Consumer Issues

Back to Consumer Issues

Organic or Conventional Farming

Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables are readily available in Ontario markets. There are many factors that might influence your decision to buy - or not buy - organic foods. Consumers indicate that they purchase organic foods because of perceived health and nutrition benefits of organic products including avoidance of synthetic pesticides, freshness of product, and to avoid genetically modified foods. Such consumers are willing to pay the typical 20% to 50% price premium.

Organic food is more visible today than ever before, with farmers' markets and most large super market chains offering organic foods. It is estimated that 85% of the organic food consumed in Canada is grown in the United States (1). Organic farmers view their methods as the solutions to meeting the challenges of modern day agriculture. Organic farming is a complete system of agriculture that selects methods that protect the soil, water and environment (1). Conventional farmers that live and work on the land have the same goals. They are also concerned about environmental issues such as water contamination, soil degradation and the amount of fossil fuels used in agricultural chemicals. They work hard to meet the challenge of caring for the environment and providing the quality and quantity of food that Canadians have come to expect. The Canadian food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for monitoring pesticide residue on the Canadian food supply. Approximately 80% of the food produced in Canada has no pesticide residue and 99.3% of the food produced falls below the acceptable limits of residue traces (2).

Know the facts first! Then make your decision by focusing on the factors most important to you.

What is the difference between Organic and "Conventional" farming?

AG Care http://www.agcare.org/pdf/AG_PostCard.pdf

Does organic mean healthier? Is it worth the money?

The choice is yours

Center for Global Food Issues http://www.cgfi.org/ 
Readers Digest http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2007/03/organic_foods.php

How is Organic Food Regulated?

In Canada, the organic agriculture industry has been self-regulated in all provinces except British Columbia and Quebec. There are several certification groups that operate in Ontario, each with their own regulations. Products of certified farms are labeled and promoted as certified organic (1).

Starting in 2007, and phasing in over two years, the Canada Organic logo will be mandatory on all organic products certified for inter provincial and international trade (3).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has proposed regulations to govern the use of a federal organic logo and include certification requirements for organic agricultural products. The regulations aim to protect consumers against deceptive and misleading labeling practices and set out requirements for organic products in inter-provincial and international trade. The "Canada Organic" logo will soon be permitted for use only on those food products certified as meeting the newly revised Canadian standard for organic production (3).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will manage and enforce the regulations. The Canada Organic logo will be permitted on certified organic foods and on multi-ingredient food products containing at least 95% organic ingredients. Food products containing less than 95% organic ingredients will be allowed to make labeling claims about the organic ingredients (3). Organic agriculture in the United States is federally regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many of these products end up available in Canada. Organic food in the USA fits into 3 categories "100% organic", "Organic" (meaning more than 95% organic), and "Made with organic Ingredients" (at least 70% Organic). Only the first two categories carry the USDA Organic seal (4).

References

  1. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Factsheet Organic Farming in Ontario
    http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/06-103.htm
  2. AG Care
    http://www.agcare.org/pdf/AG_PostCard.pdf
  3. Canadian Food Inspection Agency
    http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/orgbio/queste.shtml
  4. United States Department of Agriculture (2007). The National Organic Program.
    http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html

Recommended Links on Healthy Eating and Farming