News Organic production
GOC supports revised Canadian organic governance structure

On March 22, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced an investment of up to $103,400 for the Organic Federation of Canada to promote sustainability and growth for Canada’s organics industry.

“Canada’s organic industry is one of our fastest growing sectors and demand for organic products continues to increase. The project brings together three key players to co-ordinate an approach that draws on each organization’s strengths. A stronger organic industry is not only good for Canada’s economy, but also for the environment.”

– Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food

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This project brings together the three primary national organizations that support the organics industry: the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC), which is focused on standards maintenance and scientific research; Canadian Organic Growers (COG), which is focused on education for consumers and producers; and the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), which supports market development.

“Our organizations are thrilled to receive this timely funding to determine a long-term funding mechanism for organic’s future and that will provide the much needed stability our sector needs to further organic’s essential contribution to reducing GHGs, contributing to soil health and promoting sustainable business practices for domestic and global trade,” said OFC’s Nicole Boudreau on behalf of the three organizations.

The Organic Federation of Canada is using the funds to develop a co-ordinated governance structure across the three organizations, as well as to design, develop and implement a funding model that will be able to deliver the services required to support growth of the industry. Representing the entire value chain, this collaboration will consolidate and better co-ordinate efforts to strengthen the organic industry and assist producers in transitioning to organic production.