As of February 3rd, 2025 the Canadian government and the Trump Administration have temporarily tabled the expected additional 25% tariff placed on Canadian goods, as well as the counter tariffs implemented in response by the Canadian government. The tariffs on U.S. imported goods, and counter-tariffs measure on goods exported to the U.S were set to take effect on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, but have instead been postponed for 30 days.
While this extension provides temporary relief, it also presents a unique opportunity for our community to strengthen local connections and promote Ontario and Canadian organic products.
TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES
As we represent the Ontario Organic Value Chain, we believe this is the perfect time to focus on expanding your customer base within Ontario and across Canada.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THE NEXT 30 DAYS
PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS PROUDLY
– Highlight the quality, sustainability, and local impact of your organic products
– Share your story—what makes your farm or business unique?
– Leverage social media with campaigns focused on “Grown in Ontario,” “Proudly Canadian Organic,” and Buy Canadian, Buy Ontario
BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS
– Reach out to local retailers, restaurants, and distributorsEngage with your local municipal economic development department
– Collaborate with other organic producers to create bundles or cross-promotional opportunities
– Engage with your community through farmers’ markets, pop-up events, or farm tours in the warmer months
If You Support Organic and Local Foods, Here Are Things You Can Do Now and in the Future:
– Choose Canadian and Ontario organic products whenever possible
– Encourage friends, family, and your community to support local organic businesses.Advocate for local procurement policies in your community, schools, and institutions
– Develop relationships with Canadian distributors and retailers to reduce dependency on U.S. customers
– Explore new markets within Canada to diversify your customer base
WHAT OCO IS DOING TO SUPPORT YOU
At OCO, we’re committed to strengthening the Ontario Organic Value Chain:
– We have a directory with everyone in the Organic Value Chain in Ontario, making it easier to connect and collaborate.
– Not on the Ontario Organic Directory but should be? Get in touch with us!
– We are actively using your membership dollars to fund an advertising campaign promoting the importance of buying Ontario and Canadian organic products
– We’ve just launched our membership drive. Please visit our GOC membership page to ensure that you are a member and part of this growing movement.
UPCOMING WEBINARS TO SUPPORT YOU
To help navigate this situation, we’re hosting two free webinars over the next two weeks:
 What Increased Tariffs Mean to You & Strategies to Adapt Date: Friday, February 14 at 12:00 PM (will be recorded). Learn how these changes may affect your business and explore actionable strategies to mitigate the impact. Register Here |
 Promoting “Buy Canadian, Buy Ontario” Within Your Business Date: Monday, February 24 at 12:00 PM (will be recorded). Discover effective ways to integrate “Buy Canadian, Buy Ontario” messaging into your marketing and sales strategies. Register Here |
LET’S TURN THIS INTO A MOVEMENT
While tariffs pose challenges, they also spotlight the importance of supporting local agriculture. This is our chance to show the resilience of the Canadian organic sector and the power of our community. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Share your success stories, reach out with questions, and let’s work together to grow stronger through this.
