A survey conducted by the Organic Federation of Canada in July 2024 revealed that a vast majority of Canadian organic farmers are against the inclusion of social justice requirements in the Canadian Organic Standards.
The survey, which saw participation from 311 stakeholders including farmers, farm workers, and other industry participants, aimed to gauge the pulse on integrating social justice principles into organic certification.
Critics argue that employment standards should remain under existing Canadian employment laws rather than becoming part of organic certification.
They fear that introducing such measures could potentially drive small to medium-sized farmers out of business by complicating the certification process and making organic farming less accessible.
About 80% of the farmers explicitly opposed these additions, citing concerns over mission creep and the already high costs associated with maintaining organic certification.
The debate highlights a broader concern about the relevancy and accessibility of organic certification today.
Many farmers pointed out that consumers who are particularly concerned about labor practices tend to purchase directly from producers or opt for products with a fair-trade logo instead.
The potential inclusion of social justice measures could elevate the cost of organic products, further alienating them from the general market and potentially harming the very farms these standards aim to protect.
As the Canadian General Standards Board prepares to review these suggestions, the outcome could significantly impact the future of organic farming in Canada.
This development calls for a balanced approach to maintain the integrity of organic certification while ensuring it does not become prohibitive for those it intends to benefit.