Bulk of Canada's organics hay, oilseed
Published: March 28, 2008 at 1:19 PM
OTTAWA, March 28 (UPI) -- The majority of organic food grown in Canada is hay and oilseed and the majority of all of it is exported, Statistics Canada reported Friday.
In a study of the evolution of organic farming from 2001-06, the agency found 2,462 farming operations reported growing certified organic field crops and hay, nearly half of them in the province of Saskatchewan.
Without specifying a percentage, the agency said many of the organic field crops were sold internationally and not processed, sold or eaten in Canada.
The report said domestic sales of certified organic products accounted for less than 1 percent of the $46.5 billion spent in Canadian grocery stores in 2006.
Canada's national organic standards established in 1999 are voluntary but new federal regulations are scheduled to take effect on Dec. 14 and organic products marketed inter-provincially or internationally will then have to be certified by a body accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
In a study of the evolution of organic farming from 2001-06, the agency found 2,462 farming operations reported growing certified organic field crops and hay, nearly half of them in the province of Saskatchewan.
Without specifying a percentage, the agency said many of the organic field crops were sold internationally and not processed, sold or eaten in Canada.
The report said domestic sales of certified organic products accounted for less than 1 percent of the $46.5 billion spent in Canadian grocery stores in 2006.
Canada's national organic standards established in 1999 are voluntary but new federal regulations are scheduled to take effect on Dec. 14 and organic products marketed inter-provincially or internationally will then have to be certified by a body accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Top News:
McCain prepares 'Service to America' tour
U.S. President George W. Bush visits the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem on May 16, 2008. (UPI Photo/Amos Ben Gershom/Israeli Government Press Office)
U.S. President Bush visits Israel
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular