Shaping the Future of Organics: CHFA’s Role in the Canadian Organic Standards Committee
In November, CHFA proudly participated in the Organic Standards Technical Committee meetings in Ottawa. This committee, operating under the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), is at the heart of the collaborative effort to develop and maintain Canada’s Organic Standards. CHFA is a voting member and plays a critical role in shaping these standards, which govern all products marketed as organic in Canada.
The Canadian Organic Standards (COS) are unique compared to other national and international standards. Their hybrid approach, combining government oversight with strong industry involvement, along with their legally binding status under the Canada Organic Regime (COR), sets these standards apart. Unlike in other countries where organic standards may be dictated solely by regulators, Canada’s organic standards are built through a collaborative, consensus-driven process that includes input from farmers, processors, retailers, certifiers, consumers, government representatives, and now also CHFA. This ensures the standards are both practical and forward-looking, reflecting the realities and challenges of organic farming and processing in Canada.
As a key contributor, CHFA brings expertise to reviewing proposals, tackling technical and policy challenges, and voting on amendments that will shape the future of organics in Canada. Our focus remains on safeguarding the industry from excessive regulatory hurdles while preserving the credibility of Canadian organic standards. CHFA also supports alignment with international standards like USDA Organic and EU Organic where appropriate, maintaining Canada’s position and credibility in the global organic market and supporting international trade opportunities.
During recent meetings, the committee reviewed proposals and petitions aimed at refining existing standards and discussed expanding definitions to address emerging sectors, such as organic insect farming. This reflects the growing global interest in insect protein as a sustainable and innovative food source. The revised standards will be open for public consultation in April 2025, inviting valuable feedback from all stakeholders.
The final publication of the updated Canadian Organic Standards is set for December 2025. This work is essential for supporting a robust and credible organic sector in Canada and ensuring it keeps pace with industry advancements and emerging needs.
CHFA is proud to represent the organic industry in this pivotal work—helping to shape the future of organics in Canada by championing both integrity and innovation.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to provide feedback!
