment to the cause rather than financial gain, and we rely on the support and collaboration of our members, partners, and supporters to achieve our goals.

Manitoba Organics: Bylaws

FARM TOUR 2022: BEATON FARM

Mission

Represent, promote and grow Manitoba’s organic sector through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and market development.

Vision

A strong, resilient and united organic sector based on the foundational principles of organic agriculture- health, ecology, fairness and care.

FARM TOUR 2024: MILLVIEW GRAINS FARM

Our Commitment

01.

Grow the organic industry

02.

Shape the future of organics in Manitoba and Canada

03.

Positively impact organic businesses and farm operations

04.

Foster networking opportunities within the organic community

05.

Collaborate to support producers to learn & develop skills (best management practices)

Board of Directors

The MOA Board of Directors is drawn from the organic value chain in Manitoba and includes livestock, grain, forage, dairy, poultry and horticulture farmers, and organic certifier, researcher, educator, buyer, restaurant, retail, consumer and certified organic processor representatives.

Chair

Anne Kirk

I am an organic grain farmer in Sanford, MB and also work as the cereal crop specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. Prior to working at Manitoba Agriculture, I worked on the participatory plant breeding program in the natural systems agriculture lab at the University of Manitoba. Organic agriculture requires approaching problems in a different way, and I enjoy the challenge of thinking about the whole farming system when it comes to making agronomic decisions. (Director since 2019)

Vice-Chair

Julie Ellis

Julie is a trained baker, specializing in sourdough and whole grains. Recently opening up a stone flour mill business, Bloom Bakery and Mill, she uses the grain that is grown on her family farm. Milling organic and conventional grains but always supporting regenerative farming practices. She is passionate food, agriculture, and processing! (Director since 2024)

Treasurer

Glen Elliot

My wife Nancy and I operate an organic farm at Pipestone MB. We grow wheat, oats, flax and occasionally try other crops. We started shifting our farm to organic and certifying with OPAM in 2000. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I have been on several boards over the years including six years on the OPAM board of directors. I look forward to representing organic farmers on the MOA board. (Director since 2024)

Director, HR Committee

Ken Sabatier

Ken Sabatier has worked in the organic grain sector as general manager of an organic grain company, and currently manages an organic certified biological inputs company. Ken brings experience to the board in international grain trading, and crop inputs production and marketing across North America. Ken and his wife Deanna currently reside at their hobby farm in the RM of La Broquerie. Ken previously served as a MOA Board Member between 2012 -2018, and has served in a number of advisory positions with COTA and the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative. (Director since 2022)

Director, Podcast Committee

Jason Peters

I am an agronomist at Kroeker Farms/Poplar Grove Organics in Winkler, Manitoba. I work closely with our farm team to help produce a variety of organic crops including potatoes, hemp, small grains and green manures. I’ve been involved in agriculture ever since I could see over the steering wheel in Dad’s tractor, and I continue to enjoy making connections with others and sharing ideas, particularly in the context of organic agriculture. When I’m not working, I enjoy running, camping and spending time with family. (Director since 2020)

Director, HR Committee

Laura Natrasony

I have been an organic crop, livestock, wild rice, mushroom and processing inspector since 2009. The inspection side of my life has given me opportunities to see the many ways that organic producers are working to improve soil health to grow food in the most sustainable and healthiest ways. As an organic crop and livestock producer I’ve raised my family on our small farm near Fork River Mb. I am always interested in learning methods of production which mitigate the issues producers are faced with, while improving land health for future generations. Healthy food = healthier people. (Director since 2019)

Director

Dennis Hoeppner

Dennis has been a director at Manitoba Organics since 2022. (Director since 2022).

Director

Jay Brysen

Jay has been a director at Manitoba Organics since 2022. (Director since 2022)

Director, OPAM representative

Dan Dorge

Dan has been a director at Manitoba Organics since 2024. (Director since 2024)

Federal rep (non-voting)

Melonie Stoughton

Government representative. Melonie is the federal government representative.

Provincial rep (non-voting)

Laura Telford

Government representative. Laura is the provincial government representative.

Staff

Core Values
Core values are the underlying principles or philosophies that guide the work of the organization. These values outline what is important and symbolize the organization’s beliefs. They help to create a strong internal culture.

Teamwork & Relationship Building

We support each other and bring the organic community together to collaborate, network and achieve our goals.

Transparency & Open Communication

We welcome two-way communication with members. We are committed to listen to diverse perspectives.

Integrity

We make ethical decisions and operate with mutual respect, trust and accountability.

Professionalism

We take pride in our work.

Executive Director

Marika Dewar-Norosky

Marika is the Executive Director of Manitoba Organics. With a degree in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba and a strong connection to organic farming, Marika brings a unique blend of expertise and dedication to our organization. Growing up on an Organic grain farm in Western Manitoba, Marika developed a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and a strong desire to feed the world responsibly. Marika advocates for regenerative farming practices, promotes organic certification, and fosters partnerships within the industry. Beyond their professional achievements, Marika finds joy in exploring nature and actively participating in community initiatives. Continuously expanding their knowledge in sustainability, they stay at the forefront of advancements in the field

Communications & Fundraising Officer

Nanki Saluja

Nanki is the Fundraising and Communications Assistant at Manitoba Organics. She has a Bachelor’s degree with a major in English Literature and a minor in Sociology. Nanki’s non-profit proficiency stems from her wide range of experiences with the heritage, education, and cultural initiatives sectors. She is passionate about climate action and is dedicated to doing her part in reducing her personal carbon footprint, as well as adopting sustainable and responsible practices in her day-to-day life. She is interested in advancing her knowledge about the organic farming sector, specifically about the role of organic agriculture in maintaining a healthy mind, body, and planet.