The Canadian Organic Alliance, representing the Canada Organic Trade Association, Canadian Organic Growers, and the Organic Federation of Canada, has released its first-ever Organic Action Plan for Canada, a comprehensive roadmap designed to unlock the full economic potential of the country’s organic sector.
The plan calls for governments to adopt a coordinated, national strategy to boost competitiveness, expand domestic production, and build resilient supply chains that can sustain growing consumer demand.
“Organic agriculture represents one of Canada’s most underused economic opportunities,” said Karen Murchison, Executive Director of Canadian Organic Growers. “This plan gives the government a clear roadmap to unlock billions in net farm income and help Canadian farmers and processors compete globally while driving growth here at home.”
While the Canadian organic market has reached $9.75 billion in 2024, making it the fifth largest globally, production at home has stalled. Imports are rising, and processors face challenges sourcing Canadian-grown organic ingredients. Meanwhile, the U.S. and European Union are investing far more heavily in their organic industries.
“With shifting global trade dynamics and strong consumer demand, organic policy must shift from an enforcement-based approach to a strategic driver of economic growth,” said Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association.
“Canada has the standards, certification system and international credibility to lead. With the right policy framework, Canada can build supply, attract investment, and strengthen the organic value chain–while delivering the environmental and social benefits that consumers increasingly seek.”
The Organic Action Plan centres on three key priorities: enhancing innovation and productivity in organic production, growing domestic and export markets, and modernizing policy and regulatory frameworks.
“Canada already has the regulatory foundation for organic agriculture,” said Nicole Boudreau, Executive Director, Organic Federation of Canada. “The next step is coordinated leadership and investment to turn that foundation into growth—for farmers, processors and rural communities.”