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Organic
production is a system whose ultimate goal is the preservation of the environment
and the production of healthy and safe foods. Practitioners follow specific growing,
handling and processing standards from the soil to the consumer's table leading
to the production of "certified" organic products.
The key objectives
of this production system are the preservation of soil life, the sustenance of
soil humus, the protection of ground water, the elimination of synthetic or "chemical"
fertilizers and synthetic pesticides from the food supply, and maintaining the
health and economic welfare of farmers. Not only does this system prohibit the
use of highly soluble fertilizers, "chemical" fertilizers and synthetic pesticides
but it also prohibits the use of synthetically compounded hormones, growth regulators,
antibiotics, irradiation as a food preservation technique and genetically modified
organisms (GMO). There are also very strict regulations on the use of manure and
compost.
In New Brunswick, there are some certification bodies that ensure
organic produce and processed foods are grown and processed according to organic
standards. These organizations will permit the product to be labeled "Certified
Organic" when appropriate procedures are followed. Independent inspectors are
also involved to verify the integrity of the organic production system. Growers
participate in audit trails that track the inputs, raw materials and procedures
used in the growing and processing of certified products.
Certification
agencies active in NB:
OCIA-NB: Organic Crop Improvement Association -
New Brunswick Chapter
Contact : Susan Tyler
Address : 2002 Cedar Camp
Rd., South Branch NB, E4E 5E7
Phone: (506) 433-3935
Fax: (506) 432-9435
Web:
http://www.ocia.org/
Courriel: ocianb@nbnet.nb.ca
Atlantic Certified Organic Co-operative Ltd.
Contact: Heather Mackenzie
Address: 200 Harmony Road, Salmon River, NS, B6L 3P6
Tel.: 1-888-375-9190
Fax: 902-897-4247
Web:
http://www.atlanticcertifiedorganic.ca
Email: aco@ns.aliantzinc.ca
Ecocert Canada
Contact: France Gravel
Address: Lévis, Québec
Tel:
(418) 838-6941
Web:
http://www.garantiebioecocert.qc.ca/eng/index_eng.html
Email: INFO@ecocertcanada.com
OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada Inc.
Eastern Office
Contact: Dave Lockman
Address:
2311 Elm Tree Road, P.O.Box 74, Cambray, ON KOM 1E0
Tel.: (705) 374-5602
Fax: (705) 374-5604
Web: http://www.ocpro.ca/
Email: ocpp@lindsaycomp.on.ca
On June 30, 2009, the Federal Government implemented the Organic Products Regulations.
These regulations have a direct impact on the Canadian organic certification system.
Canadian organic producers and processors that are involved with inter-provincial
and export/import trade must comply with the Regulations and consequently must
meet the Canadian Organic Standards.
The objectives of the Organic Products
Regulations are to facilitate international market access; provide protection
to consumers against deceptive and misleading labelling practices through a uniform
approach to organic product certification and labelling; and support the further
development of the domestic market. These regulations also make provision for
a national label "Canada Organic" which can be used by certified organic operators
who meet the Regulations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible
for monitoring and enforcing the Regulations. Furthermore, Canada and the United
States have reached an equivalency agreement which will facilitate organic product
trade between the two countries. The Canadian Organic Products Regulations are
available at : http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2009/2009-06-24/html/sor-dors176-eng.html
The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), with the collaboration of many organic
industry stakeholders, has developed the Canadian Organic Standards. The Standards
are comprised of two documents: the General Principles and Management Standards
(CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006), and the Permitted Substance Lists (CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006).
The Standards are revised regularly and can be found on the CGSB website at:
http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb/programme-program/norms-standards/internet/bio-org/index-eng.html
The New Brunswick Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture has an organic specialist
on staff. This individual's responsibilities range from providing support to the
existing industry, to facilitating growth and identifying new opportunities. This
specialist will also provide technical advice to producers who plan to initiate
a transition from conventional to organic farming.
Useful Websites