What are Canada’s Organic Standards?
The Canadian Organic Standards are a detailed set of principles, guidelines, and permitted substances that are used in the organic certification process. The use of the term “organic” is governed only by federal legislation. In Ontario there is no dedicated regulation of or legislation regarding use of the term “organic.”
The 2015 release of the Canadian Organic Standards includes Organic Principles and Management Standards, as well as Permitted Substances lists.
Canada’s Organic Standards are recognized as equivalent to the respective standards created by both the European Union and the United States.
Amendments to the Standards
Canada’s Organic Standards are under continual review in order to ensure that they remain up-to-date and incorporate ongoing organic research and other advances. The Organic Council of Ontario routinely solicits feedback from its members regarding such changes in order to communicate member concerns effectively to the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC).
The most recent amendments to the standards are available from the OFC’s website.
Questions or Concerns?
If you are an organic farmer, producer, processor or retailer, OCO is your link to the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC). We provide feedback, suggestions, and voice member concerns regarding regulatory changes to the OFC on an ongoing basis.
If you wish to voice a concern or ask a question about the current Canadian Organic Standards, or any future proposed changes, please fill out the form below. Your message will be received and responded to by Simon Jacques, an OCO board member, Independent Organic Inspector, and past member of the OFC’s working group on crop inputs.