What does Certified Organic mean? The term 'Certified Organic' can only be used by farmers to label their product if they produce the food according to a set of standards provided by the certifying body and pass an annual inspection by a trained independent inspector. The inspection process requires that the farmer have an audit trail of all of the crop inputs including the seeds.

Who Certifies The Organic Farm?

There are several certifying bodies in Canada at this time. All of the certifying groups have compatible standards. The Organic Farm is certified by: OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada, Inc. (Organic Crop Processes and Production/ Canada). OCPP requirements are compliant with Canadian Organic Standards, Quebec Organic Reference Standards and EEC (European) Regulation 2092/91 For more information, contact: OCPP, 1099 Monarch Rd. RR1, Lindsay, Ontario;
Toll Free Number: 1 877 867 4264

What do the standards include?

The standards include the prohibition of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and preservatives. They also prohibit genetically modified organisms, and genetically engineered seed or stock. Seeds are not yet strictly regulated because of viability.

Who does the inspection?

An independent inspector visits the farm to verify if the farmer understands and is following the standards. He examines the audit trail and producer number to ensure a produce can be traced to the producer who grew it and to the field records of how it is grown. The inspector’s report and accompanying documentation is studied by the certifying body, which then follows up with the Certificate of Organic Conformity or advises the farmer on any necessary changes or re-design which must take place in order to comply with certification standards. If a farmer has land which has been farmed with non-organic materials, he must re-design his production and follow practices for a transition period of three years, before applying for certification approval.

Organic Farm Certification Documents: