New Report: Tripling Organic Acreage Could Unlock $1.73 Billion over 10 years for Canadian Farmers
Originally shared September 11, 2025 by Canadian Organic Growers (COG).
Organic Task Force urges public investment in organic agriculture to boost farm profitability, meet
rising demand for organic food, and position Canada as a global leader in organic agriculture
Ottawa, September 11, 2025 – A new report from the Organic Task Force, convened by Canadian Organic Growers, says strategic public investment in organic agriculture would boost farm profitability, meet rising domestic demand, open new global trade opportunities, and help Canada deliver on climate and biodiversity commitments.
The report, Cultivating the Organic Opportunity for Canadian Farmers and Consumers, calls for annual funding of $68.5 million to triple and strengthen organic agriculture in Canada. The investment would support existing organic farmers to enhance performance while reducing barriers for others to transition to organic farming.
“This research shows organic farming is a proven tool to increase farm profitability and strengthen Canada’s trade position while delivering climate and biodiversity benefits,” said Katie Fettes, Director of Policy and Research at Canadian Organic Growers and Co-Chair of the Organic Task Force. “With strategic investment, we can unlock billions in farm income, make organic farming a viable opportunity for more farmers, reduce GHG emissions, and ensure Canadian farmers, not foreign competitors, are the ones who benefit from this growing market.”
Canada’s organic market was valued at more than $9 billion in 2023, up from $6.38 billion in 2019, making it the fifth largest in the world. Yet, domestic production has stagnated, forcing Canada to rely more on imports—an economic opportunity now being captured by countries like the United States.
“Canadians are looking to buy more organic food,” said Ian Cushon, an organic grain farmer at Moose Creek Organic Farm, and Co-Chair of the Organic Task Force. “But beyond this, they also want to buy Canadian and support local farmers and companies. Increased federal investment is a win for consumers, farmers, Canadian companies, and the economy at large.”
Global demand for organic products is also accelerating. The U.S. organic market is projected to triple over the next decade, while the Indo-Pacific market is expected to double within five years. Canadian organic products already meet strict internationally recognized federal standards, positioning farmers to capture these opportunities if production expands.
The report finds organic farming delivers 117 per cent higher net returns per acre, and tripling organic acreage could generate $1.73 billion in additional net farm income over 10 years. Nonetheless, short-term transition costs remain high. To unlock these benefits, the report recommends targeted transition supports for farms to accelerate growth in the sector. For every dollar invested in organic transition, nearly eight dollars in returns are generated for farmers and the economy.
While the U.S. invests eight times more per acre in organic programs and the European Union invests over 200 times more, the report warns Canada risks being left behind without federal action. Investment in organics would also help Canada meet climate and biodiversity goals. Organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent per acre, sustains soil health, increases biodiversity and uses up to 50 per cent less energy than conventional systems.
The Organic Task Force brings together farmers, researchers, and policy experts to examine how expanding organic agriculture production can help Canada achieve its economic, environmental, and climate goals, and how public support can contribute to this effort.
The full report is available for download here. Click here to read the executive summary.
