Why Become Certified Organic?
Organic certification is a well established, trusted and regulated system.
Whether you’re looking at transitioning a small or large farm, or starting a new farm, you may be wondering about the value of organic certification. Organic certification is a business decision. It is also a reflection of a philosophy about how food should be produced. See Food with Principles for the many ways in which organic production supports the well-being of the environment, animals and people.
Business benefits of organic certification include:
Access to expanding markets.
According to the Canada Organic Trade Association, consumer demand for organic is strong and growing with organic vegetables and fruits highest on the list of organic items consumers are purchasing. By becoming certified organic, farmers and processors are showing that they are willing to put in the extra effort to be accountable and produce the food that consumers want.
Increased profits.
Expanding and niche market opportunities plus organic price premiums lead to greater profit potential. The organic premium is the price difference between organic and non-organic products. Premiums vary depending on the product and market conditions. Organic grain prices range from 100 to 200% more while in grocery stores, organic foods sell for 20% to 60% more than their non-organic counterparts. Price premiums at Farmers’ Markets and farm gates are more difficult to estimate.
Clarity for customers.
C
onsumer recognition and trust of the term organic and the Canada Organic Logo are now well established. Only certified organic producers can use the term organic when marketing their products. Decerning customers will seek out certified organic products.
Building more resilient farms.
By joining the organic community, farmers show their support for the principles and practices of organic production. Practices like building soil health, promoting biodiversity and excluding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers lead to more sustainable production systems and a healthier environment. Organic farmers are often innovative leaders in their communities adding momentum to the organic movement.
What are the biggest challenges?
According to a study of Canadian farmers, the top barriers to becoming certified organic were:
Understanding and sourcing permitted inputs. The Canadian Organic Standards list the substances that are permitted to be used for organic production. Farmers may not be familiar with how to use these products or where to source them.
Weed management. Instead of spraying with herbicides, organic farmers need to learn how to view the farm as a holistic system, using a variety of cultural practices to manage weeds.
Understanding the certification process. The certification process and regulations can appear daunting. There are also associated costs; in addition to the annual expense of certification, some farmers will need to make changes to equipment and infrastructure to meet the requirements of the Canadian Organic Standards. During the transition to organic, yields are usually lower as the system moves from fertilizer and pesticide dependence to a more balanced agroecosystem.
Certification record keeping. The certification process is an assurance to the consumer that organic management practices have been used. That means keeping records of everything that happens on the farm and sharing those records with the certification body. On the positive side, some farmers have found that they have become better managers by keeping these detailed records.