Canadian organic growers obtain direct access to European market Tuesday, July 5, 2011 by SUSAN MANNA Canadian-European Union arrangement to recognize each other’s organic standards and laws will increase trade and boost Canada’s organic sector, says a spokesman for an organic trade association.The Canada and European Union Equivalency Arrangement was completed recently after nearly four years of formal negotiations. Matthew Holmes, executive director of the Canada Organic Trade Association, says it is effective immediately. The arrangement will allow the import and export of certified organic products between Canada and the European Union without the need for additional certification.“We think it’s really important,” Holmes says. “For producers, food manufacturers and handlers, this really is a significant market access move on the part of the Canadian government that improves the lot for Canadian agriculture.”Holmes notes the arrangement gives Canadians farmers and processors direct access to a very quickly growing and very lucrative organic market in Europe. It also means “we can sell to buyers in Europe directly now whereas before organic products from Canada had to go through only limited importers who were certified and approved to bring in product.” Canadian exporters were also subject to onerous paperwork to take their products in to European markets.The arrangement also enables Canadian manufacturers and farmers to only have to get organic certification in this country with standards overseen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) rather than having to also meet different certification standards from the European Union.Holmes says the Canadian-European Union arrangement is the second agreement of this type. In 2009, the CFIA and the United States Department of Agriculture signed the first organic equivalency arrangement, which opened the significant U.S. organic market to Canadian exports. Canada is the only country in the world able to deal directly with these two key markets through domestic standards.Currently Canadian companies annually export more than $390 million worth of organic commodities, ingredients and products to the United States, European Union and other parts of the world.Certified organic products can now carry the Canadian and/or European Union organic logo. BF Wind and solar projects announced Pilot to examine seed crop inspection delivery
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Thursday, July 17, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects Thursday, July 17, 2025 Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online
Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization Thursday, July 17, 2025 Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online
HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer Thursday, July 17, 2025 HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online
Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start Monday, July 14, 2025 Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online