Important note
This sheet is for general education only. It does not replace the Canadian Organic Standards, your Organic Plan, or direction from your certification body. Confirm operation-specific questions with your certifier.
Key dates
| Requirement | Timeline |
| New standards published | March 27, 2026 |
| General implementation deadline | March 27, 2027 |
| Soluble nutrient action plan, if needed | By end of March 2027 |
| Final soluble nutrient reduction deadline | End of December 2029 |
| Container soil reuse deadline | March 27, 2029 |
| Perennial seedling/transplant exemption | Until 2030 planting season |
Yes. The 2026 standards do not end organic greenhouse production. They clarify expectations around soil-based production, living soil, nutrient cycling, soil reuse, records, and organic integrity.
No. Hydroponic and aeroponic production remain prohibited under the Canadian Organic Standards.
Not automatically. Container production can be organic, but the crop should be nourished through a living soil system, not mainly through soluble nutrient solutions.
Water-soluble nitrogen and phosphorus are limited to a maximum of 20% of the crop’s needs for each nutrient, based on realistic projected yields.
No. They are limited, not banned.
Prepare a corrective action plan by the end of March 2027, with reductions completed by the end of December 2029.
Prepare a corrective action plan by the end of March 2027, with reductions completed by the end of December 2029.
Container operations are expected to build and maintain soil in containers and reuse soil for a minimum of three consecutive years.
The deadline is March 27, 2029.
Yes, if necessary and justified. Reasons may include disease, pests, food safety concerns, crop failure risk, or other documented agronomic or regulatory reasons.
Perennial seedlings/transplants must be organic when the first organic harvest is within 12 months of planting into the organic production unit. There is an exemption until the 2030 planting season.
Yes, if organic integrity is protected through segregation, labelling, records, traceability, and procedures that prevent commingling or contamination.
Greenhouse growers cannot do parallel production of organic and non-organic versions of the same crop within the same production operation. Certifier review is required for any operation with both organic and non-organic production.
For more detail, see the full guide:
Canadian Organic Standards 2026: Greenhouse Grower FAQ
Ontario Organic is not a certification body. Certification decisions are made by accredited certification bodies.
