Survey Overview #
In the spring of 2021, the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC), the Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA), Canadian Organic Growers (COG) and the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), supported by provincial organizations, released a survey to assess the needs of the organic sector.
The survey responses and comments have been compiled. The results collected provide useful information and collate the opinions of those in the organic community on the state of the organic sector, market access, research, organic standards, consumer preferences, certification and equity.
The results will help improving the services that are required to support the growth of the organic industry in Canada, distinguished by the sustainability of its practices and the recognition of the Canada Organic label in local, national and international markets.
Please note that comments submitted to the survey do not necessarily reflect the views of OFC, COTA, COG and OACC.
Enjoy your reading!
Survey Demographics #
Respondent Occupations: Question 1
Respondent Locations: Question 2
Respondent Operation Type and Revenues: Questions 3, 4, & 5
Market Analysis #
Gaps in Services Provided by the Sector: Question 6
Confidence in Consumer Demand: Question 7
Supply Chain Challenges: Question 8
Market Access and Marketing Challenges: Question 9
Regulatory Challenges to Growing Organic: Question 10
Organic Sector #
Greatest Challenges and Barriers to the Sector – Overview: Question 11.0
Challenges and Barriers to the Sector – 1st Priority: Question 11.1
Challenges and Barriers to the Sector – 2nd Priority: Question 11.2
Challenges and Barriers to the Sector – 3rd, 4th, and 5th Priority: Question 11.3,4,5
Greatest Barriers and Challenges to the Organic Sector: Question 12
Top 5 Suggested Policy Actions for Supporting Organics: Question 13
Standards #
Familiarity with Canadian Organic Standards and Review: Question 14, 15
Satisfaction with OFC on the Review Process: Question 16
Suggestions for Improved Standards Review Process: Question 17
Role and Consultation of Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC): Questions 18, 19
Confidence in SIC Addressing Issues: Question 20
Regenerative Organic Alliance: Questions 21, 22
Certification #
Certification Status and Importance: Questions 23, 24
Concern for Fraud in Organic Industry: Question 25
Impact of Fraud on Organic Industry: Question 26
Research #
Value of Organic Research: Questions 27, 28
Access to Organic Research: Question 29
Equity #
Importance of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Questions 30, 31
Barriers and Challenges to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Question 32
Consumer #
Reasons for Purchasing Organic: Question 33
Reasons for Not Purchasing Organic: Question 34
Consumer Purchasing Trends: Questions 35, 36, 37 & 38
Impact of COVID19 on Purchasing Trends: Question 39
Preferred Stores for Purchasing Organic: Question 40
Advocating for Organic: Question 41
General Comments #
Comments on the Organic Sector (Producer): Question 42
Comments on the Organic Sector (Consumer): Question 43
