THE GLOBE AND MAIL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009 A special information supplement OF1

A healthy, growing industry Organic foods nce seen as a niche cat- pre-packaged organic products and antioxidants in food can egory confined to farm- and organic dairy. help protect against disease, The Canadian industry sees a wealth of O ers markets and health A number of factors are and it’s proven that these are opportunity in the growing demand for organic, food stores, organic foods have driving more consumers to present in higher levels in hit the mainstream. While the buy organic foods, say indus- organics.” but there are challenges. Even though more sector has experienced its chal- try experts, including the ben- Mr. Hirshberg agrees that lenges along the way, a num- efits of chemical-free and sus- environmental concerns are Canadian producers are moving to organic, ber of healthy developments tainable farming and a desire another key motivator. “It was suggest the future of organic among Canadians to support the environment that drew me Canadians’ demand for organic food is far foods is bright. smaller producers. The organ- to the organic business. I was Statistically, the Canadian ic standards’ commitment to studying climate change and outpacing the Canadian supply. organic food market has animal welfare is another moti- discovered there is an enor- grown at least 20 per cent vator. mous carbon footprint to con- Learn more at www.organicbiologique.ca annually for the past several According to a 2008 sur- ventional agriculture, and that years. Today, total sales in vey of organic food consumers organic production offers envi- Canada are estimated at by the OTA in Canada and ronmental advantages.” would like to see more Cana- bridge from conventional to oilseeds, for example, but $2 billion a year, with 41 per the Canadian Organic Grow- The Canadian industry dian product on the market,” organic production.” access to foreign markets has cent in conventional grocery ers (COG) however, their pri- sees a wealth of opportunity in says Roger Eacock, president Canada is also in the early been limited by the lack of stores. mary reason for choosing the expanding demand for of the SunOpta Distribution stages of developing new stan- organic regulations in this “Organic food is reaching organic was “Family health,” organic, but hurdles remain. Group. SunOpta, a Canadian dards for non-food organic country. Now, Canada and the a critical mass in the market- with concern for the environ- Even though more Canadian company, is one of the largest products, such as personal care U.S. have signed an equivalen- place, and the growth trends ment ranking a close second. producers are moving to organic food companies in and natural health products cy agreement, and a similar show it’s not going away,” says Gary Hirshberg is CEO of organic — with certified organ- the world. Its annual rev- and textiles, and eventually the deal with the European Union Matthew Holmes, managing Stonyfield Farm, a leading ic farms in the country reach- enues total $1 billion, half government will need to also may be close. director of the Organic Trade manufacturer of organic ing a record high of 3,782 in from sales of organic prod- regulate these products to “The U.S. organic sales Association (OTA) in Canada. yogurt that operates in partner- 2007 – Canadian demand for ucts. “We purchase locally assure consumers there is only market is 14 times the size of “And with this year’s launch of ship with Danone Canada. organic food is far outpacing wherever we can, but we one “organic” in the market- Canada’s, and Europe’s is larg- federally regulated organic Evidence of the health benefits the domestic supply. have to import to meet con- place. This will create further er,” says Mr. Holmes. “Gain- standards, the stage is set for of organic food is increasing, For example, even though sumer demand,” Mr. Eacock opportunities for growth, says ing access to those markets greater consumer confidence says Mr. Hirshberg, and con- business is brisk for local pro- says. “At the same time, we Mr. Eacock. will have a huge impact on in certified organic foods and sumers are paying attention. ducers such as Stonyfield want to help our domestic Beyond Canada’s borders, domestic production, and that further growth in demand.” “At long last, we are get- Farm, which in its case has sector reach its potential, so the global marketplace awaits. means more organic farmers Fresh vegetables and fruits ting some clinical data that seen sales double annually for we provide transitional sup- Canada is a strong and more environmental bene- are the most popular con- incontrovertibly shows that the past several years, Canada port to Canadian growers to exporter of organic grains and fits here in Canada.” sumer choice, accounting for you can get closer to balanced still relies on imports to meet approximately 38 per cent of diets with organic foods,” he up to 80 per cent of domestic organic foods sold in grocery says. “And consumers are demand for organic foods. stores. The Canadian market- now hearing medical experts “As distributors of organic place is also seeing growth in say that omega-3 fatty acids products in Canada, we LocallyLoocallocaoccallyly MadMMa Madeadeadde Organic farming and the environment By Derek Lynch Organic farms also appear to Canada Research Chair in harbour more plant species Organic Agriculture, Nova than those in conventional Scotia Agricultural College systems, and they have a rich- Organic Meadow milk, eggs and grains come from over ness and abundance in birds 100 family farms in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, and insect pollinators. This is tatistics Canada’s significant in a period when bringing you locally-produced organic food of the highest quality. Human Activity and the colony collapse disorder and S Environment describes other challenges are dramati- the environmental footprint of cally reducing bee populations Canadian farming. Agricultur- relied upon by all agriculture. al lands represent roughly 7 relies on fossil fuel-based fer- Energy use is lower in per cent of Canada: the same tilizers? What is the long-term organic agriculture. A 12-year ribbon inhabited by most of impact of diminished plant, Manitoba study found energy our human population and animal, bird and insect diver- use was 50 per cent lower over 500 species of wildlife, sity both for farming and for under organic management, many at risk. Unfortunately, the planet? When we shop for while other research has viable on-farm habitat shrunk groceries, aren’t the costs of found a 30 per cent reduction Look for these by 5 per cent between 1981 our agriculture just as impor- in energy inputs. and 2001, becoming even less tant as the price of our food? Studies into various forms and other quality welcoming to wildlife. If the true costs of food pro- of farming have found that Organic Meadow Agriculture also con- duction were internalized to no-till and organic methods products in your tributes to global warming. include environmental have the lowest global warm- Close to 9 per cent of Cana- impact, the food we buy in ing potential. These methods local grocery or da’s greenhouse gas budget is shops today would be signifi- pull carbon out of the atmos- fine food market. related to food production, cantly more expensive and phere and “sequester” it back and agricultural greenhouse organic farming would into the soil. Because they gas emissions rose 25 per cent become a bigger part of avoid the use of fossil fuel- between 1990 and 2006. everyday life. based fertilizers, organic farms
      
