On Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $103,400 for the Organic Federation of Canada to enable a new collaboration that will promote sustainability and growth for Canada’s organics industry.

“Canada’s organic industry is one of our fastest growing sectors and demand for organic products continues to increase. The project brings together three key players to coordinate an approach that draws on each organization’s strengths. A stronger organic industry is not only good for Canada’s economy, but also for the environment,” said Bibeau.

This project brings together the three primary national organizations that support the organics industry: the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC), which is focused on standards maintenance and scientific research, Canadian Organic Growers (COG), which is focused on education for consumers and producers, and the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), which supports market development.

The Organic Federation of Canada is using the funds to develop a coordinated governance structure across the three organizations as well as to design, develop and implement a funding model that will be able to deliver the services required to support growth of the industry. Representing the entire value chain, this collaboration will consolidate and better coordinate efforts to strengthen the organic industry and assist producers in transitioning to organic production.

Organic farming methods can improve soil health, promote biodiversity and boost farm resilience in the face of climate change.

The funding is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP), a $50.3 million, five-year investment to help the agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.