Organic Farming: Myth vs. Fact

1. True or False: Food products need to be certified in order to be labeled as organic in Canada.

True

False

That’s correct. Products must be certified as organic under part 13 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) to be labeled as organic. (1)

The certification process in Canada is thorough and rigorous — including the physical inspection of the farm or production site, and a three-year period of transition to organic practices before a product can bear the Canada Organic logo. (2)

Only products with organic content of 95% or more may be labeled or advertised as “organic” or use the organic logo. This also includes phrases like “organically grown,” “organically raised,” “organically produced,” or similar words, abbreviations, or symbols. (3)

When you see the Canada Organic Logo on a food or beverage item, you should feel confident knowing that the food was grown and processed in ways that meet our high Canadian Organic Standards, which are based on the Principles of Organic Agriculture. (4)

For food that is imported from outside of Canada, check for a “USDA Organic” or “EU Organic” logo on the packaging — as Canada has equivalency agreements with both jurisdictions. (5)

1) https://inspection.canada.ca/food-labels/labelling/industry/organic-claims/eng/1623967517085/1623967517522
2) https://organiccouncil.ca/certification/
3) https://inspection.canada.ca/food-labels/labelling/industry/organic-claims/eng/1623967517085/1623967517522
4) https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/
5) https://www.cog.ca/faqs/ (Consumer – “How do I know if a product is really organic?”)

That’s incorrect. Products must be certified as organic under part 13 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) to be labeled as organic. (6)

The certification process in Canada is thorough and rigorous — including the physical inspection of the farm or production site, and a three-year period of transition to organic practices before a product can bear the Canada Organic logo. (7)

Only products with organic content of 95% or more may be labeled or advertised as “organic” or use the organic logo. This also includes phrases like “organically grown,” “organically raised,” “organically produced,” or similar words, abbreviations, or symbols. (8)

When you see the Canada Organic Logo on a food or beverage item, you should feel confident knowing that the food was grown and processed in ways that meet our high Canadian Organic Standards, which are based on the Principles of Organic Agriculture. (9)

For food that is imported from outside of Canada, check for a “USDA Organic” or “EU Organic” logo on the packaging — as Canada has equivalency agreements with both jurisdictions. (10)

6 https://inspection.canada.ca/food-labels/labelling/industry/organic-claims/eng/1623967517085/1623967517522
7 https://organiccouncil.ca/certification/
8 https://inspection.canada.ca/food-labels/labelling/industry/organic-claims/eng/1623967517085/1623967517522
9 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/
10 https://www.cog.ca/faqs/ (Consumer – “How do I know if a product is really organic?”)

2. True or False: Buying local is better than buying organic.

True

False

Not quite right! In fact, the best option is to buy local AND organic, wherever possible.

Buying local products has a couple of benefits — specifically, supporting producers in your community as well as the local economy, and reducing the distance that food and other products have to travel to get to you, helping to minimize the carbon emissions associated with transportation.

However, the carbon footprint is also significantly impacted by production methods — things like the use of synthetic fertilizers can increase the carbon emissions related to a product by a much greater amount.

The best way to support your local community — including the health of your local ecosystem — is to buy local AND organic wherever possible. Eating foods that are in season is a great way to do just that — while keeping it affordable at the same time.

You got it! That was sort of a trick question — the best option is to choose local AND organic, wherever possible.

Buying local products has a couple of benefits — specifically, supporting producers in your community as well as the local economy, and reducing the distance that food and other products have to travel to get to you, helping to minimize the carbon emissions associated with transportation.

However, the carbon footprint is also significantly impacted by production methods — things like the use of synthetic fertilizers can increase the carbon emissions related to a product by a much greater amount.

The best way to support your local community — including the health of your local ecosystem — is to buy local AND organic wherever possible. Eating foods that are in season is a great way to do just that — while keeping it affordable at the same time.

3. True or False: People buy organic because it’s healthier.

True

False

That’s correct. In fact, 54% of consumers said they will seek out products that are the healthiest — even if they cost more (11)

Many people — correctly — associate organic food with a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. A quick Google search, however, may reveal some conflicting results on this (12) topic. That’s because, when comparing the nutritional differences between organic and non-organic food, the results of individual studies can sometimes be inconclusive.

However, when looking at meta-analyses — which compare the results of hundreds of individual studies, and are considered a higher standard of proof — the answer becomes more clear. These show organic meat and milk contain approximately 50% more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and organic plant-based foods contain 18-69% higher concentrations of antioxidants. (13)

Many antioxidants are also linked to lower rates of degenerative diseases and certain cancers, and to more intense flavour — which may be why so many people say they prefer the taste of organic food.

