Growth in organic farming: key component to increased Canadian agri-food exports
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OTTAWA: The contribution of organic farmers is being recognized during Canada’s National Organic Week, which runs until September 16th. It’s the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country.
Statistics from the agriculture ministry shows that in 2016, nearly 4,300 farms reported organic farming in Canada, with the total acreage of organically farmed land at over 2.4 million.
Organic acreage in Canada grew by five per cent every year between 2006 and 2015.
The growth in organics has a direct correlation to the market, as certified organic product in Canada is estimated at $5.4 billion, with organic exports of more than $500 million annually. Given the value association, the Canadian agri-food sector has become a core priority for the Government. Growth of the organic sector has become a key element to the goal of having $75 Billion in annual agri-food exports by 2025.
The government is continuing to work with the sector, particularly in the area of recognized product standards, which are seen as an important element to facilitating international trade.
