Promoting development of the organic farm sector became part of the federal government target to sell $75 billion agricultural and food exports by 2025.
A recent $992,000 grant funds promotion on an international scale to build trade.
Meanwhile the Canadian Organic Growers want to build a made-in-Canada supply chain for organic food. A $640,000 federal grant will study to find solutions to barriers in the supply chain,
The funds come from the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program, which has $50.3 million to grant over five years.
Retail sales of certified organic products mount to about $6.38 billion annually in Canada, almost doubling since 2012.
Imported organic foods in 2019 were worth $789 million with coffee, bananas and strawberries the top three. Other imports included blueberries, spinach and tomatoes.
“This project will also help Canada advance action on climate change through its support for sustainable agricultural practices and the Canadian farmers on the front lines of the climate crisis,” Gillian Flies, president of the Canadian Organic Growers, said in a press release.
The Canadian organic sector consists of 5,800 farmers operating on 3.3 million acres of farm land.
Canadian food and agriculture exports, including seafood, amounted to $62.6 billion in 2016.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
