What are Canada’s Organic Standards?
The Canadian Organic Standards are a detailed set of principles, guidelines, and permitted substances that are used in the organic certification process. In Ontario there is no dedicated regulation of or legislation regarding use of the term “organic.” – the use of the term “organic” is governed only by federal legislation.
Canada’s Organic Standards are recognized as equivalent to the respective standards created by both the European Union, Switzerland, Japan, Costa Rica, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and the United States. For more information on equivalency arrangements, please visit our equivalency arrangement page.
Canada’s Organic Standards are recognized as equivalent to the respective standards created by both the European Union, Switzerland, Japan,Costa Rica, and the United States. For more information on equivalency arrangements, please visit our equivalency arrangement page.
Amendments to the Standards
The Canadian Organic Standards are a living document that is updated every five years to integrate new ecological practices intended to enhance soil health and pest control under certified organic management.
To stay up to date on any changes in the Canadian Organic Standards, refer to the following resources
Organic Federation of Canada: Canadian Organic Standards Outline
CAN/CGSB-32.310 Organic Production Systems: General Principles and Management Standards
CAN/CGSB-32.311 Organic Production Systems: Permitted Substances Lists (PSL)