 Meanwhile, between 1971 and Scientific evidence shows also emit less nitrous oxide 2006 fertilizer use increased that organic farming has solu- and other greenhouse gases. across the country, with a 381 tions to these problems. Cana- Consumers and policy- per cent spike in the Prairie da’s Organic Standards makers have a responsibility EveryEEvery timetime you purchasepurchaseaqu a qualityality O Organicrganic M Meadoweadow proproduct,duct, ecozone, while herbicide use require that farmers follow to demand more information yoyou’reu’re h helpingelpiing our familyfamily farmersfarmers gi giveive b backack t too t thehe l landand th throughrough jumped 190 per cent between fundamental organic princi- about how food is produced sustainablesustainable fa farmingrming practices.practices. Y You’reou’rre alsoalso h helpingelping O Organicrganic M Meadoweadow 1970 and 2006. ples of environmental sustain- and what it costs our environ- givegive b backack to t thehe community.community. The increase of intensive ability, which promote biodi- ment. We must begin the agriculture over the past 40 versity, minimize erosion, work of bringing our agricul- AsAf partpara t ofo ourur s strongtrong so socialcial l mission,i i O OMdOrganici M Meadowdbf supports a number of years has greatly expanded recycle renewable resources, tural and environmental pub- worthwhile charities - including The Stop/Green Barn in Toronto, the Farmers’ the risk and incidence of con- decrease pollution and lic policy goals together. The Helpline, Second Harvest, the Guelph Family Shelter, and a co-op development tamination of surface and increase soil fertility through role organic farming can play in Gambia, Africa, and others. That’s something we can all feel good about! ground waters by fertilizers non-chemical means. in uniting these two important and pesticides. This is hap- Organic farming has arenas remains to be seen, but pening even though we know proven benefits for soil quali- a growing body of scientific that it costs society more to ty, plant and wildlife diversity, research suggests organic clean up our environment reduced energy use and nutri- farming has much to con- than it costs us to use appro- ent runoff, and climate tribute. priate soil conservation and change. Organic farms have This opinion editorial is based in environmental practices on- higher soil organic carbon, part on an article published in farm. which contributes to long-term the Canadian Journal of Plant How can we farm sustain- yield stability and resilience in Science (July 2009). ably if most of our farming the face of unusual weather.

