Ottawa, June 17, 2009 – Canada and the United States have reached an agreement that will give organic producers access to more markets and make sure Canadian families can find more organic products in their grocery stores.
“We are working closely with our American neighbours to make sure we have clear, consistent regulations for our organic producers and top-quality standards for consumers,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This kind of cooperation keeps trade moving across the border while making sure Canadian families have clear, accurate information when they are choosing organic products.”
This agreement will allow Canada to export certified organic products to be marketed in the U.S. as organic without the need for additional American certification. Similarly, Canada would also deem imports of U.S. organic products certified under their organic regime as meeting the Canadian requirements for organic products. Both the Canada Organic Biologique logo and the USDA Organic seal may be used on certified organic products from both countries.
Under this arrangement, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has the ability to recognize certification bodies in the U.S. and ensure they are complying with the Canadian standards.
Canada’s Organic Products Regulations (OPR) will come into force on June 30, 2009. When they do, products labelled as organic, or those bearing the organic logo, must be certified to the National Standards of Canada for Organic Agriculture by a CFIA accredited/recognized Certification Body.
For more information on Canada’s organic products regulations and standards, please visit the CFIA website at: www.inspection.gc.ca
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600
Megan Murdoch
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-759-1059