Additionally, organic in Canada requires that fruits and vegetables are non-GMO — which means genetically modified organisms, or plants, animals or other organisms who have been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology — and animals are raised without the use of antibiotics . (14) (15)

Synthetic fertilizers are also prohibited in organic farming in Canada — which is not only good for us, it’s good for the environment. The manufacturing of synthetic fertilizers has a high carbon footprint — and those fertilizers are high in salts that kill or inhibit soil microbes. Nitrogen fertilizers interact with soil microbes in a way that causes the release of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2! (16)

11 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-C1v2MlkD58oo75tkoWZPHHWQtBm1VKD/view (“Consumer Habits Beyond Price”)
12 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/581922/EPRS_STU(2016)581922_EN.pdf
13 https://www.cog.ca/faqs/ (Consumer – “Why do people buy organic food?”)
14 https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/what-is-gmo/
15 https://acornorganic.org/eatorganic/organic-is-health-conscious
16 https://cog.ca/article/what-is-regenerative-agriculture/

That’s not quite right. In fact, 54% of consumers said they will seek out products that are the healthiest — even if they cost more. (17)

Many people — correctly — associate organic food with a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. A quick Google search, however, may reveal some conflicting results on this topic. That’s because, when comparing the nutritional differences between organic and non-organic food, the results of individual studies can sometimes be inconclusive.

However, when looking at meta-analyses — which compare the results of hundreds of individual studies, and are considered a higher standard of proof — the answer becomes more clear. These show organic meat and milk contain approximately 50% more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and organic plant-based foods contain 18-69% higher concentrations of antioxidants.

Many antioxidants are also linked to lower rates of degenerative diseases and certain cancers, and to more intense flavour — which may be why so many people say they prefer the taste of organic food.

Additionally, organic in Canada requires that fruits and vegetables are non-GMO — which means genetically modified organisms, or plants, animals or other organisms who have been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology — and animals are raised without the use of antibiotics. (14) (15)

Synthetic fertilizers are also prohibited in organic farming in Canada — which is not only good for us, it’s good for the environment. The manufacturing of synthetic fertilizers has a high carbon footprint — and those fertilizers are high in salts that kill or inhibit soil microbes. Nitrogen fertilizers interact with soil microbes in a way that causes the release of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2! (16)

14 https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/what-is-gmo/
15 https://acornorganic.org/eatorganic/organic-is-health-conscious
16 https://cog.ca/article/what-is-regenerative-agriculture/
17 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-C1v2MlkD58oo75tkoWZPHHWQtBm1VKD/view (“Consumer Habits Beyond Price”)

4. True or False: Organic farming and regenerative farming mean the same thing.

True

False

That’s incorrect. While both have many benefits for the environment, they are two distinct practices.

Organic farming — as defined in the Canadian Organic Standards — is an integrated system, designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of communities within the agro-ecosystem — that includes everything from soil organisms to plants, livestock and people. The main goal of organic production is to develop farming operations that are sustainable and supportive of the environment. (22)

Regenerative farming on the other hand has no single definition — but most regenerative producers work under the goal of regenerating and improving the soil and other aspects of the agricultural system, including providing habitat for soil life, improving levels of soil organic matter, and enhancing biodiversity. (23)

The key distinction between organic and regenerative farming is that while organic farming is a regulated and certified practice, there are no regulations or formal standards for regenerative farming in Canada — meaning it cannot yet be enforced. (24)

There is a third, recently emerging practice, called regenerative organic farming — which seeks to marry organic standards in farming with regenerative practices that demonstrates how the farmer goes above and beyond to make quality products. (25)

22 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/
23 https://www.cog.ca/sustainable-development-goals/how-can-regenerative-organic-agriculture-help-canada/
24 https://organiccouncil.ca/whats-the-difference-between-organic-and-regenerative-agriculture-or-is-there-one/
25 https://organiccouncil.ca/whats-the-difference-between-organic-and-regenerative-agriculture-or-is-there-one/

That’s correct. While both have many benefits for the environment, they are two distinct practices.

Organic farming — as defined and regulated by the Canadian Organic Standards — is an integrated system, designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of communities within the agro-ecosystem — that includes everything from soil organisms to plants, livestock and people. The main goal of organic production is to develop farming operations that are sustainable and supportive of the environment. (18)

Regenerative farming on the other hand has no single definition — but most regenerative producers work under the goal of regenerating and improving the soil and other aspects of the agricultural system, including providing habitat for soil life, improving levels of soil organic matter, and enhancing biodiversity. (19)

The key distinction between organic and regenerative farming is that while organic farming is a regulated and certified practice, there are no regulations or formal standards for regenerative farming in Canada — meaning it cannot yet be enforced. (20)

