Transitioning Your Farm to Organics

Get to Know the Market

Organic Advantage Reports

These commodity-specific guides targeted to conventional producers and lenders provide beef, grain and vegetable producers with an overview of the market opportunities, economics, as well as government and industry support available to help guide new entrants towards a successful transition. The reports will also be useful to lenders and others with an interest in the economic viability of organic agriculture.

  • Organic Advantage: Vegetable Production – This guide paints a picture of strong demand filled largely by imported products from the US and Mexico. Less than 25% of the domestic demand for organic vegetables at retail is filled by Canadian producers. In fact, for vegetables such as organic cauliflower, beets and spinach, 100% of the domestic retail demand is met by imports. The guide shows the demand for the main organic vegetable types and retail price trends relative to conventional.
  • Organic Advantage: Field Crop Production – This guide provides details of the Canadian acreage devoted to organic cereal grains and oilseed production, prices, operating expenses, margins and yields, and points producers towards resources that can help them transition from conventional to organic.
  • Organic Advantage: Beef Production – The beef guide provides guidance and resources for producers who want to add value to their organic crops through livestock grazing.

Get to Know the Principles & Standards

The Canadian Organic Regime is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Organic Production Systems – General Principles and Management Standards

Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop operations that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.This document describes the principles and management standard of organic production systems.

See the General Principles and Management Standards

Organic Production Systems – Permitted Substances List

This document provides lists of substances that are allowed for use in organic production systems. As is the case for all products sold in Canada, organic inputs—such as, but not limited to, fertilizers, feed supplements, pesticides, soil amendments, veterinary treatments, processing additives or aids, sanitizing and cleaning material—and products derived from organic agriculture, such as, but not limited to, feed and food, should comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

See the Permitted Substances List

Transitioning to Organic Grain

Lower inputs, higher profits and enormous demand—there has never been a better time to transition to organic grain production. Whether you’re a new or established farmer, Pivot and Grow connects you with the resources and support you need to get growing. Pivot and Grow is an online platform for new and transitioning organic grain farmers looking to find resources, to connect with experts, find organic grain prices and build marketing relationships.

Transitioning to Organic Livestock

If you are interested in transitioning to organic livestock, contact us. We’ll connect you with market information, production resources and experts.