COTA's Executive Director, Tia Loftsgard, was invited to present last Tuesday, October 8 at the House of Commons Agriculture Committee’s study on "Impact of border carbon adjustments and reciprocity of standards on Canadian agriculture".
Tia took the time to advocate for organic and the Organic Action Plan that will facilitate specific supports, policies, and programming for the organic sector.
The committee is tasked with studying Canada's agricultural competitiveness in a global market where a carbon import levy may be implemented. The study will also explore potential revenue opportunities for farmers in response to growing consumer demand for net-zero products. Additionally, the committee will assess the requirements placed on local producers compared to imported goods and, if needed, provide recommendations to ensure that standards are applied equally to both.
Meeting highlights related to organic
Tia Loftsgard, opening comments
MP Leah Taylor Roy exchange: How would organic fair if other jurisdictions implemented border carbon adjustments? Also spoke about recent study by Rodale Institute on nutrient density of organic foods.
MP Yves Perron exchange: What would be the scope of an Organic Act
MP Alistair MacGregor exchange: What competitive disadvantages would Canadian organic farmers have if the EU has taken a national strategy to organic seriously [implied…compared to Canada not having an Organic Act/policy]?
Sylvain Charlebois: Response to a question from MP Lianne Rood about the impact of better aligning Canadian standards with the US.