At Yorkshire Valley Farms, organic protocols translate to chicken feed that’s all organic and free of antibiotics, genetically modified organisms, pesticides and herbicides, as well as birds that are raised in barns with significantly more living space than conventional farms
Source: 2017 COTA/Ipsos consumer survey
Canadians love their organics, with more than one in two consumers each week choosing to put organic products in their shopping cart.
While fruits and vegetables continue to be the most popular organic items on Canadians' grocery lists, these days, more and more shoppers are also making healthier choices when it comes to their meat and poultry.
"For most people, the entry point to organics is fruit and vegetables, followed by organic dairy," says Maureen Kirkpatrick, standards coordinator at The Big Carrot Natural Food Market, a worker-owned grocery retailer in Toronto. "As shoppers continue to integrate more organic choices into their lives, buying organic meat and poultry is a natural next step. This is a trend that continues to grow."
What's behind Canadians' growing interest in organic meat and poultry? Ms. Kirkpatrick points to a greater awareness of the health and social benefits of buying products from organic livestock.
"I think the main reasons people buy organic meat and poultry relate to the perceived health benefits as well as improved animal welfare," she says. "There have been numerous international studies in recent years confirming the benefits of organic meat and dairy, including a higher percentage of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help maintain and improve your health."
James Sculthorpe, president of Yorkshire Valley Farms, which produces organic poultry and eggs, highlights the general principles that govern organic agriculture in Canada: sustained and enhanced health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the planet; respect and support for living ecological systems and cycles; relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the environment and life opportunities; and responsible care that protects the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
To be certified organic, meat and poultry producers must follow these principles, which are set out clearly and enforced by the Canadian government, adds Mr. Sculthorpe.
"Organic agriculture is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency," he says. "The protocols are very clear and definite, and they are audited by a third party."
At Yorkshire Valley, these protocols translate to chicken feed that's all organic and free of antibiotics, genetically modified organisms, pesticides and herbicides, as well as birds that are raised in barns with significantly more living space than conventional farms and natural lighting that allows the birds more time to rest.
"A lot of poultry farms alter lighting in their barn because longer hours of light encourage birds to consume more feed so they get to market sooner," explains Mr. Sculthorpe. "Canada's organic standards require at least eight hours of rest every 24 hours."
Another compelling reason why Canadians are increasingly buying organic meat and poultry: these products simply taste better than their conventional counterparts, says Mr. Sculthorpe.
Ms. Kirkpatrick agrees.
"Our shoppers often comment about the difference in taste between organic and conventionally produced meat and poultry," she says. "And when you take into account all of the other benefits of organic agriculture, it's really easy to see why more Canadians are choosing organic products."
Provincial Legislation |
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anadian organic products sold internationally or interprovincially are subject to federal organic products regulations, which make certification by the Canada Organic Standard mandatory since 2009. While these regulations don’t apply to products that stay within a province, provincial governments are increasingly recognizing that clear provincial programs that support the federal law are benefiting consumers as well as organic farmers and producers. Provinces that require in-province certification are Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The British Columbia government will require all food and agricultural products marketed as organic in B.C. to be certified under either a provincial or national certification program beginning in 2018. The regulations in these provinces replicate the federal organic standards. A 2017 report titled The State of Organics, released by the Canada Organic Trade Association, makes a compelling case for the benefit of provincial regulation across the country, and especially in Ontario, the largest market for organics and home to the highest number of organic food processors. The Organic Council of Ontario is currently rallying to gather public support for provincial organic legislation. Please see organiccouncil.ca for more information on how to add your voice. |
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.