Description and Principles of Organic Production from Canada’s National Organic Standard:
Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment. Organic production is based on principles that support healthy practices. These principles aim to increase the quality and durability of the environment through specific management and production methods. They also focus on ensuring the humane treatment of animals. The general principles of organic production include the following:
- Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity, and promote a sound state of health.
- Maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing biological activity within the soil.
- Maintain biological diversity within the system.
- Recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise.
- Provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioural needs of livestock.
- Prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing and handling methods, in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production.
- Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems.
Organic Production Systems General Principles and Management Standards, CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. Gatineau , PQ : Canadian General Standards Board, September 2006.
Canada’s National Organic Standard has been in place since 1999. It was updated in September 2006. The standard details the minimum requirements for the production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing of organic products in Canada.
The Canadian Organic Standards and Permitted Substances List can be found on the Federal Government's Canadian General Standard Boards' website.
For more information on the Canadian Organic Standards (COS) which came into effect on June 30, 2009, please visit COG's explanatory page.
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