Organic farming promotes the sustainable health and productivity of the ecosystem—soil, plants, animals and people. Organic foods are farmed in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible way, focusing on soil regeneration, water conservation and animal welfare.
Production systems that are certified organic adhere to specific standards and guidelines in their production and processing operations. This certification procedure helps ensure the organic integrity of the product for both the retailers and consumers.
Getting Started
- Become familiar with the Canadian Organic Standards and Regulations.
- Determine the market potential and marketing strategies you will use to sell your organic products. Marketing research is an essential step before growing or producing any commodity.
- Talk to other organic farmers about their production systems. Learn from other people's successes and challenges.
- Start small and plan to increase the size of your operation over a three- to five-year period.
- Be prepared to learn as you go. Organic associations, certifying bodies and provincial and federal governments offer production and marketing assistance.
- Do your homework. There are several organic and alternative agriculture magazines, journals, newsletters and internet sites.