COTA advocates for organic agriculture
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) hosted a Parliamentary Day on November 19, 2024, garnering strong support from Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators to advance the organic sector.
COTA called for improved organic data collection, $9 million in market development funding, and the creation of a national organic transition fund and training program.
These initiatives aim to overcome significant challenges, including gaps in reliable market data and limited resources for transitioning farmers. COTA strongly supports bolstering the organic sector to benefit environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and consumer choice.
The event showcased growing recognition of organic agriculture’s critical role in Canada’s future, particularly in the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Agricultural Strategy. The strategy will pave the way for increased federal investment to meet rising demand for organic products domestically and internationally.
At the same time, the US-Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement (USCOEA)—a cornerstone of organic trade since 2009—faces an important evaluation in 2025. USCOEA allows organic products certified in one country to be sold in the other without additional certification, provided they meet the terms of the equivalency arrangement. However, evolving trade priorities, updated organic standards, and regulatory changes on both sides of the border have mandated that a review of the current arrangement is necessary.
The 2025 review presents an opportunity to address critical issues such as organic fraud prevention and climate-resilient farming practices, and to address emerging agricultural technologies such as products with novel traits (genetic engineering or GE).
By working together, Canada and the US can strengthen the arrangement to reflect new priorities, ensuring it supports organic integrity, fosters innovation, and promotes sustainable agriculture across North America.