The Impact of Organic Agriculture on Your Plate

Many Canadian customers want access to organic food. The Canadian Organic Standards clearly define which food is, and which is not, organically certified. These standards are backed up by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Farmers, processors, distributors and retailers of organic products benefit from the extra value assigned to organic food. It makes sense to support the organic sector in Canada, with research and policies, so the economic opportunities can accrue here.
The extra cost of organic food for consumers can be assessed in the context of wasted food in Canada and preventable health costs. The yields of organic crops and livestock, while usually lower than those of non-organic systems, can be profitable and provide concurrent ecological benefits.
The global organic sector emphasizes the precautionary principle which is reflected in organic standards across the world. New technologies are assessed for their impact on the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment. Sometimes non-organic farmers discover their inputs carry high risks and then they adopt organic practices. The research and practices in organic agriculture have an ongoing positive impact on all agricultural systems.