Press Release
Canada Organic Trade Association Unveils New Organic Industry Stats 2024
OTTAWA, Ontario - September 10, 2024 -The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) has released its much-anticipated 2024 Organic Quick Facts, revealing the latest data on Canada’s organic sector. While the report highlights the strong and sustained consumer demand for organic products, it also notes a few short-term challenges that the industry is currently navigating.
The release of the most current data coincides with the launch of Organic Month, an extended celebration of all things organic happening throughout September. This year also marks a significant milestone for the Canada Organic Regime (COR), the Government of Canada’s regulated system for organic products, celebrating 15 years since the federal government began enforcing organic standards in Canada and since signing 9 equivalency organic trade arrangements with 36 countries. Over these years, the Canada Organic logo has emerged as a globally trusted symbol of organic integrity, with two-thirds of Canadians purchasing organic products weekly.
According to the report, there has been a slight decrease in the number of certified organic producers, processors, and livestock producers across the country. Specifically, the number of certified producers has declined by 104, a 2% decrease since 2022, while the number of certified processors and livestock producers also saw reductions of 1% and 3.7%, respectively.
Certified organic acres saw a marginal 0.8% increase, now totaling 3.18 million acres, with significant contributions from provinces like Saskatchewan and Quebec. Despite these slight declines, Canadians' annual spend on organic food and beverage remains strong, valued at $7.18 billion, holding Canada’s global status as fifth largest consumer market.
The report also highlights the environmental benefits of organic farming practices, emphasizing the role organic plays in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, organic products continue to be celebrated for their higher nutrient concentrations and the reduced health risks associated with lower exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides.
COTA remains committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of Canada’s organic sector. As part of Organic Month celebrations, COTA is organizing a series of events and initiatives to promote the benefits of organic farming and products.
To access the 2024 Quick Fact Sheet for more information, download the report here in French or English.
Tia Loftsgard
Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association
613-852-4691
About Organic Agriculture
Organic agriculture is an internationally recognized model of food production that is guided by principles of sustainability and regulated standards and driven by consumer demand domestically and globally. Farmers who produce food in an organic system choose to do so without the interference of practices such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticide or use genetically engineered seeds. Organic farming by its very necessity is a driver of innovative and sustainable farming and food production techniques. Organic farmers have been the regenerative pioneers in such areas as biodiversity, soil health, cover cropping and crop rotations allowing them to produce quality food while also minimizing their impact on the environment.
About the Canada Organic Trade Association
The Canada Organic Trade Association is the membership-based association for the organic industry in Canada representing growers, fisherman, processors, certifiers, provincial farmers’ associations, importers, exporters, retailers and others throughout the organic value chain. COTA’s mission is to promote and protect the organic sector and encourage the universal adoption of organic.
To learn more about COTA, visit the website at https://www.canada-organic.ca
Thank you to our Organic Month sponsors
Nature’s Path Organic Foods
Pfenning’s Farm’s