Organic Fair a Boon for Canadian Growers

Ontario Farmer
© Copyright 2006, Sun Media Corporation
Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Saskatchewan organic producers have found a new market in Europe, says an article on the provincial agriculture ministry web site. Delegations from the province have made several visits to BioFach, the world's largest organic trade fair, held annually in Nuremburg, Germany. That has helped raise the profile of the Saskatchewan industry among Europe's organic food sector.

Interest is high in everything from raw materials to, convenience foods, grains, seeds, pulses, herbs, spices, flavourings and cosmetics, the article says. At present, Saskatchewan ships organic wild rice, grains, pulses, seeds and flour to the EU, but Canada is in danger of losing access to EU markets because the EU has implemented a mandatory organic standard and certification system.

In order to maintain access to the market, trading partners were to be on a third-country equivalency list by Dec. 31, 2005. Canada has been granted a one- year extension.

Companies like Naturally Nutritious Foods Inc. of Spalding are among those benefiting from the trade fair, which attracts 35,000 visitors each year. The company grows and processes organic grains and pulses, primarily peas, lentils, split peas, oats, barley, wheat, durum, spelt, flax and mustard.

A spokesperson in the article says European demand for organic products continues to increase as does the U.S. market. The article says most of the exported organic products end up in specialty stores although more and more are now making their way onto supermarket shelves.

The article says organic industry officials are optimistic that Canada will successfully obtain third-country equivalency.

OACC gratefully acknowledges Ontario Farmer for permission to post this article on our website.


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