New Report: Cultivating the Organic Opportunity for Canadian Farmers and Consumers

Economic and Environmental Impacts of Organic Agriculture and Policy Recommendations for Canada

A new report (titled Cultivating the Organic Opportunity for Canadian Farmers and Consumers) from COG’s’ Organic Task Force finds that investing in organic agriculture will boost farm profitability, meet rising demand for organic food, diversify trade, and deliver climate and biodiversity benefits for Canada.

In 2023, Canada’s organic market was valued at over $9 billion, up from $6.38 billion in 2019, making it the fifth largest in a growing global market.

During this time, however, domestic organic production has not increased, contributing to rising imports and missed opportunities for Canadian farmers. This report finds that with targeted investment, we can grow Canadian organic production to better meet growing demand at home and abroad, while advancing both economic and environmental outcomes.

The report calls for a public investment of $68.5 million annually to triple and strengthen organic agriculture in Canada, including to support existing organic farmers and to reduce barriers for others to transition to organic farming.

This report is the result of collaboration led by Canadian Organic Growers with farmers, researchers, policy experts and many community partners.

For more information about the Organic Task Force and to read the report, please visit: www.cog.ca/policy/organic-task-force/

KEY MESSAGES OF THIS REPORT:

1. Organic farming is a powerful tool to boost farm profitability, open global trade opportunities, and deliver on Canada’s climate and biodiversity goals.

2. Canada’s organic market is now worth $9B annually, but production has stagnated — leading to rising imports and missed opportunities for Canadian farmers.

3. Organic farming delivers 117% higher net returns per acre, cuts GHG emissions by 35% per acre, and sustains soil health and biodiversity.

4. Tripling acreage can increase farm net returns by $1.73 billion over the next 10 years, while reducing synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use by 80M kg annually and meet 14% of Canada’s fertilizer emissions reduction target.

5. Canada is falling behind competitors: the U.S. invests 8x more per acre, the EU 200x more on average. Investment in organic agriculture will position Canada to win in fast-growing international markets.

6. The report calls for $68.5M/year in public investment to triple and strengthen organic agriculture — returning nearly $8 for every $1 invested.

7. Investing in organic agriculture will boost and diversify Canada’s exports, positioning farmers to succeed amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Learn more: Cultivating the Organic Opportunity for Canadian Farmers and Consumers