Canadian organic sector welcomes government support
Today the federal government announced a $785,660 investment in Canada’s organic sector to build and expand markets at home and abroad. The investment is part of the AgriMarketing Program (AMP), a federal fund that helps support Canadian companies build a strong Canadian brand and develop global market opportunities.
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) will oversee a four-year $1.5 million program that will increase the visibility and positioning of the Canadian organic brand in export markets, which is projected to result in over $20 million in international sales. COTA will also receive support to provide the government and industry with technical assessments of new and emerging markets with strong potential for Canada’s growing organic sector. The domestic component of the program will focus on building consumer awareness and support for Canadian organic options within the Canadian domestic market.
Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham, Paul Calandra made the announcement on-site today at Taste of Nature’s organic bar facility. Taste of Nature has brought a strong Canadian brand to over 60 world markets.
“This significant investment in Canada’s organic sector will allow our farmers and businesses to be more strategic and more impactful in how they go to market, both here at home and abroad,” stated Matthew Holmes, Executive Director of the Canada Organic Trade Association, “we look forward to partnering with the government and industry to further grow this exciting sector.”
Global organic sales now valued at over $72 Billion USD per year. The Canadian organic market is worth $4 billion per year and is seeing impressive growth of over 10% annually, making Canada the 5th largest organic market in world. Canada’s organic exports are estimated at over $550 million per year.
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Contact: Matthew Holmes, Executive Director
Canada Organic Trade Association
613.482.1717
mholmes@ota.com
The Canada Organic Trade Association is the membership-based trade association for the organic sector in Canada, representing growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others in the organic value chain. COTA’s mission is to promote and protect the growth of the organic sector to benefit farmers, the public, the economy and the environment.