About | 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

Organic Soil Fertility Research Field Tour 2025

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.

Organic Night Celebration 2024

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

Manitoba Organics' 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. See below for our 2025-26 board members!

Dennis Hoeppner

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

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)

Glenn 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)

Colin Bialkoski

I’m an organic grain and oilseed farmer from Rossburn, MB. I grew up on a mixed family farm operation at Polonia, MB, and then moved off the farm for many years and pursued other interests. I came back to farm full time in 2019, and work with my dad who has been organic since 2000. I love the opportunities rural life provides for my family, and what organic farming provides vs conventional farming. As an organic farmer, I feel good about what I grow and how my land is farmed. There are a multitude of issues facing people these days, including chronic diseases, soil health depletion, and environmental concerns. I believe organic farming contributes to solving these concerns, and I look forward to being a part of Manitoba Organics to help educate people about the benefits of organic agriculture and help grow the organic market. (Director since 2025)

Dan Dorge

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

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)

Jay Brysen

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

Dan Boulanger

Dan has been a director at Manitoba Organics since 2025. (Director since 2025)

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)

Melonie Stoughton

Federal Government representative. Melonie is the federal government representative.

Laura Telford

Provincial Government representative. Laura is the provincial government representative.

Staff

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 & Development Officer

Nanki Saluja

Nanki is the Fundraising and Communications Officer with 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.

Nutrient Management Advisor

Boma NChris

I hold a BSc in Agronomy from the University of Manitoba and am proud to serve as a member of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council. Currently, I’m an Agronomist-in-Training working toward my Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation, with a strong background and years of experience in ag tech sales, client support and strategic partnerships building . I’m passionate about advancing the agriculture industry, with a particular focus on soil health, organic practices and sustainable practices that ensure long-term productivity. Outside of work, you’ll often find me in the garden, picking up new skills, dancing, or sharing a few good dad jokes.

Event Coordinator

Hailey Proutt

Hailey is MO's Event Coordinator. From planning our 2025 Organic Grain Hub Trade show, to our Summer Farm Tours, and Winter Farm Clubs. Hailey manages it all!