Organic certification standards in Canada

The London Co-op Store's provisions committee has compiled a summary of the standards for organic certification in Canada (as they were before the new June 2009 regulations). We have also included news on the 2009 agreement between the U.S. and Canada to accept each other's certification and the new Canadian Organic logo, and have provided links to the government's webpages on the new Organic Products Regulations 2009, in effect as of June 30th, 2009.

SUMMARY OF ORGANIC STANDARDS
ORGANIC CROP PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS

The London Co-op Store's provisions committee has compiled the following summary of the standards for organic certification in Canada (as they were before the new June 2009 regulations):

SOIL MANAGEMENT

Organic matter produced on-farm must be primary source of soil amendment. Off-farm soil amendments must come from list of permitted substances.
Use of GMO soil microorganisms is prohibited from use in soil composting
Use of municipal sewage or manure from intensive livestock operations is prohibited
Practice of summerfallow is not recommended
Soil in cultivated fields shall be covered by crop residues or a cover crop in a cycle of crop rotation to prevent erosion. Minimal tillage is recommended.
Producer shall establish long-term soil quality monitoring program

CROP PRODUCTION STANDARDS

GMO plants and organisms are prohibited. Isolation from GMO crops and pesticide treated crops and land is required.
Sanitation of farm equipment to prevent contamination with unpermitted substances and commingling with conventional produce
Produce storage facilities must be regularly sanitized and kept free of pests and pest wastes.
Regular rotation of crops to interrupt insect and disease cycles
Pest and disease management through lists of permitted and prohibited substances

ORGANIC PROCESSING, HANDLING, AND TRADING

Ionization and irradiation techniques are not allowed for food preservation
Ingredients containing or produced via GMOs are not permitted
All extraneous inputs including sanitation agents must be approved by OCPP
Parallel processing of both organic and conventional, but otherwise identical, products is not allowed unless demonstrated that commingling will not occur
Packaging materials must be free of fungicides, preservatives, and chemical additives. Food grade packaging materials must be used at all times.
Transportation, handling, and storage of organic raw materials and finished products must prevent contamination with unpermitted substances. Sanitation logs are mandatory.
Facilities must have contemporary solid, liquid, and gaseous waste disposal systems which take advantage of recycling opportunities.

ORGANIC INTEGRITY RULES

All participants in the organic food chain must be independently certified to a recognized standard on an annual basis
Certification status must be continuous and based on at least one independent inspection per year.
Specific standards are required for the production and processing of the following products: grain crops; fruits and vegetables; wine and vinegar; herbs and spices; dairy products; honey; poultry and livestock.

Canada and U.S. Reach Agreement to Create More Opportunities for Organic Producers

This agreement will allow Canada to export certified organic products to be marketed in the U.S. as organic without the need for additional American certification. Similarly, Canada would also deem imports of U.S. organic products certified under their organic regime as meeting the Canadian requirements for organic products. Both the Canada Organic Biologique logo and the USDA Organic seal may be used on certified organic products from both countries.
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2009/20090617e.shtml

New Organic Logo Will Provide More Opportunities For Organic Producers

The Government of Canada today revealed the new organic logo that will give organics producers access to more markets and make sure Canadian families can find more certified organic food products in their grocery stores.
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2009/20090624e.shtml

New Canadian regulations governing organic products

See the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for more information about the Organic Products Regulations 2009 and other related information. www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/orgbio/orgbioe.shtml

List of Certification Bodies accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/orgbio/cbliste.shtml

List of Conformity Verification Bodies www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/orgbio/cvbliste.shtml