Census Information on Organic Farming

For the first time, farmers were able to report on their census forms that they produced certified organic commodities. (In Canada, to become "certified organic" a farmer must apply to a recognized certification agency. Although slightly different from province to province, organic certification is based on the Organic Agriculture Standard put out by the Canadian General Standards Board.)

The census enumerated 2,230 farms, or just under 1% of the total, that produced at least one category of certified organic agricultural products. Farmers who reported that at least some of the products on their operation were certified organic are attempting to develop and satisfy a niche market driven by people concerned with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Saskatchewan had the most farms certified by an agency, with 773. Ontario ranked second, followed by Quebec and British Columbia.

Saskatchewan has the most farms reporting organic production, 2001

Although the popular impression of organic farming probably involves fruit and vegetable production, field crops (such as buckwheat, rye or caraway) actually dominate. A total of 1,442 farms with certified organic production, or almost two-thirds of such farms, grew field crops organically. Field crops were the most common certified organic product in four provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Fruits, vegetables and greenhouses on East and West Coasts

On the other hand, vegetable, fruit or greenhouse products were the most common product on at least three-quarters of certified organic farms in Atlantic Canada and British Columbia.

Maple products dominate in Quebec

Quebec was more varied in its certified organic production. About 41% of Quebec organic farms reported "other products," primarily maple products. Vegetables, fruit and greenhouse products were a close second, with 33.6% of certified organic farms reporting.

Certified organic animal production remains a very small sector in Canadian agriculture. Less than one in five certified organic farms (17%) in Canada reported animals or animal products.