OTTAWA, Ontario (November 21, 2024) – On November 19, leaders from Canada’s organic sector gathered in Ottawa to urge the federal government to significantly increase investments in organic, capitalizing on both economic and environmental opportunities for sustainable growth. Despite Canada’s $9 billion organic market—ranking as the fifth largest globally and driven by consumer demand—the country remains the only major agricultural nation without a dedicated policy to develop organic farming and markets.
The Canada Organic Trade Association’s (COTA) annual Organic Summit and Parliament Day brought together sector members and policymakers to discuss strategies for propelling the organic sector forward. This year’s hybrid event featured world-class speakers and empowered attendees to take impactful steps toward sector development. Participants heard insights on organic and affordability (NielsenIQ), opportunities within the organic market (Export Development Canada, EDC), nutrient density of organic foods and the resilience and efficiency of organic farming systems (Rodale Institute), and more. Additionally, participants learned from the U.S.’s success in growing its organic sector to a record $70 billion in 2023.
The event also featured an Organic Parliamentary Reception, sponsored by Senator Robert Black, where over 100 parliamentarians, senators, and their staff engaged with organic sector leaders to discuss key priorities and opportunities for growth.
Noting the significance of the Summit, Carrie-Anne Palmeri, Organic Program Manager at Nature’s Path Organic Foods and President of the COTA Board, said, "This event is a vital forum for the national organic sector to unite, exchange ideas, and advocate for policies that will support our growth. It’s a critical moment to acknowledge that organics are the future of sustainable agriculture."
The Summit highlighted the importance of strong public-private partnerships to unlock Canada’s organic sector potential. The most critical priorities identified during COTA’s Parliament Day are a comprehensive organic data strategy, production and market supports. This message was brought to Parliamentarians during 20 meetings by organic leaders.
“Canada has no publicly available data on basic production, sales and trade. This is essential for a thriving organic sector,” said Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director of COTA. “By improving data collection, we can strengthen supply chains, support market development, safeguard organic integrity and ensure long-term success.”
Globally, the most successful policies leading to rapid and sustained growth of the organic sector balance production supports with market development. Stable market conditions through supply chain partnerships, export support, consumer education and procurement policies build long-term trust and growth in organic products, which improve business risks for organic farmers.
Additionally, establishing transition supports to organic management and fostering innovation and knowledge transfer are critical for boosting Canada’s domestic organic supply. This will help ensure that Canada’s agriculture sector remains competitive, while also reaping the environmental, social, and economic benefits of organic farming.
Ashley Kanary, Director of Global Agri-Food at Export Development Canada (EDC), underscored the importance of strong domestic food production to access markets: “At EDC, our core priority is focused on three pillars - Plant-based protein, Private label products and Innovation, our key areas of focus are the USA, Indo-Pacific and Europe. Success is driven by how fast we can manufacture product versus our non-Canadian competitors. There are great food companies around the world yet here in Canada, we are better!”
The momentum from these events highlights the need for strategic government support to secure Canada’s position as a leader in sustainable, competitive, and innovative organic products.
We would like to thank all the participants and sponsors who made this event a success.
Grain Millers
Pfenning's Organic Vegetables
Pro-Cert Organic Systems
Sunrise Foods International
Cha's Organics
Creative Salmon
ECOCERT Canada
Mill Street Brewery
Media Contact:
Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, COTA
tloftsgard@canada-organic.ca or 613-482-1717 ext. 200
About the Canada Organic Trade Association
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is the membership-based association for the organic industry in Canada representing the full value chain of all organic actors: growers, fishers, certifiers, processors, handlers, provincial organic associations, importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and more. COTA’s mission is to promote and protect the organic sector and encourage the universal adoption of organic.
Learn more about COTA at https://www.canada-organic.ca