Improving Business Risk Management Programs for Organic and Diversified Farms
Canada’s Business Risk Management (BRM) programs (including AgriInsurance, AgriStability, AgriInvest and AgriRecovery) are designed to help farmers manage financial risks from weather, markets, and other disruptions.
But how well do these programs work for organic and diversified farms?
Organic farms can have different risk profiles, production systems, and economics that may not always be well reflected in program design. Organic price premiums, for example, may not be fully reflected in coverage, while diversified and mixed operations can be harder to fit within standardized programs. At the same time, many organic farmers use diversification, soil health practices and other approaches that help to manage risk over the long term and should be compatible with program design.
COG is undertaking a national research project to better understand how organic farmers experience Canada’s BRM programs, where gaps exist, and how risk management policy could better support organic and resilient agriculture.
The project builds on earlier COG research into the risks associated with organic production and transition, and recommendations from COG’s 2025 Organic Task Force (OTF) Report. Findings will inform evidence-based input into Canada’s Next Policy Framework (2028-2033) and the future of BRM programs.
What We’re Studying
The project will explore:
- Why organic farmers participate – or don’t participate – in BRM programs, and how well programs work for different types of organic farms
- How well programs reflect organic production systems and risks
- How organic farmers manage risk outside BRM programs
- What changes could make BRM programs more useful and accessible to organic farmers
How We’re Doing It
COG is partnering with researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC), including Dr. Susanna Klassen, postdoctoral fellow, and Dr. Navin Ramankutty, Professor in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES).
The project includes:
- Interviews with organic farmers across Canada
- A national farmer survey
- Analysis of BRM policies and available data
- Engagement with researchers, organic organizations and BRM experts
- Development of policy recommendations
Findings will be shared with policymakers as the Next Policy Framework is developed, as well as with farmers and the organic sector.
How You Can Participate
Are you an organic farmer? We want to hear from you.
A national survey will launch in September 2026, inviting organic farmers across Canada to share their experiences managing risk and using (or not using) the BRM suite of programs.
Stay tuned here for details on how to participate.
For more information or to get involved in the research, please contact Katie Fettes, Director of Policy and Research at Canadian Organic Growers, at katie.fettes@cog.ca.