
OUR MISSION
“Represent, promote and grow Manitoba’s organic sector through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and market development.”
OUR VISION
“A strong, resilient and united organic sector based on the foundational principles of organic agriculture- health, ecology, fairness and care.”
Our Commitment
• Grow the organic industry
• Shape the future of organics in Manitoba and Canada
• Positively impact organic businesses and farm operations
• Foster networking opportunities within the organic community
• Collaborate to support producers to learn & develop skills (best management practices)
Who We Are
Our Members
Certified organic entities in Manitoba are automatically members of the Manitoba Organic Alliance.
We also offer Association Memberships and Friends of MOA memberships.
Join Our Membership

The Manitoba Organic Alliance is excited to be a member of the Farmers for Climate Solutions coalition.

Elizabeth Karpinchick
Chair
P.Ag. CCA
I am a Professional Agrologist based out of St. Pierre-Jolys and provide independent consulting services to both conventional and organic farms. I specialize in integrated pest management, soil fertility and on-farm trials.
Organic agriculture pushes the boundaries of conventional thinking by proving what is possible. Critically thinking about how management decisions affect your crops and alternative management styles are the keys to success.
(Director since 2018)

Anne Kirk
Secretary, Podcast & Fundraising Committees
M.Sc. P.Ag. CCA
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)

David Forde
Treasurer
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant, originally from Galway, Ireland, but now living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For the past 5 years I have been working for Vita Health Fresh Market as Controller and member of the Executive team. I oversee the Finance, Administration, Human Resources, and IT departments.
Our mission at Vita Health is to empower people to live healthy lives. I believe that the promotion of regenerative organic agriculture has a fundamental part to play in making that mission possible.
(Director since 2021)


Ken Sabatier
Director, HR Committee
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)

Jason Peters
Director, Podcast Committee
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)

Royden Loewen
Director, Fundraising Committee
PhD
I farm north of Steinbach with my son Sasha on Millview Farm. We became a Certified Organic Farm in 2017 and grow hemp, wheat, sunflowers, oats and alfalfa. I’ve also served as the Chair in Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg from 1996 to 2020.
I am especially committed to the idea of sustainable ways of farming within broad concerns with technological innovations, climate change, global food security and the integrity of the local, rural community.
(Director since 2020)

Laura Natrasony
Director, HR Committee
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)

Jay Brysen
Director
(Director since 2022)


Dennis Hoeppner
Director
(Director since 2022)
Our Staff

Marika Dewar-Norosky
Executive Director
Marika is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Organic Alliance. 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


Marie-Eve Levert
Director of Business Development, Organic Grain Hub
Marie-Eve is the Director of Business Development at the Organic Grain Hub, a digital platform created by MOA to support organic grain growers in accessing market intelligence, pricing information, and fostering connections with grain buyers.
She brings a wealth of experience in trade, international relations, and strategic planning for the agri-food sector. In her work with the organic industry, Marie-Eve has led a dozen international trade missions to the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Marie-Eve has a strong background in developing and managing strategic relationships, including her roles as International Trade and Regulatory Affairs Director at the Canada Organic Trade Association and industry chair of the Organic Value Chain Roundtable. She has extensive experience in fundraising and grant applications and holds degrees in International Relations and International Law, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration.


Nick Johnson
Event Coordinator
I am a passionate twenty-four-year-old education student at the University of Winnipeg, with a major in English and a minor in psychology. My true passions lie in gastronomy, sustainability, hospitality, and agriculture. Food has been at the centre of my life, and I am eager to connect, learn, and draw inspiration from individuals in these fields.
Upon graduation, I aspire to merge all of my passions and interests into a unique venture. With my education degree, I aim to create my own niche that combines gastronomy, sustainability, hospitality, and agriculture. Additionally, I have a strong desire to promote agricultural literacy within schools and curriculum, recognizing the importance of connecting students with the sources of their food and fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices.


Umar Abdulsalam
Marketing Assistant, Organic Grain Hub
Umar has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Physical Geography.
Umar brings his competence and experience in sustainable development and regenerative systems to support the promotion of regenerative food production, rural – urban corporation and organic agriculture.
He firmly believes that organic farming practices are essential in maintaining the health of our environment, while providing people and communities with healthier food varieties. He is also a big believer in sharing knowledge and collaboration to drive positive change.
Laura Telford
Provincial rep (non-voting)
Government representative
Jacqui Davidson
Federal rep (non-voting)
Government representative
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.