The Canadian government announced support to update the Canadian Organic Standards at the Guelph Organic Conference and Tradeshow in Guelph on Jan. 26.
“With more than $5.4 billion in retail sales in 2017, growing the Canadian organic sector will contribute to our government’s ambitious goal of reaching $75 billion in annual agri-food exports by 2025,” stated a press release.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced that the federal government will provide the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) the necessary funds to cover costs associated with the 2020 Canadian Organic Standards review.
Over the next three years, the Government of Canada will provide up to $250,000 to the CGSB to cover costs associated with the 2020 Canadian Organic Standards review.
The review is done every five years to ensure production methodologies reflect current practices and technological advancements being employed by the organic industry.
This guide will provide organic producers, processors, handlers and manufacturers in Canada as well as those wishing to enter it, a clear understanding of what is required to become a certified organic producer in Canada.
“Canadian organic farmers and food processors are producing a quality product that consumers in Canada and around the world demand,” said MacAulay.
MacAulay also announced $72,500 for the Canadian Organic Growers for the development of a user friendly guide to the Canadian Organic Standards.
“The Canadian Organic Standards are the backbone of our entire organic industry. They define ecological agricultural practices that target productivity, profitability, the protection of our environment, and the humane treatment of livestock,” said Ashley St Hilaire, director of programs and government relations at Canadian Organic Growers.
As well, the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) has received an additional $95,114 through the AgriMarketing Program, towards their international market development strategy. This investment will enable COTA to attend international conferences and trade shows and lead outgoing missions to raise awareness of Canadian organic products in key markets in Europe, United States, Asia and Latin America.
Annual retail sales of certified organic products in Canada are approximately $5.4 billion.
Approximately 4,289 certified organic and transitional producers are working on over 930 thousand hectares of land in Canada.
