For Immediate Release
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (April 25, 2025) – The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) hosted its 2025 Organic Leadership Awards and Gala at Seasons in the Park, celebrating nine years of recognizing excellence in Canada’s organic sector. Industry leaders, innovators, and advocates gathered to honour individuals and organizations shaping the future of organic through their remarkable impact. With a focus on shared values and forward-thinking leadership, the evening showcased the achievements driving growth and innovation across the organic landscape.
"Each year, we look forward to celebrating the passionate leaders who are pushing the organic sector forward in bold and meaningful ways. Their work inspires our community, strengthens our industry, and reminds us why organic matters—we are honoured to recognize their achievements and lasting impact."
- Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, COTA
The 2025 awards and gala evening were generously sponsored by Export Development Canada (EDC), Nature’s Path Organic Foods, Pro-Cert Organic Systems, Riverside Natural Foods and ECOCERT Canada. As esteemed members of COTA, these organizations have demonstrated steadfast dedication to fostering the growth of the organic industry over the years.
"As the global population grows, the demand for safe, nutritious, and high-quality food continues to rise, and the Canadian organic sector is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. EDC is proud to sponsor this event and partner with COTA to bring together key industry players and recognize excellence. We are committed to supporting Canadian organic businesses in seizing international growth opportunities, and we look forward to witnessing the global impact of Canada's innovation."
- Ashley Kanary, Director of Agri-Food, Export Development Canada.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
Organic Champion of the Year – Nima Fotovat
Organic Supplier of the Year – Grain Millers Canada Corp.
Outstanding Leadership in Organic Science – Caroline Halde, Ph.D., agr.
Organic Retailer of the Year – Choices Market
Organic Innovator of the Year – Blume
Organic Farming Award – St. Francis Herb Farm
Distinguished Organic Supporter of the Year – Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill
Organic Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Leader of the Year Award – Nature’s Path Organic Foods
The Organic Champion of the Year was proudly presented to Nima Fotovat, Co-founder and President at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., home of MadeGood. Passionate about organic food and sustainability, Nima leads Riverside with a triple bottom line approach—people, planet, and profit. MadeGood snacks are organic, nutrient dense and taste amazing. Riverside is a certified B Corp, TRUE Zero Waste (Silver), and operates LEED-certified facilities. Committed to ethical sourcing and giving back, they support organic farmers and organizations like Daily Bread Food Bank and 1% for the Planet. Nima also volunteers on COTA’s board as the treasurer of the association.
"I am deeply honoured to receive the Organic Champion of the Year Award from the Canada Organic Trade Association. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of those committed to advancing the organic sector. I look forward to continuing to drive innovation and growth in Organics. It's only the beginning!"
- Nima Fotovat, Co-Founder and President
Grain Millers Canada Corp. was awarded the Organic Supplier of the Year Award. Grain Millers is a trusted ingredients supplier specializing in providing consistently good food throughout the supply chain. With a core focus on oats, Grain Millers was founded in the mid-1980’s and expanded into Canada in 2001. Continuous investment in Canadian operations has produced a 12-fold increase in production capacity and diversification into other grains. From day one, Grain Millers has fostered the growth of the organic sector, and organics remain foundational to the business.
“Grain Millers is honoured to receive this award. There are so many passionate, inspirational participants in our Canadian organic marketplace, and we are humbled to be recognized in their midst. We are fortunate to have developed our place in the organic sector, and we take that privilege very seriously. All of us at Grain Millers would like to thank the leaders at COTA for this honour.”
- Terry Tyson, President
Caroline Halde, Ph.D., agr. was honoured with the award of Outstanding Leadership in Organic Science. Dr. Halde, is an associate professor of organic agriculture and agroecology at Université Laval. She leads the Agroecology Lab at Université Laval, a dynamic team of about fifteen students and research technicians with multidisciplinary interests in field crop and forage agronomy, cover crops, soil health, and public policy. She has contributed to the creation of a Master's degree in Agroecology, newly offered at Université Laval. She is actively involved in provincial and national committees aiming to develop and support the sector of organic agriculture.
“I am truly honoured to have been nominated for this award. Working with organic farmers and conducting organic research with them, on their farms, brings me immense satisfaction. Organic farmers inspire me every day. They inspire me to be courageous in taking a stand for the protection of the environment and for a fair food system, and to contribute to help to develop the organic sector. I have been a part of the organic community since I was young, growing up on an organic farm in Quebec. I then had the chance to learn how to conduct organic research from great mentors in Quebec (Martine Dorais), in Nova Scotia (Andy Hammermeister, Derek Lynch), and in Manitoba (Martin Entz), all past recipients of this award. I truly hope to be able to mentor many future recipients of this award, in return, to give back to the organic community.”
- Caroline Halde, Ph.D., agr.
