The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is the non-profit industry association for organic in Ontario. As the voice for certified organic producers, processors, businesses, and supporters across the value chain, OCO works to strengthen and grow the province’s organic sector by advocating for supportive policies, promoting organic integrity, and building public trust in the organic label.

Erica Shelley brings together science, storytelling, and systems thinking to strengthen the future of organic agriculture in Ontario. As a scientist, inventor, and long-time advocate for pollinators and ecosystem health,

she believes that organic farming isn’t just a certification; it’s a powerful pathway to a more resilient and connected food system.

With a PhD in Molecular and Medical Genetics and over a decade of experience in sustainable agriculture, Erica now leads the Organic Council of Ontario with a focus on transparency, trust, and impact. She works closely with organic producers, policymakers, researchers, and consumers to support a thriving organic sector that prioritizes climate action, soil health, and meaningful change.

Erica is an award-winning agricultural inventor who has developed science-based tools and biological solutions for pest and disease management.

Her innovations include the use of fungi to support pollinator health and

reduce chemical inputs in farming systems. Her work has earned global recognition for its originality and impact.

From managing grants and collaborative campaigns to hosting large-scale events like the Guelph Organic Conference, Erica blends business strategy, scientific evidence, and storytelling in everything she does. She speaks at events around the world on the future of food, pollinator protection, and how organic practices can lead ecosystem regeneration.

She’s a big thinker with a soft spot for ecosystems and a firm believer that good food, grown well, can change the world.

To learn more visit, The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO)

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