There is a third, recently emerging practice, called regenerative organic farming — which seeks to marry organic standards in farming with regenerative practices that demonstrates how the farmer goes above and beyond to make quality products. (21)

18 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/
19 https://www.cog.ca/sustainable-development-goals/how-can-regenerative-organic-agriculture-help-canada/
20 https://organiccouncil.ca/whats-the-difference-between-organic-and-regenerative-agriculture-or-is-there-one/
21 https://organiccouncil.ca/whats-the-difference-between-organic-and-regenerative-agriculture-or-is-there-one/

5. True or False: Pesticides are allowed in organic farming.

True

False

That’s not quite right. Persistent synthetic pesticides are not permitted under Canadian Organic Standards. (29)

Using pest control products is a last resort option in organic agriculture. Organic Production Systems — guidelines published by the Canadian General Standards Board — makes it clear that farmers or other growers need to enhance the health of the crop and use organic management practices, before reaching for a pest control product.

In addition to prohibiting the use of persistent pesticides, the Canadian Organic Standards also place limits on: (30)

● Synthetic macronutrient fertilizers (meaning fertilizers that use large amounts of chemical compounds plants need to help them thrive — resulting in plants that grow faster but are less healthy ); (31)
● Routine use of drugs, antibiotics or synthetic hormones;
● Animal cloning;
● Genetic engineering (also known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs);
● Sewage sludge;
● Irradiation (also known as ionizing radiation); and
● Artificial food colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives and many other processing aids and ingredients in processed foods.

29 https://www.cog.ca/faqs/ (Consumer “What do the standards say about pesticides?”)
30 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/
31 https://www.schilllandscaping.com/blog/organic-fertilizer-vs-synthetic-what-is-the-difference

That’s correct. Persistent synthetic pesticides are not permitted under Canadian Organic Standards. (26)

Using pest control products is a last resort option in organic agriculture. Organic Production Systems — guidelines published by the Canadian General Standards Board — makes it clear that farmers or other growers need to enhance the health of the crop and use organic management practices, before reaching for a pest control product.

In addition to prohibiting the use of persistent pesticides, the Canadian Organic Standards also place limits on: (27)

● Synthetic macronutrient fertilizers (meaning fertilizers that use large amounts of chemical compounds plants need to help them thrive — resulting in plants that grow faster but are less healthy ); (28)
● Routine use of drugs, antibiotics or synthetic hormones;
● Animal cloning;
● Genetic engineering (also known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs);
● Sewage sludge;
● Irradiation (also known as ionizing radiation); and
● Artificial food colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives and many other processing aids and ingredients in processed foods.

26 https://www.cog.ca/faqs/ (Consumer “What do the standards say about pesticides?”)
27 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/
28 https://www.schilllandscaping.com/blog/organic-fertilizer-vs-synthetic-what-is-the-difference

6. True or False: Organic standards in Canada only cover produce.

True

False

That’s incorrect. Canadian Organic Standards also cover animal livestock and their welfare.

Animal welfare is an important concern for organic farmers. In order to be certified organic, farmers must use natural breeding methods, minimize stress, prevent disease, eliminate the use of drugs and antibiotics, and maintain animal health and welfare. (35)

Organic farmers must accommodate the health and natural behaviour of animals in relation to their living conditions — including providing fresh air, sunlight and access to the outside, whenever weather conditions permit. (36)

If antibiotics are used to treat an animal that is sick (as farmers are not allowed to withhold treatment in order to maintain an animal’s organic status), meat from the animal won’t be sold as organic. Milk from the animal may be considered organic after a specified withdrawal period. (37)

35 https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2020/ongc-cgsb/P29-32-310-2020-eng.pdf
36 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/ (“How do organic farmers manage livestock?”)
37 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/ (“How do organic farmers manage livestock?”)

That’s correct. Canadian Organic Standards also cover animal livestock and their welfare.

Animal welfare is an important concern for organic farmers. In order to be certified organic, farmers must use natural breeding methods, minimize stress, prevent disease, eliminate the use of drugs and antibiotics, and maintain animal health and welfare. (32)

Organic farmers must accommodate the health and natural behaviour of animals in relation to their living conditions — including providing fresh air, sunlight and access to the outside, whenever weather conditions permit. (33)

If antibiotics are used to treat an animal that is sick (as farmers are not allowed to withhold treatment in order to maintain an animal’s organic status), meat from the animal won’t be sold as organic. Milk from the animal may be considered organic after a specified withdrawal period. (34)

32 https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2020/ongc-cgsb/P29-32-310-2020-eng.pdf
33 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/ (“How do organic farmers manage livestock?”)
34 https://www.cog.ca/about-organics/ (“How do organic farmers manage livestock?”)

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