Feb. 17, 2009 - The Organic Trade Association (OTA) in Canada is
pleased to see the significantly amended Organic Products Regulations
(OPR) published in Friday's Canada Gazette (Part I).
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) in Canada is pleased to see the significantly amended Organic Products Regulations (OPR) published in Friday's Canada Gazette (Part I).
"The Canadian organic sector -- including farmers, processors,
certifiers, retailers and consumers -- has been working diligently over
the past year and a half to adjust its organic standards in time for
this new regulation," Holmes said. "The Government of Canada has been a
partner with us the entire way, and we are very excited to see this new
regulation."
He added, "When these regulations come into effect this summer,
consumers will have a clear idea of what organic is, and will know the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is monitoring and enforcing
organic claims in the marketplace."
Following a public comment period, the new regulations are set to come
into effect on June 30, 2009. The OPR will ensure organic labeling on
food products will be enforced and protected by the government,
aligning Canada with its major trading partners and providing consumers
with confidence in national standards in this rapidly expanding market.
Canada's organic food market is conservatively estimated at close to $2
billion (Canadian) in annual sales, and has seen more than 20% annual
growth for many years.
The new regulations provide clarity on what products are covered by the
current regulations, as well as a new organic logo. In December, OTA in
Canada coordinated a survey of the organic sector to provide CFIA with
input on the selection of this new logo.
The new regulations also provide detailed provisions on organic imports
and exports, including a possible equivalency agreement with Canada's
major trading partners such as the United States and Europe.
"Given the current economic climate, I think the Canadian government is
sending a strong message to the international community that we're
committed to fostering strong trade relationships," noted Holmes. "The
organic sector is growing so fast that we need to make sure that we
don't unintentionally introduce new barriers to trade, particularly
now."
The new regulations include language allowing possible equivalency
agreements with other regulated organic standards, as well as more
flexible rules for Canadian farmers and manufacturers wishing to sell
to export markets. Canada and the United States are each other's
biggest customers for organic products, and trade with Europe is
expanding rapidly.
OTA is the membership-based business association for the organic
industry in North America, with affiliate offices in Canada and the
United States. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of
organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the
economy. OTA's vision is that organic products are a significant part
of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the global environment.
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