About

The GIOSI Story

In 1978, a farmer named Neil Strayer began farming 1,000 acres organically near Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan. There was a growing interest in organic foods, especially in overseas marketplaces, so he formed Growers International in 1985 to cultivate the benefits of the burgeoning industry. On the local level there was also a groundswell of interest in organic production. Area farmers began making the transition to organic agriculture under the guidance and experience of Growers International. Agronomy, organic certification, market development and the communication of the many ideas related to the successful pursuit of sustainable agriculture were all part of the fledgling company.

Realizing that organic grain needed a distinct and segregated marketing approach, Growers International approached the Canadian Wheat Board and convinced them to recognize organic techniques as a production methodology. As global interest in organic production grew, so did the number of growers seeking markets for their crops. Growers International transferred its knowledge and experience in organic agronomy, certification, and market development to maximize the pursuit of this new healthy alternative to conventional farming. They took an active role in establishing domestic and international markets and engaged local growers to develop their farmland for exclusive identity preserved, organic production to meet the new demand. Drawing upon an expanding network of customers, GI was able to connect growers and add value to their efforts by placing their high-quality organic grain into those markets.

The company continued to grow and in 1999 was renamed to Growers International Organic Sales Incorporated (GIOSI). Those relationships forged with both growers and buyers in the early days continue to contribute to the success of GIOSI and are reflected in both quality of product and reputation. Today, several hundred growers produce thousands of tonnes of high quality organic grain for GIOSI, and the company maintains relationships with customers around the world. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, top quality organic grains, and a dedicated professional grower group remain vital. The experience gathered in pioneering organic farming and building international trade paths has made GIOSI a true industry leader.