I read this in City Food Magazine and it struck a cord:"Truth: In a recent poll conducted by Angus Reid, more than half of Canadians surveyed (57 percent) said they were concerned that the organic products they purchased might not truly be organic. To address this issue, the Canadian Government recently implemented a new Organic Products Regulation which includes the Canada Organic Logo. The logo guarantees that products contain at least 95 per cent organic ingredients."
1. But what does the Canadian Organic logo really mean? It's like an onion skin the more you dig into the facts...
The Canada Organic label states that these substances or procedures are forbidden:
- All materials and products produced from genetic engineering.
- Synthetic pesticides, wood preservatives or other pesticides, except as specified in CAN/CGSB-32.31.
- Fertilizer or composted plant and animal material that contains a prohibited substance.
- Sewage sludge used as a soil amendment.
- Synthetic growth regulators.
That's all well and good, but how many farms are actually subject to surprise inspections to verify compliance? Yes, there are surprise inspections by the Certified Organic Association of BC. Unfortunately, we accept US organic products . In the US, where there are only about 15 inspectors for the whole country, the brand isn't guaranteed to be reliable. Also, with 85% of organic food in Canada being imported, it makes it even harder to judge what to buy at the bloody grocery store. Though, (if you have to and can afford it) you may as well buy organic. You can usually taste the difference.
2. Free range vs Organic labels
Well, it seems that free range, doesn't have any legal requirements. So, unless you've gone to the farm and watched them running about, the chickens could be trapped inside and have the same awful conditions as a factory farm.
Any poultry or livestock labeled 'organic' in BC have legal requirements that must be met. For example, 6 hours a day access to the outside and inspectors that actually check the facilities regularly. So, if you have a heart, go organic instead of free range for your chicken or eggs.
In the end, it all comes down to getting to know your farmers. Sorry folks, I know it's more work. It can be fun and easy though, just go down to your neighbourhood farmers market. This is where you will be guaranteed to find products labelled properly, because the community of farmers polices each other rigorously. Or, Vancouverites, if you don't mind shopping online. Try NowBC Organic Co-op, you can buy whatever you like and it's all organic and local (unless labelled otherwise on the site). List of Farmers Markets in BC.
References:2. Free range vs Organic labels
Well, it seems that free range, doesn't have any legal requirements. So, unless you've gone to the farm and watched them running about, the chickens could be trapped inside and have the same awful conditions as a factory farm.
Any poultry or livestock labeled 'organic' in BC have legal requirements that must be met. For example, 6 hours a day access to the outside and inspectors that actually check the facilities regularly. So, if you have a heart, go organic instead of free range for your chicken or eggs.
In the end, it all comes down to getting to know your farmers. Sorry folks, I know it's more work. It can be fun and easy though, just go down to your neighbourhood farmers market. This is where you will be guaranteed to find products labelled properly, because the community of farmers polices each other rigorously. Or, Vancouverites, if you don't mind shopping online. Try NowBC Organic Co-op, you can buy whatever you like and it's all organic and local (unless labelled otherwise on the site). List of Farmers Markets in BC.
CBC article on organic regulations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Consumers Association Article on Organics
http://liberationbc.org/issues/organic
USDA organic label info
Article on USDA organic scandal
Get involved in your community farms:
Growing Chefs - Projects in Urban Agriculture for Children
Farm Folk City Folk
Posts
