Canadian Organics: Enhancing Food Safety and Trade Growth Through Regulatory Harmonization and International Collaboration

Abstract

This chapter outlines what organic means in Canada and how domestic and international consumers can recognize and trust that organic food, seed and animal feed products both within and from Canada are healthy and safe.

Specifically, it discusses the regulatory requirements that producers must meet for their products to be certified as organic by Canada. This includes recognized principles of sound organic farming and supply systems covering production, processing, storage, transportation, labelling and marketing. It also discusses how importers of organics can meet Canadian regulatory standards by accessing accredited certification bodies recognized by Canada or by utilizing an existing mutual recognition organic equivalency agreement with Canada.

The chapter then discusses the growing demand for Canadian organics domestically and internationally. Specifically, it assesses the growing demand for certain organic products from Canada and the reasons for it. In short, the chapter outlines Canada’s efforts to enhance its capacity to enhance organic agri-food trade opportunities by promoting long-term relationships that include reducing trade impediments through reciprocity, harmonizing food safety regulatory regimes, instituting transparent organic certification standards and investing in world-class cold supply chain distribution systems.

By doing so, the chapter explores the relationship between consumer confidence and food security from a Canadian perspective as an open and trustworthy trading nation.

I would like to sincerely thank Mehrnaz Ashrafi, Sustainability Analyst with the Van Horne Institute for her research summaries, insights and commitment to this collaborative work. Research funding gratefully acknowledged from VersaCold Logistics Services, one of Canada’s leading cold supply chain distribution companies.