The Government of Canada is proud to celebrate the contribution of organic farmers during Organic Week, taking place September 8-16. Through targeted investments, the Government continues to support the organic sector to conduct research activities, open new markets, and adopt new sustainable practices and technologies.

"I am proud to mark Organic Week and celebrate the many successes of this industry. Our Government is committed to support our organic farmers and food businesses who are key to delivering our world-class products across the country and around the world. The federal investments into the science and standards of organic agriculture will continue to help the sector grow more and grow better."
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canadian farmers and processors are continuing to find new and innovative ways to respond to the growing demand from consumers in Canada and around the world for their high-quality organic products. I am pleased to highlight the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting this important sector, and look forward to celebrating their hard word during Organic Week."
- Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

"As a retailer we understand the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the entire organic value chain. The Canadian Government's support of the organic sector will ensure our hard working farmers and producers have the tools and resources necessary for sustainable growth."
- Maureen Kirkpatrick, Quality and Standards Program Manager, The Big Carrot Market

• September 8-16 is Canada's National Organic Week and it is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country.

• The Government of Canada has identified the agriculture and agri-food sector as a core driver of jobs, growth and prosperity, setting an ambitious target to grow Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.

• In 2016, 4,289 farms reported organic farming in Canada with the total acreage of organically farmed land at 2,433,602 acres. The organic acreage in Canada grew by 5% per year between 2006 and 2015.

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector. The Partnership builds on Growing Forward 2, the previous five-year agreement that ended on March 31, 2018.

• The Partnership includes programs and activities to enhance the competitiveness of the sector through research, science and innovation. Through the AgriScience Program, a five-year, up to $338 million initiative, the government is supporting leading edge discovery and applied science, and innovation driven by industry research priorities.

• Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program (CAAP) (2014-2019) is a five year $50.3 million program. Its objective is to help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector seize opportunities, respond to new and/or emerging issues, and find and/or pilot solutions to new and ongoing issues, so it can adapt and remain competitive.

Associated links

• Canadian Organics Standard
• Minister MacAulay announces more than $8 million to help strengthen and grow Canada's organic sector
• Supporting the Growth of Canada's Organic Sector
• Organic Week

Katie Hawkins
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Katie.hawkins@agr.gc.ca

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
media.relations@agr.gc.ca
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