AAFC – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – A division of the Federal Government which works with farmers and food producers to support the growth and development of the agriculture and agri-food sector through research, technology advancement, and policy develop and program delivery.

• OVCRT – Organics Value Chain Roundtable – A task force within Agriculture and Agri-food Canada responsible for creating consensus on how to improve the performance and profitability of the organic sector. The OVCRT is composed of members from each commodity group within the Canadian organic value chain.

CFIA – Canadian Food Inspection Agency – the regulatory body that oversees, monitors and enforces the requirements of the Canada Organic Regime.

• CVBs – Conformity Verification Bodies – An organization that has been designated by the CFIA to accredit and monitor certification bodies
• CBs – Certification Bodies – An organization accredited by a CVB and the CFIA to certify agricultural products as organic in accordance with the Canada Organic Regime for market both inside and outside Canada. In BC there are also regionally accredited CBs delivering the BCCOP regional certification.
• COR – Canada Organic Office – a section within the CFIA that implements the Canada Organic Regime.

CGSB – Canadian General Standards Board – a federal government organization that administers the process by which the Canadian Organic Standards are developed and maintained.

SIC – Standards Interpretation Committee – an advisory body developed by the CFIA and the Organic Federation of Canada that provides binding interpretations of the standards.

COG – Canadian Organic Growers – COG is a registered national charity focused on resilient agriculture. COG is engaged in organic education, policy work and sector development at the local, regional and national level. They promote the value and integrity of organic methods to help ensure the future of organic production.

OFC – Organic Federation of Canada – a national organization which represents the organic sector to the federal Government on matters of regulation of the industry. The OFC is responsible for naming the members of the Standards Interpretation Committee.

OACC – Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada – a national research organization that serves the organic sector through science and education. Based out of Dalhousie University in Truro, Nova Scotia.

COTA – Canada Organic Trade Association – a national organization that works with legislators on decisions that affect the organic sector, conducts research on organic market trends, and promotes export and trade of Canadian organic products.