Government of Canada celebrates Organic Week

OTTAWA, Sept.10, 2018/CNW/ - Canada's hard-working organic farmers play an important role in the agricultural sector, supplying nutritious, sustainable and high-quality products across the country and around the world. The market for certified organic products in Canada is estimated at $5.4 billion, with organic exports at more than $500 million annually. The Canadian agri-food sector is a core priority for the Government, and the growth of the organic sector is key to helping reach our ambitious goal of $75 billion in annual agri-food exports by 2025.

The Government of Canada is proud to celebrate the contribution of organic farmers during Organic Week, taking place September 8-16. Through targeted investments, the Government continues to support the organic sector to conduct research activities, open new markets, and adopt new sustainable practices and technologies.

The Government recently announced an investment of up-to $8.3 million to help advance productivity in the sector under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriScience Clusters. Federal funding was also invested in the sector for its upcoming review of Canadian Organic Standards. Recognized product standards area key factor in the facilitation of international trade, and the Government will continue working with the sector to further support its sustainability and growth.

Quotes

"I am proud to mark Organic Week and celebrate the many successes of this industry. Our Government is committed to support our organic farmers and food businesses who are key to delivering our world-class products across the country and around the world. The federal investments into the science and standards of organic agriculture will continue to help the sector grow more and grow better."

- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canadian farmers and processors are continuing to find new and innovative ways to respond to the growing demand from consumers in Canada and around the world for their high-quality organic products. I am pleased to highlight the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting this important sector, and look forward to celebrating their hard word during Organic Week."

- Julie Dabrusin,Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

"Asa retailer we understand the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the entire organic value chain. The Canadian Government's support of the organic sector will ensure our hard working farmers and producers have the tools and resources necessary for sustainable growth."

- Maureen Kirkpatrick, Quality and Standards Program Manager, The Big Carrot Market

Quick Facts

• September 8 -16 is Canada's National Organic Week and it is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country.
• The Government of Canada has identified the agriculture and agri-food sector as a core driver of jobs, growth and prosperity, setting an ambitious target to grow Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.
• In 2016, 4,289 farms reported organic farming in Canada with the total acreage of organically farmed land at 2,433,602 acres. The organic acreage in Canada grew by 5% per year between 2006 and 2015.
• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal,provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector. The Partnership builds on Growing Forward 2, the previous five-year agreement that ended on March 31, 2018.
• The Partnership includes programs and activities to enhance the competitiveness of the sector through research, science and innovation. Through the AgriScience Program, a five-year, up to $338 million initiative, the government is supporting leading edge discovery and applied science, and innovation driven by industry research priorities.
• Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program (CAAP) (2014-2019) is a five year $50.3 million program. Its objective is to help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector seize opportunities, respond to new and/or emerging issues, and find and/or pilot solutions to new and ongoing issues, so it can adapt and remain competitive.

Associated Links

• Canadian Organics Standard
• Minister MacAulay announces more than $8 million to help strengthen and grow Canada's organic sector
• Supporting the Growth of Canada's Organic Sector
• Organic Week

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada