Regulations for Organic

On September 2, 2006, the proposed Organic Products Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part 1. Over 55 countries in the world have regulations for organic products. The organic sector has been working with the federal government on this new regulation for 15 years.

The draft regulations are available for public comment until Nov 16, 2006 at the Government of Canada, Canada Gazette website. The 2006 revised standards are available at the Government of Canada, Canadian General Standards Board website.

For existing organic farmers, the organic certification system will continue much as it has with many existing certification bodies, except that now the CFIA will be responsible for oversight of the organic system and there will be a greater level of enforcement. This will also enhance trade opportunities with other countries such as the USA and Europe.

The regulations will include products regarded as bearing organic indications if the product is described by the following terms: organic; biodynamic; biological; ecological; or words of similar intent.

The organic standards and certification system apply to:

• unprocessed plants and plant products, livestock and livestock products; and
• processed agricultural crop and livestock products intended for human consumption that are derived from the items mentioned previously. 

Products can be labeled as organic if they contain over 95% certified organic ingredients (not including salt and water). Products with 70-95% organic content may list the “made with xxx” organic ingredients on the product label but cannot claim the product to be organic.

There is also a new Canada Organic logo and it may be used for products that meet the requirements of being certified organic.

The new regulations are expected to be in effect for the 2007 season but full details of the implementation period are not yet available.

All certified organic farms and processors operating in Canada will have to meet the new regulations and standards. This will make a more uniform approach to organic across Canada, including the use of the new organic logo or mark. Experience in the USA was that the organic market increased significantly after introduction of their regulations and the consumer recognition of the organic logo. The new Canadian regulations and standards are expected to be equivalent to the US and European standards as well as those used in many countries around the globe.

Related Links:

• Government of Canada, Canada Gazette
• Government of Canada, Canadian General Standards Board