Whether they entered because of philosophy or in pursuit of profit,
farmers in organic food production are helping transform it from a
niche into a mainstream market.
However, if Canadian farmers and certification bodies aren’t more
vigilant in meeting or enforcing national and
international organic standards, a small handful of farmers could
jeopardize a multi-billion dollar industry that still possesses great
potential at a time when the traditional farm economy is facing
challenges.
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In Canada, there are $1 billion worth of organic sales annually, with
half of that being purchased in supermarkets.
According to speakers at the International Federation of Organic
Movements world congress in Victoria recently, more than 42 million
acres of land are managed organically in the world, and the world
retail market for organic food and beverages was an estimated $17.5
billion US in 2000.
Organic products are seen as an area of great opportunity, with an
annual global growth rate expected at about 20 percent.
One success story was Horizon Organic, an American company founded in
1991 with its first product being organic yogurt. A decade later, the
company had sales of $159 million US and its products appeared in 55
percent of U.S. supermarkets. The company has expanded its business
across North America, the United Kingdom and Japan.
Most organic producers probably have less modest goals for their
businesses, but they still recognize the potential.
But the key is consumers. They desire more choice and healthier
products. They trust farmers to deliver products grown without
chemicals and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Recently, some Canadian organic inspectors raised serious concerns that
a small number of Canadian organic producers may be accidentally or
intentionally not meeting or cheating the guidelines. There are about
50 certification bodies in Canada and while some enforce strict
standards and tough laws, others are more slack.
There needs to be more information and research delivered to farmers
about organic production systems, but even more critical is the need to
have and follow certification systems that adhere to strict
international standards.
The certification bodies themselves acknowledge there needs to be more
vigilance, and there have been some recent changes.
But some inspectors recommend additional random, surprise audits;
sampling of plants to test for chemical residues; and more follow-up
tests and checks for farms who raised suspicions during annual audits.
The certification bodies bear responsibility to enforce standards, and
there should be standardization among certification bodies. Producers
have complained that audits are cumbersome, awkward and expensive.
Perhaps the audit system needs to be improved.
Canadian organic farmers need to avoid honest mistakes and cheating.
The future of a successful market relies on credibility, trust and
integrity in the eyes of the consumer.