A new Canada Organic logo on foods Organics a growing challenge writes signals the advent of regulations Canadian Organic Growers National www.organicmeadow.com 23praised by organic food producers. Director Laura Telford. [email protected] 1-866-767-9694 THE GLOBE AND MAIL OF2 A special information supplement THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

Organic foods: Learn more at www.organicbiologique.ca

New regulations building consumer trust, open global markets for producers

new ‘Canada Organic’ the production and processing ulated, which you don’t gener- The organic sector sought logo is expected to of organic food. ally see in the food sector,” a mandatory national standard Trying to meet different stan- A become a frequent sight Canada’s Organic Products says Matthew Holmes, manag- to give consumers more clarity on produce bins, store shelves Regulations (OPR) took effect ing director of the Organic and confidence, says Mr. dards internationally can be and packages in this country, June 30, 2009 — making it Trade Association (OTA) in Holmes. “It was getting con- and it is a symbol that will mandatory for all organic Canada. fusing with different standards onerous, but as Canada come with a federal govern- food, beverage and livestock The Canadian organic sec- and logos at play. We wanted ment guarantee, say sources. products sold across provincial tor has had voluntary stan- consumers to know that every- moved into its mandatory The Canadian Food borders or imported into dards since 1999, but these one is meeting the same Inspection Agency (CFIA) is Canada to be certified to the were not legally binding or requirements.” organic regime, it became now the ultimate authority new Canadian Organic Stan- enforceable, and there were The regulations require when it comes to assuring con- dards. several different standards organic food labels to contain possible to reach a new deal sumers that rigorous and con- “As an industry, we went to based on internationally recog- specific information (for exam- sistent standards were used in the CFIA and asked to be reg- nized organic principles. ple, the name of the certifying with the United States. body and the percentage of organic ingredients). Only cer- tified products containing to sell in this country, Canadi- those provinces that currently more than 95 per cent organic an exporters of organic prod- don’t have them.” TOP REASONS TO ingredients may be labelled as ucts must meet standards in Discussions on an equiva- ‘organic’ and carry the Canada foreign markets. lency agreement with the CHOOSE ORGANIC Organic logo. Although the Trying to meet different European Union are proceed- logo is not mandatory, the standards internationally can ing well, according to Mr. REDUCE THE TOXIC LOAD PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY bans fossil fuel-based fer- industry expects it will be be onerous and limit access, Holmes. Organic farming helps Organic farms have a tilizers; uses 30-50% less widely used — as a strong fed- but as Canada moved into its On the provincial front, keep harmful synthetic greater diversity and energy than other farm eral ‘seal of approval’ that will mandatory organic regime, it Quebec and B.C. have manda- chemicals out of the air, abundance of life – both systems; and with more benefit both consumers and became possible to reach a tory provincial standards for the organic sector. new deal with the United organic food produced and water, soil and our bodies. above and below the soil. organic matter in the soil, “A mandatory national States — organic certification in sold within their borders. This What’s healthy for the organic farms are pulling standard provides a long- one country is now recognized leaves a gap in other world is healthy for you. SLOW GLOBAL WARMING carbon from the atmos- awaited level playing field and in the other. provinces, where food made Organic farming is sustain- phere back into our soil, everyone stands to gain,” says “We breathed a sigh of and sold within a province PROTECT YOUR BABY able farming. Organics where it belongs. Maureen Kirkpatrick, stan- relief when the Canadians and isn’t covered by federal regula- We don’t