New Canadian Organics Program

When reports of the United States' new national organic standards hit the news, the question on many peoples' minds became, "Well, what about us?" Canada has no national unifying program. But now, thanks to new funding and the efforts of the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC), our delayed program is getting back on track.

Despite strong efforts, the developmental process halted in 2001 primarily due to lack of money and the absence of cohesion in Canada's organic industry. However, the COABC is taking on the project to work with the Canadian organic sector and the federal government to establish consistent regulations across the country.

"Kudos to the COABC and its partners for seeing the very real need to address the issue of a viable, recognized organic standard to meet the challenge of the USDA's new regulations," says Tony Cetinski of Suncatcher Farm in Kelowna, BC, which grows organic vegetables. "If we want to be able to compete internationally, we'd better get on the bandwagon in a hurry and make sure the world knows Canada can compete in every agricultural arena."

Source: certifiedorganic.bc.ca.