Transitioning to Organic: A Risk-Based Analysis

Transitioning to Organic

Between 2016 and 2018, COG worked with industry members from the Organic Value Chain Roundtable and with consultants Seracon and Group Agéco on a cross-Canada research project to better understand the risks and barriers preventing farmers from transitioning to organic production.

Market research showed that Canadians wanted organic products and that concern about agriculture’s impact on the land and environment was driving this demand. However, increasing demand is not being matched by domestic supply, and Canadian farmers struggle to benefit from the market opportunities of transitioning to organic production. This inability to take advantage of the “organic opportunity,” means Canadian consumers fail to find Canadian organic products in our grocery stores, and Canada fails to capitalize on the environmental benefits of increased organic practices.

So, what are the barriers?

This is the question that drove COG to commission this study. We recognized early on that identifying the risks and barriers facing transitioning farmers would be critical to understanding what Canada needs to enable a competitive and innovative organic industry. If we want a clear path forward, we need to know where we are starting from.

The project included an in-depth review of transition literature, case-studies with producers in various commodities, focus groups with producers in regions across Canada and two provincial program evaluations. We hope that this report will be a resource for future projects and/or studies looking to remove existing barriers and strengthen Canada’s organic sector.

Deliverables

Transitioning to Organics: A Risk Based Analysis

The Canadian Organic Growers commissioned the present report to examine the risks and costs of transitioning to organic crop and livestock production. The project team developed this detailed report and a referral tool informed by a literature review, on-farm case studies, and focus groups held across Canada.

On-farm visits provided insight into a number of risks that had not necessarily been identified in literature review as being significant but were considered major obstacles or risks by the farmers interviewed. Wider input on those risks was then received from a larger sample of Canadian organic growers through a series of eight focus groups held across the country.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the project team for their work on this initiative, to the Government of Canada for the funding that made this project possible, and to our members and donors whose continued support allows us to continue working on behalf of Canadian farmers and consumers. We could not have done it without you!

Infographics

Top 3 Motivating Factors For Transitioning

These are the top three factors motivating Canadian farmers to transitions to organic production:

Access to Expanding Markets
The respondents made it very clear that there was a market opportunity for producers to grow organically produced fruits and vegetables. The magnitude of demand for organic produce is not currently being fulfilled and has created an opportunity for certified organic growers.
Potential to Increase Profits
This is seemingly linked with the primary motivating factors of increasing market opportunities.
Farm Sustainability
Being able to produce fruits and vegetables for generations to come. There was the strong belief that producing fruits and vegetables organically was the right way to farm and would allow them to farm for many years to come.

Top 5 Key Risks of Transitioning

These are the top five risks impeding Canadian farmers from transitioning to organic production:

Non-Allowable Inputs
A lack of clarity on inputs allowed for organic certification may lead to a crop being certified.
Few Buyers
Growers relying initially on a single buyer may lose their market if the purchasing business fails. The anticipated organic market premiums may not come to fruition.
Understanding of the Certification Process
A grower may not be able to access resources required to successfully navigate the certification process, including selection of the certifying body.
Record Keeping
Insufficient or inaccurate records may lead to a crop not being certified. The burden of record-keeping may lead to a grower not completing transition process.
Weed Management
A grower may not be able to access the resources required to adequately maintain control of weeds and other pests.

Transitioning to Organic

Vegetable Producers

Top 3 Concerns of Producers Considering Transition

Certification Process
Economic Viability
Assurance in Price

Top 3 Actual Obstacles Faced During Transition

Controlling Insects
Controlling Weeds
Understanding the Organic Certification Requirements

Dairy Producers

Top 4 Concerns of Producers Considering Transition

Certification Process
Milk Yield
Assurance in Milk Quality
Funding Required to Sustain the Transition

Top 4 Actual Obstacles Faced During Transition

Record Keeping
Finding Technical Expertise
Cost of Organic Inputs
Understanding the Organic Certification Requirements

Recommendations

From Transitioning to Organic: A Risk-Based Analysis

  1. Support Active Extension
  2. Clarity on Inputs
  3. Uniformity of Process
  4. Learn from Success
  5. Foster Value Added Supply Chains
  6. Transition Programs

Risks to Transition: To Organic Agriculture