Helping farmers meet growing demand for organics

OLD CHELSEA, QC, Sept. 20, 2017 The agriculture and agri-food sector is a key contributor to the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada is committed to working with the agricultural industry in developing new risk management assessments and tools that help farmers manage risk.

Member of Parliament for Pontiac, William Amos, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, was in Old Chelsea today to announce a $461,816 investment for the Canadian Organic Growers during National Organics Week. This funding will be used to conduct a study of the risks involved in transitioning from conventional production to organic production.

This first-of-a-kind study will reach out to organic producers across the country, as well as others in the sector. The data collected will be used to identify techniques that farmers can use to help reduce risk and manage their shift to organic production.

Quotes

"Canadian farmers face risk every day and transitioning from a conventional farm to an organic farm brings extra challenges. This investment will help farmers be better informed about the risks involved in making the move. Helping farmers expand and explore new areas of organic farming will help create new business opportunities, strengthen the middle class and grow the economy."
- William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac

"More than ever, Canadians are looking to purchase organic products grown and made in Canada; however supply is not keeping pace at home or abroad. There is a growing environmental and economic case for transitioning to organic agriculture in Canada and by enhancing our knowledge on the subject, we can develop effective tools, programs, and policies that can better support a farmer's journey to sustainable, organic production."
- Rochelle Eisen, President, Canadian Organic Growers

Quick facts

• Canada's organic exports are valued at over $500 million.
• Total annual retail sales of certified organic products in Canada are approximately $4.7 billion
• Budget 2017 set an ambitious goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.
• Budget 2017 focused on agri-food as one of the top industries in our Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious effort to make Canada a world leader in innovation, with a focus on expanding growth and creating good, well-paying jobs.
• Canadian Organic Growers (COG) is a national charitable organization with members in all regions of Canada. Their mandate is to lead local and national communities towards sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre while respecting nature, upholding social justice and protecting natural resources.
• This investment is being made through Growing Forward 2's, AgriRisk Program. The AgriRisk Program supports the research and development as well as the implementation and administration of new risk management tools for use in the agriculture sector.

Additional links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriRisk (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canadian Organic Growers
• Canada's National Organic Week

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada