A petition urging the Canadian government to prioritize organic food and farming was presented in Parliament. The petition, backed by nearly 1,600 Canadians, highlights the growing demand for organic options and calls for strategic investments to propel the sector forward.
Canada's organic market exceeded $10 billion in 2022, ranking it fifth globally. Forecasts predict a significant market expansion in North America, driven by consumer preferences for healthy and sustainable food.
"Consumers are shifting towards organic," says Tia Loftsgard, head of the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA). "Investing in organic production aligns with consumer trends and helps mitigate climate risks."
However, Canada lacks a comprehensive strategy for organic growth, unlike countries like the US and the EU. This puts Canadian farmers at a disadvantage and hinders the potential benefits of organic agriculture.
"Canadians want healthy food choices," says MP Alistair MacGregor, who championed the petition. "High costs often force them to compromise. Organic food tackles both climate change and affordability concerns, so a government plan is essential."
The petition underscores the public's desire for policies that support organic farmers. These policies would empower farmers to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, strengthen the food system's resilience, and contribute to federal environmental goals.
"Organic farmers have been adhering to strict standards since 2009," says Nicole Boudreau of the Organic Federation of Canada. "We need a national strategy that recognizes the positive impacts of organic production on soil health, biodiversity, and public health."
The organic sector is developing a comprehensive plan encompassing all aspects of the industry. This plan, supported by the petition, proposes a four-pronged approach:
- Strengthened Infrastructure and Regulations
- Market Development Initiatives
- Support for Production Growth
- Investment in Research and Innovation
With robust federal policies and industry collaboration, COTA believes that Canada can capture the burgeoning demand for organic products and become a global leader in sustainable agriculture.