This workshop is geared toward all growers, both conventional and organic. The workshop is based on, and includes a copy of, the upcoming COG publication Crop Planning for Diversified Vegetable Growers.

Diversified fruit and vegetable production has the potential to reap substantial profits from small land bases, yet it is also labour and knowledge intensive due to the complexities of diversity. Therefore, careful farm planning is an important factor of farm success.

“The calculation and selection of crops, quantities, varieties, and successions to be grown is a key component of the successful farm plan,” said Frédéric Thériault, co-author of the COG publication and instructor for the course.

For this workshop, Thériault, who also serves as co-manager of Ferme Coopérative Tourne-sol, will present a step by step approach to crop planning from the starting point of choosing financial goals, to the several elements of developing and implementing a comprehensive crop plan, to analyzing harvest and gross sales data for improving future plans and profits. He will also introduce the different documents, such as schedules and maps, used in forming and monitoring a crop plan.

“The workshop will include exercises, group activities and discussions for participants to get a hands-on experience and understanding of the concepts presented” said Thériault. “Participants will leave with a good understanding of the importance of a crop plan, the tools to prepare their own crop plan, and with analysis techniques to revise future crop plans to improve farm profitability.”

Good crop plans ensure not only a steady supply of sufficient produce to meet market demand, but also that the farm operates efficiently and cost-effectively, allowing farmers to focus on farming and meet financial goals.

“Our hope is that this workshop will help vegetable growers bring more to the marketplace and profit from it,” said Colin Lundy, farmer outreach coordinator for COG in Ottawa. “Our experience is that the demand for local produce still exceeds the local supply. This is true for both organically and conventionally raised fruits and vegetables.”

For more information, visit www.cog.ca/ottawa, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 613-493-0020. To register for the workshop, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , call 1-888-375-7383, or register online at www.cog.ca/ottawa.