COTA Submission to Canada's Sustainable Agricultural Strategy
In 2023, COTA worked behind the scenes, consulting the sector and gathering data and insights to include on the organic submission to the Canadian Sustainable Agricultural Strategy (SAS) consultation. In collaboration with Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) and Canadian Organic Grower (COG), we were able to submit the most comprehensive, united vision for organic as part of Canada's strategy to achieve more sustainable agriculture. We are proud to present to you the Organic Sustainable Agriculture Strategy submission.
The Sustainable Agriculture Strategy aims to set a shared direction for collective action to improve environmental performance in the sector over the long-term, support farmers livelihoods and strengthen the business vitality of the Canadian agricultural industry.
What is the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS)?
- A long-term plan that will help bring together action on priority environment and climate issues in the agriculture sector
- Shared direction and vision for collective action to improve environmental performance and enhanced resilience to climate change in the agriculture sector
- A key resource for the Canadian agriculture sector to take action on environmental and climate issues while providing the vital role of responding to growing demands for healthy and affordable food and supporting economic growth
We encourage the Canadian government to strengthen collaboration amongst the industry on environment and climate action in the sector, support the long-term business vitality of the sector, proactively manage climate change impacts, leverage economic opportunities for organic businesses and farmers in Canada. We envision a world where Canada holds the position as a trusted and sustainable global food provider and that Canada's agricultural sectors contributes heavily towards achieving Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets and international commitments. To this end, it is important to help identify research priorities and innovations to support the agri-environmental outcomes we seek to achieve.
The Canadian Organic Growers are the organic representatives on the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee that the government formed. COTA is happy to work in conjunction with COG to align strategies. The newly created Advisory Committee includes a diverse representation of sector stakeholders that will play an important role in facilitating collaboration, transparency, and information sharing as steps are taken towards developing the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.
Read the Organic Sustainable Agriculture Strategy submission