Choices Market was awarded the Organic Retailer of the Year. B.C. owned and operated, Choices Market is an organic and specialty foods grocer founded in 1990, with 11 retail locations spanning Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Parksville, and the Okanagan as well as an industrial kitchen in Burnaby. Building sustainable communities, supporting local growers and producers, and educating consumers to make informed choices with knowledgeable and passionate staff, Choices Market is committed to natural and organic food retailing.
“As a proud, local, grassroots grocer, we are truly honoured by this recognition. COTA’s vision is aligned with our own environmental stewardship and healthy living values, and I am thrilled to share this award with our teams who are dedicated to helping British Columbians discover the best ways to nourish a healthy body and mind.”
- Jon Janower, Chief Operating Officer
Blume was the proud recipient of the Organic Innovator of the Year Award. At Blume, they are building a kinder wellness world. By tapping into the magic of superfoods, they aim to lead a global wellness movement rooted in kindness rather than punishment. They believe that small choices add up—what may seem insignificant can compound to create meaningful change.
"We are honoured to be recognized as the 'Organic Innovator of the Year’. This award is a testament to our team's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating products that not only nourish the body but holistically look at our impact on community and the planet. At Blume, we are driven by the belief in the power of superfoods, and we will continue to push the boundaries of wellness as we bring kinder rituals to the world.”
- Karen Danudjaja, CEO and Founder
St. Francis Herb Farm was honoured with the Organic Farming Award. Organic farming and herbal medicine are at the heart of St. Francis Herb Farm—its roots are its tradition. From the moment the farm first broke ground in Cormac, Ontario, there was no question: the only way to grow medicinal herbs was in harmony with nature, using organic methods. For over three decades, St. Francis Herb Farm has cultivated the land and deepened its knowledge so that others can feel the difference that well-made plant medicine makes.
“We are honoured to be nominated for the Canada Organic Trade Association’s 2025 Organic Leadership Award: Organic Farming. For over 35 years we have remained deeply committed to organic principles and dedicated to growing and sourcing high-quality organic herbs and ingredients for the herbal supplements we produce. We believe organic growing and production methods result in higher quality herbal supplements and better health for the Canadians we serve.”
- Paul & Caitlin Rivett-Carnac of St. Francis Herb Farm
Member of Parliament Leah Taylor Roy was honoured with the Distinguished Organic Supporter of the Year Award. This award recognizes individuals and organizations who have helped to advance the cause of organic in political and bureaucratic realms, both domestically and internationally. Leah Taylor Roy is the proud Member of Parliament for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill. A passionate advocate for her community, she focuses on key issues such as youth mental health, environmental farmland conservation, affordability and women’s issues. As a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture, she has emerged as a strong voice in support of organics. She combines her dedication to service with expertise in tackling national and global challenges.
“I am truly humbled to be recognized for my ongoing efforts to promote the organics and plant-based sectors to build local sustainable Canadian farms. Together, we can continue to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all Canadians, where collaboration and innovation drive progress in both our environmental and agricultural practices. Now more than ever, with the threats to our sovereignty and economy, we must support local producers.”
- Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill
This year’s JEDI Award winner is Nature’s Path Organic Foods, North America’s largest independent organic breakfast and snack food company. This award recognizes individuals and organizations in the organic sector that demonstrate exemplary best practices in advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within their workplace and networks to drive meaningful change. Nature’s Path embodies this commitment through its dedication to dismantling barriers, allocating resources, and fostering a sense of belonging for underrepresented communities. Producing USDA and Canadian Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified products sold in over 50 countries, the company upholds a triple bottom line approach—socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and financially viable—while actively supporting communities and championing the cause of both people and the planet.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the COTA Organic JEDI Leader of the Year award. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating a more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace and organic food system for all. As a purpose-driven family business, we strive to create a positive impact on both people and the planet. This award celebrates and affirms the ongoing efforts of our team members, supporters, and community partners in ensuring universal access to organic food."
- Arjan Stephens, President and CEO
COTA’s Annual Organic Leadership Awards were established in 2017. Recipients of these awards are nominated by their peers and chosen by the COTA Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.
To learn more about the awards and view past recipients, visit
https://canada-organic.ca/en/who-we-are/organic-leadership.
Media inquiries
Please contact Sophie Marvell, Senior Communications Coordinator, Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), communications@canada-organic.ca, 4 Florence Street, Suite 210, Ottawa, ON K2P 0W7, 613-482-1717, ext 206.
About Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA)
COTA is the membership-based trade association for the organic sector in Canada. COTA represents growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and all points along the organic value chain. From seed to sale, we advocate on behalf of our members to encourage the continued growth of the organic sector. To learn more about COTA, visit https://canada-organic.ca/en/organic.
