Grow Organics
The Organic Advantage, Growing Demand.
Consumer demand for organic food in Canada continues to climb. In 2023, the Canadian organic market was valued at over $9 billion, making it the fifth-largest organic market in the world. Yet while Canadians are buying more organic food than ever before, domestic production is not keeping pace. For producers, this gap represents a significant opportunity.
The State of Organics in Canada
- 7,558 certified organic operators, including farmers, processors, and livestock producers.
- 3.18 million acres under organic certification, showing slow but steady growth.
- Canada’s organic industry is a vibrant, innovative sector that attracts new farmers, investment, and research
The Financial Upside
Organic farming has proven to be more profitable than conventional systems, delivering 117% higher net returns per acre. If Canada were to triple its organic acreage over the next decade, the result could be $1.73 billion in additional net farm income. Beyond direct farm benefits, the broader economy also gains: for every dollar invested in organic transition, nearly eight dollars in returns are generated.
Organic farming is not only financially rewarding, it also strengthens the environment and rural communities. On average, organic farms produce 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions per acre compared to conventional systems and use up to 50 percent less energy. These practices help mitigate climate change while conserving resources. At the same time, organic production enhances soil health, supports biodiversity, and builds resilience against extreme weather events. By choosing organic, farmers play a leadership role in creating a healthier food system and safeguarding their land for future generations.
Environmental & Community Benefits
Despite strong consumer demand, Canada’s organic sector faces several challenges. Growth in the number of certified producers and processors has recently stalled, with some areas even seeing slight declines. Transitioning to organic can be difficult, as high upfront costs, certification requirements, and knowledge gaps continue to deter new entrants. Another pressing issue is Canada’s reliance on imported organic food to meet demand, which underscores the urgent need to expand domestic production. Addressing these challenges will be key to unlocking the full potential of organic farming in Canada.
Challenges to Overcome
Information for this page has been collected from Canadian Organic Growers Organic Task Force Report, Cultivating the Organic Opportunity for Canadian Farmers and Consumers
Resources for Farmers
Get key transition resources, proven organic practices, and the latest marketing and research insights.
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