For immediate release: Monday, September 18, 2023
Pioneering a New Era for Organics in Canada
Organic sector unveils bold plans to accelerate growth
OTTAWA, Ontario (September 18, 2023) The commitment of Canadians to the organic movement is unmistakable. Boasting a value exceeding $10.26 billion in 2022, Canada has maintained its position of the world's fifth-largest organic market.
“The time is ripe for Canada to put in place a national Action Plan to propel growth of the sector to the next level”, says Tia Loftsgard, executive director of the Canada Organic Trade Association.
Amidst a worldwide economic deceleration and uncertainties around affordability, authorities in the United States and Europe are making historic investments in their organic industries.
“The US and Europe are looking into the future and recognize the benefits of organic farming on climate, biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices, and the rise of value-enhanced goods. These organic actions serve to fortify supply chains, create new prospects for value added manufacturing, and strengthen producers' income streams,” says Loftsgard. “Similar investments are needed to remain competitive and to maximize the positive outcomes for Canadian agriculture, the economy and society.”
A sustainable agriculture: benefits for government, organic sector and Canadians
- Organic agriculture and manufacturing play a vital role in helping Canada achieve its diverse goals, bolstered by the Canada Organic Brand's strong standards, third-party audits, and certification.
- Organic practices, focusing on natural methods, benefit soil health, water quality, and ecological balance, aligning with Canada's environmental and climate objectives. This approach also enhances biodiversity and offers economic opportunities.
- Diversification through organic manufacturing strengthens supply chains and opens global trade prospects.
- Promoting organic options supports public health and wellness, reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals.
A vision becoming reality: National Organic Action Plan for Canada
The stars are aligning for a broad new vision for organics. A robust Organic Action Plan is taking shape through a coalition of the national associations (Canada Organic Trade Association, Canadian Organic Growers and Organic Federation of Canada) working together. The Plan is positioned as an engine for accelerated advancement, set to debut this upcoming autumn. This comprehensive strategy acknowledges the pivotal role of organic practices, underscored by benchmarks, objectives, and strategies designed to fortify the organic supply chain and amplify the global appetite for organic products.
Investments in research, organic transition supports, knowledge transfer and extension services, more robust data on production and markets, and additional market supports will provide a strong foundation for growth of the sector.
Now is the time: Engage in shaping the future
All organic value chain stakeholders are invited to participate in an online consultation by October 13, 2023 to provide their input into the priorities of a national Organic Action Plan.
Collaboration on the creation and implementation of the plan by government and all stakeholders is key to ensuring the future success of organic for the benefit of all Canadians.
Media Contact:
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 chemical use and genetic engineering. Organic farming by its very necessity is a driver of innovative and sustainable farming and food production techniques. Organic farmers have been the 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 Week sponsors
Patience Fruit & Co.
Pfenning’s Farm’s