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Objective

Organic Food and Beverage Policy Update BC Ministry of Agriculture October 2 , 2018 Emma Holmes, BC Ministry of Agriculture Emma.Holmes@gov.bc.ca. Objective. Describe the recent changes to organic labelling regulations in BC and the reasons behind the change.

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Objective

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  1. Organic Food and BeveragePolicy UpdateBC Ministry of AgricultureOctober 2, 2018Emma Holmes, BC Ministry of AgricultureEmma.Holmes@gov.bc.ca

  2. Objective • Describe the recent changes to organic labelling regulations in BC and the reasons behind the change. • Provide details on the activities leading up to Sep 1 2018 when the policy went into effect.

  3. Update on Organic Policy Scope: Organic food and beverages marketed in BC What: As of Sept 1: All food and beverage products marketed in BC as “organic” must be certified through an accredited federal or provincial organization. How: The Ministry introduced a new regulation that restricts the use of “organic” in intra-provincial marketing. Uncertified producers in the province marketing their food or beverage products as “organic” will face the possibility of penalties, including a $350 fine.

  4. Leading up to BC Policy change Why Change the labelling System? • Misrepresentation of “organic” by non-certified farmers is common in BC • Consumers are confused about what the word “organic” means • Currently, it is very difficult for consumers to tell the difference between certified organic and non-certified products

  5. Leading up to BC Policy change • 2009 Canada Organic Regime • Resulted in mandatory certification for organic products sold inter-provincially and internationally • COTA - Market research published 2013 • BC has a well developed local market and growth potential • Support for policy shift from sector as indicated in 2015 survey results

  6. 2015 Consultation – Key Findings • As a non-certified organic operator in BC, please indicate whether you intend to become certified should the Province of BC choose to regulate the term “organic”.

  7. 2015 Consultation – Key Findings • Asked to identify any positive or negative impacts to your operation should the Province of BC choose to regulate the term “Organic” in British Columbia?

  8. 2015 Consultation – Key Findings Transitioning • Providing sufficient time to become certified prior to the requirement being put into effect. • Business strategy programsproviding funds and business advice on a plan to become certified.

  9. 2015 Consultation – Key Findings Barriers • Return on investment for size of operation • Costs of certification • Amount of paperwork

  10. Minister’s Mandate • July 2015 Mandate Letter: • Work with the provincial organic farming sector to create a "Certified BC Organic" brand to market our locally produced organic foods Three Pillar Approach • Work with organic sector to create a “BC Organic” brand. • Implement transitional programs that support farmers in becoming certified organic. • Create consumer confidence that “organic” agrifood products in the BC marketplace are certified. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/ministries-organizations/premier-cabinet-mlas/minister-letter/norm_letnick_mandate_letter.pdf

  11. Transition • Ministry worked with the organic sector to build the BC Certified Organic brand, and where possible, provide programs to assist producers and processors with the transition process. - ex. Organic Online System • Transition period was approximately 3 years from 2015 to 2018.

  12. Activities: Sept 2015 to Oct 2018 • Completed BC Organic Brand Campaign (Feb – June 2016) • Identified priorities with the Organic Sector to allow for a smooth transition period (market research, IT, outreach) • Worked with COABC to facilitate education, outreach and transitioning assistance • Finalized compliance and enforcement • Continuing to participate where needed in legislative change process

  13. Launch of Organic Webpage • Launch of updated BCAGRI website with new organics webpages.http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/organic-food-and-beverages

  14. Enforcement • Producers and processors will be required to maintain current proof of certification now that new regulation is in force. • Complaint based, Ministry led enforcement. • Complaints lodged through AgriServiceBC and then followed up by an enforcement officer. • Enforcement Officer empowered to issue tickets of up to $350.

  15. Bill 11 • Food and Agricultural Products Classification Act https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/legislation-debates-proceedings/40th-parliament/5th-session/bills/first-reading/gov11-1 • Replaces: Food Products Standards Act, Agri-food Choice and Quality Act and Agricultural Produce Grading Act. • Will enable compliance and enforcement

  16. Questions? Emma Holmes BC Ministry of AgricultureEmail:Emma.Holmes@gov.bc.ca Phone: (250) 241-2430 AgriServiceBC Have a question?  Call or email, and a staff person will assist you. Telephone:  1-888-221-7141 Email: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca

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