A National Organic Action Plan for Canada
The time is ripe
Canadians are committed to organic – as evidenced by the continued expansion of the organic sector in many segments of the economy. In 2023, Canada’s organic market surpassed $9 billion, up from $6.3 billion in 2019, making it the fifth largest in the world in a growing global market now valued at over $200 billion.
A policy framework is needed to ensure that our future food system includes a strong foundation in organic agriculture.
Building on similar actions to grow the organic sector in the United States and the European Union, an Organic Action Plan (OAP) is a comprehensive plan that will recognize the important role that organic plays in the future of sustainable agriculture in Canada.
Organic has positive benefits on climate, biodiversity and social outcomes. It expands on opportunities for value-added products, builds on-farm resilience in the face of extreme weather, strengthens supply chains and increases revenues for producers. These environmental and economic benefits are recognized by major trading partners through concrete support and financial investments.
A comprehensive plan for a resilient food system
The three national organizations, Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), Canadian Organic Growers (COG) and the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC), have developed in consultation with the industry an Organic Action Plan for Canada as an accelerator for growth.
The OAP proposes benchmarks, targets and policies that look at incentivizing production, reinforcing the organic supply chain and increasing the overall demand for organic. It provides a blueprint to mobilize government resources and organic sector stakeholders.
The Organic Action Plan is organized around three main pillars:
- Strengthen Policy, Regulatory, and Data Infrastructure
- Accelerate Growth and Innovation in Organic Production
- Grow Organic Markets and Demand
The OAP is a comprehensive multi-year plan. More immediately, however, the government should establish a clear federal policy direction as Canada’s lack of a national policy framework for organic agriculture puts farmers and food businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to peers including in the U.S. and EU.
Organic’s track record of farm profitability, attracting youth and women into rural livelihoods, and positive environmental contributions highlights the need to step up and embed policy solutions to continue to grow in Canada.
A successful plan depends on the commitment and support of both the organic sector and government.
For further information:
My-Lien Bosch
Canada Organic Trade Association
Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs Manager
mbosch@canada-organic.ca