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Government of Canada supporting expanded market opportunities for the organic industry

July 9, 2019  By AAFC



The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau recently visted Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she highlighted a recent funding announcement of $992,131 for the Canada Organic Trade Association.

The investment, made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program, will support the industry in resolving market access issues, ensuring Canadian organic products remain competitive. The funding will also help create export and domestic opportunities to promote the “Canada Organic” brand.

The project includes activities such as attending trade shows, hosting incoming missions, participating at international trade advocacy meetings and creating a retailer training webinar series and manual.

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The Government of Canada has also recently supported a review of organic standards and has provided program support to the Organic Federation of Canada to help maintain the sector’s sustainability.

“This investment is dedicated to programming enhancing organic integrity, consumer and industry education, equivalency trade arrangements with organic export markets and trade advocacy on issues relevant to the success of the organic industry on the North American and international stage,” said Tia Loftsgard, executive director, Canada Organic Trade Association.

Globally, the organic marketplace is estimated at $102.76 billion (USD), growing at a rate of 17.6 per cent per year.

Since October 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $50 million in support of the organic sector, focusing on facilitating adoption of innovative technologies; helping organic farmers and processors take advantage of market opportunities; funding youth jobs; and, conducting research activities.


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