Organics
Take one of the world’s most natural and clean environments. Combine it with farmers and processors committed to healthy food choices, with the know-how to bring a varied selection of foods to consumers’ tables. Add in a cold winter climate that reduces pest and disease problems, plus a large and fertile land base. The end result: pure, natural and healthy Canadian organic foods.
Canada’s organic food sector is an innovative and growing community, focused on bringing the best of organics to consumers worldwide. Canada produces and exports a full range of fresh, frozen and processed organic foods, including everything from fruit and fruit juices to peas, lentils and other pulses, and from maple syrup to breakfast cereals, fruit smoothies, nut butters, and a wide range of meat and seafood products. Most of Canada’s organic production is exported to the United States, the European Union and Japan. In 2017, the Canadian organic food export market was valued at $652 million, up from $458 million in 2012. The sector is positioning itself to increase and diversify its market share.
Canada’s organic farmers are focused on maintaining a sustainable, healthy and productive ecosystem at all levels. Through their commitment to soil regeneration, water conservation and animal welfare, organic farmers demonstrate Canadian values at their best – hard work and pride in Canada’s clean natural environment. Canada’s organic foods and processed products are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetic engineering or irradiation. Animals in the organic food chain are never fed animal by products, enjoy plenty of outdoor time and socialize with other animals. At the processing level, Canada’s organic products are free of chemical preservatives and synthetic additives like colourings and waxes.
The Canadian organic community is diversifying and moving into new international markets. The sector’s impressive growth is expected to continue well into the future and it has support to innovate and develop from all levels. The Organic Agriculture Centre for Canada provides support for organic farmers and those in transition through information, research programs and courses. Grower interests are represented at the national level through the Canadian Organic Growers and the Canadian Organic Trade Association, while all across Canada, regional organic farming organizations work with farmers, processors and handlers to move the industry forward.
