Publications
ACORN has a variety of publications and promotional items for sale by phone
or at our annual conference. Prices do not include HST and shipping.
Organic Field Crop Handbook
$40 (286 pages, 2001)
Published by the Canadian Organic Growers and edited by Janet Wallace, the
Organic Field Crop Handbook is a practical reference guide both for organic
field crop farmers and for conventional farmers who are considering making
the transition to organic farming.
The handbook contains updated information on organic growing methods, organic
certification and the economics of organic farming in Canada. Among the topics
covered: How to maintain a healthy soil life using crop rotation, reduced tillage
and compost; how to compost manure safely and ely (a detailed troubleshooting
guide is included); and how to ensure that your crop is free from contamination
by genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).
Approximately one third of the book is devoted to detailed descriptions of
how to grow various field crops. Based on interviews with successful organic
farmers from across Canada, each crop profile includes information on suitable
crop rotations, intercropping, seeding rates, weed and pest control and harvesting
methods.
Organic Livestock Handbook
$30 (179 pages, 2000)
The Organic Livestock Handbook, edited by Anne Macey and published by the Canadian
Organic Growers, provides current management information on organic livestock
production. The book is divided into four main areas - General Principles,
Management Tools, Livestock (dairy, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits,
work horses and honey bees), and the Appendix. The 179-page book covers issues
from animal welfare, to marketing, to transition management is is a great resource
for anyone interested in organic livestock practices.
Building Added Value Through Farm Diversification
$29 (122 pages, 2004)
Innovative farm entrepreneurs are actively seeking ways to reinvent agriculture
and create sustainable profits and fair returns for their farm production.
Many business are exploring the diversification into new enterprises or the
addition of value to existing enterprises to create value to both the consumer
and the farm business. Selling agricultural products as a commodity leaves
value in the food chain that may be captured by the innovative producer. The
opportunities available to Canadian farm businesses is only limited by ones
thinking.
This book is a journey along the diversification pathway that explores the opportunities
of value adding by a farm business. It is meant to stimulate thought and precipitate
action. It provides examples of successful farm business ventures across Canada
and draws on the experience of entrepreneurs to assist and guide you. Building
added value through farm diversification provides real opportunity for those
that can recognize them and assemble the vision, resources and spirit necessary
to create success. Every new beginning requires a first step; this book can
be your first step to a new and sustainable farm future.
Cultivating Agritourism: Tools and Techniques
for Building Success
$29 (229 pages, 2004)
Cultivating Agritourism: Tools and Techniques for Building Success contains thirteen
chapters and an extensive resources appendix containing a wide range of websites
and printed materials suited to “cultivating agritourism”. Each
of these easy-to-read chapters contain practical management information, as
well as case studies and vignettes that are used to illustrate best practices
related to the theme being presented. In combination, these case studies highlight
agritourism management practices from each and every province in Canada, as
well as the Yukon. In addition, there are included some exemplary cases from
the United States.
The information in this publication can help farmers and ranchers evaluate,
plan and manage successful agritourism business opportunities. It can also
assist community and commercial organizations understand how to benefit from
agritourism development in their region. There are practical tools and techniques
that can be put to use immediately.
Marketing on the Edge: Processing and Marketing your own Products
$29 (162 pages, 2002)
If you're planning to diversify or expand, "Marketing on the Edge" provides
the guidance necessary to move ahead. Easy to read and well organized, this
162-page booklet outlines how you can launch a processing business and sell
products directly to the public.
Statistics show strong growth potential for managers who decide to "do
it on their own." Natural products, for example, such as organic foods,
functional foods and supplements, are a $45 billion US industry and growing
20% per year. Marketing on the Edge explores how to approach a wide range of
direct marketing businesses such as meat markets, delivery and much more. All
related topics are covered including processing, merchandising and promotion.
Special sections on the role of the Internet for your business are included.
Books are provided by the Canadian Farm Business Management Council and proceeds
benefit ACORN. If you are looking for more farm resource books, please visit
the CFBMC Bookstore.
If you have any questions regarding the above resources or to order,
please contact Beth McMahon at ACORN.
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