The agriculture and agri-food sector is a key contributor to the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada is committed to working with the agricultural industry in developing new risk management assessments and tools that help farmers manage risk.

“Canadian farmers face risk every day and transitioning from a conventional farm to an organic farm brings extra challenges. This investment will help farmers be better informed about the risks involved in making the move. Helping farmers expand and explore new areas of organic farming will help create new business opportunities, strengthen the middle class and grow the economy.”  
- William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac

“More than ever, Canadians are looking to purchase organic products grown and made in Canada; however supply is not keeping pace at home or abroad. There is a growing environmental and economic case for transitioning to organic agriculture in Canada and by enhancing our knowledge on the subject, we can develop effective tools, programs, and policies that can better support a farmer’s journey to sustainable, organic production.”
- Rochelle Eisen, President, Canadian Organic Growers

• Canada’s organic exports are valued at over $500 million.

• Total annual retail sales of certified organic products in Canada are approximately $4.7 billion.

• Budget 2017 set an ambitious goal of growing Canada’s agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.

• Budget 2017 focused on agri-food as one of the top industries in our Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious effort to make Canada a world leader in innovation, with a focus on expanding growth and creating good, well-paying jobs.

• Canadian Organic Growers (COG) is a national charitable organization with members in all regions of Canada. Their mandate is to lead local and national communities towards sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre while respecting nature, upholding social justice and protecting natural resources.

• This investment is being made through Growing Forward 2’s, AgriRisk Program. The AgriRisk Program supports the research and development as well as the implementation and administration of new risk management tools for use in the agriculture sector.

Associated Links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriRisk (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canadian Organic Growers
• Canada’s National Organic Week

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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