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For a more organic future

Bringing together all the key players in Canada's organic industry to ensure excellent standards and regulations that stimulate the growth of Canada's organic sector, which is good for the environment, the consumer, family farms and rural communities.

Of particular interest

Date: July 1, 2021
Titre: Standards Interpretation Committee
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ACTIVITY REPORT

 

COMMENTED - NO MODIFICATION - TRANSFERRED TO FINAL Q&As

 

Is the manufacturer of a detergent required to test the biodegradability of its product based on the definition of "biodegradable" in clause 3.11 of the Canadian Organic Standard (CAN/CGSB 32.310)? (515.1)

In the 2020 version of CAN/CGSB-32.310, the definition of "biodegradable" (3.11) applies specifically to inputs and production aids in crop and livestock production. For detergents, biodegradability shall be assessed based on OECD definitions and standards; refer to Detergents, Table 7.4 of the PSL. Therefore, the manufacturer shall demonstrate that the biodegradability of the detergent meets or exceeds the guidelines defined by the OECD when assessing conformity to CAN/CGSB-32.3210.

 

Can a so-called biodegradable detergent contain non-listed or restricted substances such as phosphoric acid, whose use is only permitted for dairy equipment? (515.2)
Yes. Detergents must meet the biodegradability requirements as outlined in Table 7.4 of Section 32-311. There are no other restrictions.

 


NOT COMMENTED - TRANSFERRED TO FINAL Q&As

 

Clove oil is permitted as a post-harvest sprout inhibitor for potatoes (Table 8.3). Can other plant oils, such as mint oil, be used for this purpose? (514)
Although only clove oil is specified in Table 8.3, following consultation with the PSL Preparation Working Group, the SIC has clarified that oils from three plant families, specifically Lamiaceae (mint family), Apiaceae/Umbelliferae (celery family) and Myrtaceae (clove family), may be used as post-harvest sprout inhibitors for potatoes.

Date: June 15, 2021
Titre: Standards Interpretation Committee
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New public comment period - June 15 to June 30 2021

Clove oil is permitted as a post-harvest sprout inhibitor for potatoes (Table 8.3). Can other plant oils, such as mint oil, be used for this purpose? (514)
Although only clove oil is specified in Table 8.3, following consultation with the PSL Preparation Working Group, the SIC has clarified that oils from three plant families, specifically Lamiaceae (mint family), Apiaceae/Umbelliferae (celery family) and Myrtaceae (clove family), may be used as post-harvest sprout inhibitors for potatoes.

 

The proposed response is subject to a 15-day comment period ending June 30,  2021

All comments regarding these answers should be sent to cfia.opr-rpb.acia@canada.ca

 

The report from the last public comment period – March 24 to April 24 2021 is available – click here.

 

 

Organic sprout inhibitors

Potatoes caught in red tape

All it takes is one sprout to make a potato unmarketable. A farmer can grow a perfect crop and harvest beautiful, undamaged tubers, then lose the entire crop if it starts to sprout. Consequently, farmers, processors and wholesalers take steps to inhibit this natural sprouting process.

 

For Canadian organic farmers, finding a suitable sprout inhibitor is a challenge.

READ MORE

Date: May 21, 2021
Titre: InfoBio About perches
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Perches for Chicks and Pullets - A Clarification

 

The implementation of a revised standard always raises questions. For example, clause 6.13.5 of the Canadian Organic Standards (COS) defines the criteria for perches for poultry.

 

The requirements for roosting vary depending on the age of the birds and whether they are housed in a single or multi-tier rearing housing system, with the floor being considered a level.

READ MORE

Date: May 12, 2021
Titre: InfoBio May 2021
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Health Canada Consultation on New Guidance for Genetically Modified Foods

Canada's organic industry to submit opposition by May 24

 

Best Cover Cropping in Organic Vineyards

Southbrook Vineyards participates to research of the OSC3

Read more

Date: April 29, 2021
Titre: The Organic Science Cluster 3
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The Organic Federation of Canada publishes a series of feature articles to recognize the contributions of the Organic Science Cluster industry partners.

 

SeedChange  -  the science of seed selection with farmers

 

SeedChange has supported Organic Science Cluster (OSC) projects since 2013 with significant contributions to research programs focused on participatory plant breeding. Read more.

more

Interpretation of the Canadian Organic Standards

The Canadian Standards Interpretation Committee answers your questions.

 

Click here to see the answers provided by the Committee to questions raised by the organic sector.

 

Do you want to address a question to the Committee? Follow the link.

Canadian Organic Inputs Directory

OrganicInputs.ca

OFC has launched the Canadian Organic Inputs Directory (COID).

Visit the site now and give it a try!

Manufacturers of inputs suitable for organic agriculture can contact us to find out how to get their product listed.

The Canadian Organic Input Directory is being administered by Peppersoft Inc.

(A French version of the site is coming soon)

On our blog

Date: October 30, 2014
Title: TO CERTIFY OR NOT TO CERTIFY: THE PERSPECTIVE OF SMALL-SCALE ORGANIC FARMERS
Body:

Local + organic -  A win-win situation for growers, consumers and the environment.

Small-scale organic farmers represent the face of the Canadian organic industry—at the farmers’ market, CSA drop-off and at the restaurant back door. Many of these farmers, however, are not certified organic.

 

The Working Group on Small Scale Organic Certification has drafted two organic certification models that aim to be attainable for a small-scale producer focusing mainly on direct sales (farm-gate, CSA, farmer’s market, etc.): the Peer Certification Model and the Organic Affidavit model. 

 

What do you perceive to be the strengths and/or weaknesses of these models? Which would be more appropriate for your farm?  Should either model include random third-party inspections—and if so, to what extent?

Share your perspective on OFC's Blog!

OFC's Blog
Date: September 28, 2012
Title: PROTECT ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Body:
How to Prevent and Manage
GMO Contamination Risks

Today, the OFC invites you to voice your concerns and share your opinions about how to prevent and manage GMO contamination risks.

 

Do you have GMO contamination issues or concerns on your own organic operation? What would help you prevent and mitigate GMO contamination?
The OFC Blog is ready to collect your thoughts.

 

 

Let us know what you think should be the next step taken to help protect the integrity of organic products and Canada’s pristine natural environments!

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