yet know how dards co-ordinator with The Americans signed an equiva- tions unless a producer wants Big Carrot Natural Food Mar- lency agreement,” says Steve to use the Canada Organic the chemical cocktail of SAVE THE FARMERS ket in Toronto. “The consumer Cavell, CEO of Canada’s logo. toxins in our world and Buying organic products is better protected from mis- Organic Meadow Co-opera- “Most of the organic prod- food chain is affecting gives organic farming fam- leading or false claims, and tive Inc., representing over 100 ucts we buy have crossed our children: do what ilies a more liveable wage greater consumer confidence family farms producing organ- provincial or international bor- you can to minimize their and supports Canadian can only lead to growth in the ic milk, eggs, grains and ders,” Mr. Holmes says. “But exposure. food security. industry.” oilseeds. “The next most we’re definitely encouraging The other key reason for important one is Europe, both all provinces to adopt the fed- seeking regulatory oversight as a market and as a source of eral system, so that we can was trade. Just as producers products that our consumers give consumers clarity and from abroad have to meet buy. And then within Canada, trust in the entire organic mar- Canada’s organic requirements we want to see standards in ket.” Organic means more than fresh and wholesome uying a jar of Crofter’s cane sugar from Brazil’s Green Steve Cavell. “Organic agricul- Organic fruit spreads, Cane Project. This large organ- ture began with a spirit of B made in Parry Sound, ic agricultural operation community and a business Ontario, helps support envi- includes environmental model based on values, and ronmental and social develop- enhancement, reforestation that’s still very much who we ment in Brazil — a link that and wildlife protection, and are.” Crofter’s founder Gerhard provides free health, education Organic Meadow also Latka sees as fundamental to and housing programs for gives back to the community Organic Leaders for 26 Years! the organic food movement. employees. Says Mr. Latka, in other ways; for example, “Organic is so much more “We care about our product each employee is encouraged The Big Carrot is proud to be one of Canada’s 1st retailers than lists of prohibited and and our supply chain, and we to work two paid workdays at permitted substances,” says know many organic food con- a charity. to certify to the new Canadian Organic Standard. Mr. Latka, whose 20-year-old sumers want to help build a Organic values are under Now certified to process and package over 700 organic company has become the better community and world pressure, Mr. Cavell cautions, products. Look for the logo throughout our store. largest organic jam manufac- with their choices.” as larger corporations more turer in North America. “Gov- Supporting the Canadian focused on profits enter the Supporting Organic Growers ernment regulations can’t family farm is integral to the organic market. “There’s a risk mandate social responsibility mission of Organic Meadow, that small farmers and proces- Preserving Organic Integrity and sustainability, but for us an Ontario-based farmers’ co- sors may get driven out of the and for many consumers these op producing organic dairy very market they created, but I principles are at the heart of products, eggs and other prod- believe that organic producers Natural Food Market 416.466.2129 organic food.” ucts. “We know our customers can be competitive while still Wholistic Dispensary 416.466.8432 Crofter’s fruit spreads, jams care about the fact that we sus- remaining true to the values BIG CARROT’S and jellies are made with IBD tain family farmers and rural and social responsibility princi- 348 Danforth Ave. thebigcarrot.ca ORGANIC EcoSocial-certified organic communities,” says CEO ples we began with.” CRANBERRY Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-9:00 • Sat 9:00-8:00 CRUNCH This report was produced by RandallAnthony Communications Inc. (www.randallanthony.com) in conjunction with the advertising Sun 11:00-6:00 CERTIFIED BY ECOCERT CANADA department of The Globe and Mail. Richard Deacon, National Business Development Manager, [email protected].

