Organic Food and Beverage Policy Update

BC Ministry of Agriculture

February 27, 2016 Susan Smith, BC Ministry of Agriculture

Email: Susan.L.Smith@gov.bc.ca

Purpose of Discussion • Mandate

• Leading up to change

• Update on Organic Policy

• Next Steps: September 2015 to October 2018

• Questions

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Minister’s Mandate • July 2015 Mandate Letter:

– Continue to execute Strong Economy, Secure Tomorrow commitments including:

– Work with the provincial organic farming sector to create a "Certified BC Organic" brand to market our locally produced organic foods

• Scope of policy work: – Organic food and beverages marketed only in BC

• Ongoing commitment: 2013 and 2014 Minister’s Mandate letter

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http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/ministries-organizations/premier-cabinet-mlas/minister-

letter/norm_letnick_mandate_letter.pdf

3 Pillar Approach

1. Work with organic sector to create a “BC Organic” brand.

2. Implement transitional programs that support farmers in becoming certified organic.

3. Create consumer confidence that “organic” agrifood products in the BC marketplace are certified.

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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 - Organic has a well developed local market and growth potential

• Support for policy shift from sector as indicated in 2015 survey results

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2015 Consultation

• Backgrounder

• Development of enforcement

• Suitable transition period

• Requirement for documentation verifying accredited certification

• Investigation of complaints

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2015 Consultation – Key Findings • Question 5: 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”.

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2015 Consultation – Key Findings

• Question 6: 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?

Impacts on Organic Operators

*total responses (positive & negative) = 116

No Impact 9%

General support 6%

Level playing field36%

Increase consumer confidence

36%

Do not support5%

Too costly7%

Do not want added bureaucracy

1%

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2015 Consultation – Key Findings

Transitioning

• Providing sufficient time to become certified prior to the requirement being put into effect.

• Business strategy programs providing funds and business advice on a plan to become certified.

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2015 Consultation – Key Findings

Barriers

• Return on investment for size of operation

• Costs of certification.

• Amount of paperwork

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Update on Organic Policy Scope:

• Organic food and beverages marketed only in BC

What:

• Fall 2018: All food and beverage products marketed in BC as “organic” must be certified through an accredited federal or provincial organization.

How:

• The Ministry intends to introduce a new regulation that restricts the use of “organic” in intra-provincial marketing.

• See Policy Intentions Paper for more information, posted at http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/organic-food-and-beverages 11

Transition

• Ministry will continue to work 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.

• Transition period will last approximately 3 years from 2015 to 2018.

• Changes will not be enforceable until Fall 2018

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Enforcement

• Producers and Processors will be required to maintain current proof of certification after new regulations are in force.

• Ministry is working on establishing the details through the Policy Working Group (Ministry and Industry representatives).

• Complaint based, Ministry led enforcement.

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Launch and Announcement • 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

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Initial Activities • COABC organized and led seminars on how to become

certified across the province.

• Public announcements: Comox Valley Farmers Market, Choices Markets, Globe and Mail insert, Organic Okanagan Festival in Kelowna.

• Organic Week launched the brand postcards and posters to create a "Certified BC Organic" brand to market our locally produced organic foods

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BC Certified Organic Brand Postcards

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BC Certified Organic Brand - Back of Postcard

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Next Steps: Sept 2015 to Oct 2018 1. Complete Phase II of Brand Campaign (Feb – June 2016)

2. Identify priorities in the Organic Sector TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE 3-YEAR CHANGE MANAGEMENT PLAN that will allow smooth transition period (market research, IT, outreach)

3. Continue to work with COABC to facilitate education, outreach and transitioning assistance

4. Finalize compliance and enforcement (to be ready for Oct 2018)

5. Participate where needed in legislative change process

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Bill 11

1. 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

2. Replaces: Food Products Standards Act, Agri-food Choice and Quality Act and Agricultural Produce Grading Act.

3. Will enable compliance and enforcement

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Questions?

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Susan Smith BC Ministry of Agriculture

Abbotsford, BC

Email: Susan.L.Smith@gov.bc.ca

Phone: 604-556-3087

AgriService BC

Have a question? Call or email, and a staff person will assist you.

Telephone: 1-888-221-7141

Email: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca