Ontario Goat Milk Producers' Association

Founded October 1989 ~ Incorporated January 1997

ORGANIC MILK

Organic goat milk is available through some Ontario retailers. The certification standards for these producers is long and arduous, but provides quality assurance for the consumer. The Province of Ontario has a rigorous dairy food safety system to ensure that safe, high quality milk and milk products are produced and sold by licensed dairy plants. This involves pasteurization of all dairy milk, including organic goat milk.

Hewitt's Dairy in Hagersville, introduced Organic Goat Milk in glass bottles in September 2009. Deliveries at that time were directed to some Health Food Stores such as Pfenning's Organic Store, Baden; Gentle Rain, Stratford, Natures Emporium Newmarket, On and The Organic Garage, Oakville.

     Online ordering through Ottawa Organics and Natural Foods  $5.99 3.25% 1 litre
                                     Currently Ottawa area.

Certified organic milk comes from animals that are fed organically grown crops following a strict set of guidelines included in the National Standard for Organic Agriculture. This means at the very minimum pasture fields have received no pesticides in the last 3 years.

From Canadian Food Inspection Web Site

"This organic logo allows consumers to make informed, confident choices," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "At the same time, the new regulations will allow Canadian organic farmers to have their products recognized in this emerging market."

Canada's Organic Products Regulations (OPR), which come into force on June 30, 2009, set out rigorous standards for the certification of products as organic by accredited certification bodies. Products that meet the production requirements and contain at least 95 per cent organic content may be labelled as "organic" and feature the new Biologique Canada Organic Logo.

These new regulations apply to domestic and imported products. Regardless of origin, all products seeking organic certification must meet Canada's standards. To this end, an equivalency arrangement was recently reached with the United States to allow Canadian and American products to be certified as organic in either country. This agreement gives Canadian consumers more organic choices and organic farmers increased trade opportunities.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will work closely with the organic industry to help with the implementation of the new regulations.

For more information on Canada's organic products regulations and standards, please visit the CFIA website at: www.inspection.gc.ca

REPRESENTATIVE PRODUCER:

Lahman's Heritage Food Farm Owners: Robert & Sheila Lahman Location: Bruce County ON Size:  100 acre + leased land Products: Organic Goat Milk, meat               Heirloom Vegetables,               Herbs & Fruit.               Ancient Grain Flour               Goat Milk Soap Retail: Farm Gate, CSA, Paisley &          Wiarton Farmer Market Web : www.realrarefood.wordpress.com

For some Organic Dairy producers, such as Rob & Sheila Lahman, it goes much further than the certification process. This Ontario couple have become self-reliant, producing and thriving on organic products from their 100 acre farm operation.

Using an Organic husbandry system prevents disease, rather than having to deal with symptoms. Health comes from food that has been grown in a balanced living soil that is tenderly fed as well.

The End product is only as good as what enters through the mouth

Their operation is an example of how to work with and learn from Mother Nature, for a balanced sustainable eco system that does no harm to you, the land, animals or the environment. They follow organic farming principals taking responsibility for their well- being and reliance on the soil and animals for health. Their land produces food for the animals and them. For years they have been learning about the Laws of Nature.  The Lahmans are self-sufficient; they have their own chickens, eggs, raspberries, apples, leeks, strawberries, asparagus and wood from the bush. Making dandelion syrup from heads and they eat the greens for spring tonic. In fall pressing fresh raw grape and apple juice. Their goats are an extension of who and what they are about, so they also get a simple natural diet.
They live off their NO MILE MARKET! For 5 years the Lahmans have been feeding the soil to produce sweet, Quality Nutrient Dense Food. They will have  open pollinated Heirlooms: sweet corn, watermelons, herbs and strawberries.   French fillet beans, sweet yellow ,orange and red peppers. Selection of tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, squash, pea pods from India, and herbs. A CSA operation allow neighbours to sign up for a membership and pick up their weekly food shares of organically grown nutritious food.

Their belief in Organics is strong as witnessed by an account of preparations for the Festive season. 'I had a GOOD baking day...I just sampled my raw butter, my own wheat (all organic ingredients) lavender (mine) LEMON SHORTBREAD SQUARES... are they ever good! Melt in your mouth WOW! this morning I made fresh ricotta and used the whey in a pizza crust then made a (our eggs, milk, whey, peppers, spinach, ricotta) SPINACH QUICHE... and squash soup.    
 Yesterday used a dozen eggs, my flour (all from scratch) and made my unique DARK CHRISTMAS CAKE with organic dried cranberries, blueberries, raisins and pecan pieces.  I just love the seasonal rhythms time to create from what we laboured on all season.

Sheila Lahman (Organic@Ontariogoatmilk.org) provides an Organic Farming column in the issues of The OGMPA Pipeline, a quarterly publication able to paid members/subscribers of the Ontario Goat Milk Producers' Association.