Proud supporters of Canadian producers and products

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www.sunopta.com THE GLOBE AND MAIL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009 A special information supplement OF3

Organic foods: Learn more at www.organicbiologique.ca

Organics, a growing challenge

By Laura Telford, PhD following transition. Organic experience of European will not create the magnitude current commodity model to National Director farming knowledge, soil fertil- Union countries has shown of change required to shift a more environmentally sus- Canadian Organic Growers ity and yields improve, costs us that market forces alone Canadian agriculture from its tainable, bioregionally based decline as the farmer gets off food systems approach. Con- the agricultural inputs tread- siderable government invest- ver the past 10 years mill and income rises. How- ment in new organic farmers, that Canadian Organic ever, few farmers are pre- infrastructure, skills acquisi- O Growers has tracked pared to undertake the risky tion and risk mitigation are growth, organic farming has three-year transition without key components of a much expanded at an average annu- assurance that they can bring needed national action plan al rate of 8 per cent. Contrast their organic products to mar- for organic agriculture. this with mainstream agricul- fact that organic farming is ket at a higher rate, that they Never has there been a ture where farms have been more profitable? There are have access to technical sup- greater opportunity for wide- disappearing faster than arctic several reasons. First, the port to help them battle scale change; Canadian con- glaciers, with two-thirds elimi- average Canadian farmer is weeds and pests without sumers are demanding nated in the past 50 years. 52 years old – not exactly the chemical backup, and that greater accountability in the Despite strong growth, time for a major life change. they can access the infrastruc- food system, there is a press- Canadian organic production Then there’s the three-year ture they need to process ing need to reduce the envi- is nowhere close to keeping transition period, where land their products. ronmental footprint of agri- pace with demand. In 2006, withdraws and recovers from There is no simple fix – Organic growers are calling for a national action plan to culture, and our food security sales of organic foods in Cana- its chemical addiction and the the solutions must be as com- help more farmers make the switch to organic agricultural depends on stemming the da grew 28 per cent. 2007 saw farmer begins to learn a new plex as the causes, but the methods. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM loss of farmers. a more modest 20 per cent paradigm that focuses on growth rate, but if you consid- avoiding crises instead of er that much of the food and reacting to them. animal feed raised organically During the transition, in Canada is destined for the crop yields can decline, sig- even more overheated organic nificant investments in soil markets of the U.S. and Euro- fertility, equipment and pean Union, we literally have knowledge acquisition may a growing problem. have to be made. Transition- If there is so much ing farmers are not able to demand, why don’t the farm- charge the organic price pre- ers struggling to make a living mium until they are certified in a business with declining organic, so there is no addi- PASSIONATE economic margins, make the tional revenue to offset the switch to organic given the new costs. But things improve “Few farmers are prepared to undertake the risky three- ABOUT ORGANIC! year transition without assurance that they can bring their organic products to market at a higher rate.”

Retailers’ role in organic movement rising

etailers of organic foods Retailers have tremendous are not required to be power to either promote or R certified to the new marginalize organic products, Canadian Organic Standards, says Gary Hirshberg, CEO of but The Big Carrot Natural Stonyfield Farm, a major pro- Food Market in Toronto is ducer of organic yogurt in the among the stores committed to U.S. and Canada. “Our prod- taking that step. ucts make up 8 per cent of the “We believe it is our U.S. yogurt market but in responsibility to our producers some grocery chains, we’re and customers to ensure that tracking at 15 or 20 per cent,” the final link in the organic he says. “That’s because those supply chain — the store — pre- stores don’t put our products serves the integrity of what in an organic ‘ghetto.’ They came before,” says Maureen integrate them with the con- Kirkpatrick, standards co-ordi- ventional yogurt and we nator at The Big Carrot. become a real alternative.” The store is already certi- Retailers are also helping fied by Ecocert Canada to to strengthen the sector by ensure its processing and pack- coming out with their own pri- aging activities for organic vate-label organic products — products meet the new federal providing a lower-cost option standard. that exposes more consumers Organic agriculture began to organic. Proudly made as a farmers’ movement, but “Retailers are essential retailers are playing an players helping to narrow the in Canada expanding role. market gap between conven- In addition to following tional and organic,” says Mr. standards for storage, handling Hirshberg. “By giving us shelf stonyfield.ca and record-keeping, The Big space and developing their Carrot works to tell the organ- own labels, they are turning ic story. “Consumer education stores into classrooms where Stonyfield Farm Organic yogurt is critical for us as an organic consumers can become more retailer,” says Ms. Kirkpatrick. educated.” meets Canada’s new organic standard. “Knowledgeable customer Today, the biggest movers service, free lectures and nutri- of organic products are the tional store tours, as well as in- mainstream national retailers, store product demonstrations, who are responsible for over One spoonful of Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt uses organic sun-ripened help us promote the benefits of 40 per cent of Canada’s $2-bil- organics.” lion annual organic market. Organic Yogurt and you’re hooked. fruit and organic cane sugar. Not only No two ways about it. We think it’s the cows. is our yogurt unbelievably smooth, They are so happy you can taste it in their rich and delicious, it’s both probiotic fresh, wholesome milk. When you do things and prebiotic. Small wonder Stonyfield organically, everybody is ecstatic — you, has been the world’s most popular organic us, the cows, the planet! Stonyfield Farm yogurt for over 25 years. Totally delicious! Irresistibly organic! Look for it in the organic yogurt section.

Mainstream national retailers and specialty chains such as The Big Carrot (above) are playing an expanding role in the organics movement. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM