Today, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau was at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she highlighted a recent funding announcement of $992,131 for the Canada Organic Trade Association.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau. Courtesy of www.twitter.com

The investment, made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program, will support the industry in resolving market access issues, ensuring Canadian organic products remain competitive. The funding will also help create the export and domestic opportunities to promote the “Canada Organic” brand.

The project includes activities such as attending trade shows, hosting incoming missions, participating in international trade advocacy meetings and creating a retailer training webinar series and manual.

The Government of Canada has also recently supported a review of organic standards and has provided program support to the Organic Federation of Canada to help maintain the sector’s sustainability.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where Minister Bibeau highlighted a recent funding announcement of $992,131 for the Canada Organic Trade Association. Photo by www.kpu.ca

“Our government supports the organic industry as it continues to create good jobs across the country for our middle class. Supporting market development for organic products will further contribute to the growth of a diverse, modern Canadian agricultural sector.”

Says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Demand for our high-quality organic products is increasing here and abroad. Our Government is pleased to help the organic farmers and processors in B.C. and across Canada capture as many of these opportunities as possible.” Claims Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East.

“This investment is dedicated to programming enhancing organic integrity, consumer and industry education, equivalency trade arrangements with organic export markets and trade advocacy on issues relevant to the success of the organic industry on the North American and international stage.” Maintains Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association.

Quick Facts

• Globally, the organic marketplace is estimated at $102.76 billion (USD), growing at a rate of 17.6% per year.

Annual retail sales of certified organic food products in Canada is approximately $4.4 billion. Approximately 4,289 certified organic and transitional producers are working on over 930,000 hectares of land in Canada.

Since October 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $50 million in support of the organic sector, focusing on facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies; helping organic farmers and processors take advantage of market opportunities; funding youth jobs; and, conducting research activities.

The agriculture and agri-food sector is a key driver of Canada’s economy, and the success of the organic trade will help Canada reach the Government of Canada’s ambitious goal of increasing agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.

• 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.

Funding for the Canada Organic Trade Association was made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program: National Industry Association (NIA) Component, a five year, up to $121 million federal initiative that aims to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada-organic.ca and www.agr.gc.ca