Organic mandates unnecessary, unworkable
The story in the Jan. 18, 2024, issue of The Western Producer headlined “Organic sector asks for targets” got my attention.
A little background about myself: I have farmed conventionally for more than 40 years.
I have nothing against organic farming. in fact, I know a few in Saskatchewan and I consider them to be hard working, innovative and successful in the farming system that they have chosen. I have a lot of respect for these businessmen. The organic farming industry has and will continue to expand based on domestic and global demand.
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I take huge exception to Karen Murchison, executive director of Canadian Organic Growers, suggesting that a 10 percent organic acreage mandate by the federal government may be a good idea.
Presently, three percent of farmland is in organic production.
Further to this, in her organic action plan, Murchison is asking for public sector kitchens to be required to buy 60 percent organic food and … transition to more plant-based organic meals.
Rather than mandating acreage and creating an artificial “demand” for organic food, why not let the traditional forces of supply and demand dictate expansion and contraction within our industry.
Mandates, targets and required percentages never work. See ethanol production, electric vehicles, etc.
I will continue to farm conventionally. Organic farmers will continue to farm organically. Neither of us needs the federal government mandating anything.
Joe Cey,
Wilkie, Sask.
