How does Canada regulate organic farming?
Canada has had strong national organic standards since 1999. There are over 30 organic certification bodies active across Canada. Organic standards, however, have been voluntary, and the standards have varied across individual certification bodies. As consumer demand for organic products has grown, jurisdictions around the world, including the province of Quebec, have implemented governmentally certified organic standards. Some agencies active in Canada certify producers to be in compliance with one or more of these national standards in order to have access to different markets around the world. Federal regulations for organic products are scheduled to come into effect in December 2008. Organic products marketed interprovincially or internationally will have to be certified by a certification body accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
