BC Ministry of Agriculture Organic Policy Update 2018
"Learn about the recent changes to organic labelling regulations in British Columbia, the reasons behind the update, and the impact on organic food and beverage producers. Find out how uncertified producers in BC marketing products as organic may face penalties following the new policy effective from September 1, 2018."
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Presentation Transcript
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. Provide details on the activities leading up to Sep 1 2018 when the policy went into effect. 2
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. 3
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 4
Leading up to BC Policy change 2009 Canada Organic Regime o Resulted in mandatory certification for organic products sold inter-provincially and internationally COTA - Market research published 2013 o BC has a well developed local market and growth potential Support for policy shift from sector as indicated in 2015 survey results 5
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 . 6
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? Impacts on Organic Operators Do not want added bureaucracy 1% No Impact 9% Too costly 7% General support 6% Do not support 5% Increase consumer confidence 36% Level playing field 36% *total responses (positive & negative) = 116 7
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. 8
2015 Consultation Key Findings Barriers Return on investment for size of operation Costs of certification Amount of paperwork 9
Ministers 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 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. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/ministries-organizations/premier-cabinet-mlas/minister- letter/norm_letnick_mandate_letter.pdf 10
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. 11
Activities: Sept 2015 to Oct 2018 1. Completed BC Organic Brand Campaign (Feb June 2016) 2. Identified priorities with the Organic Sector to allow for a smooth transition period (market research, IT, outreach) 3. Worked with COABC to facilitate education, outreach and transitioning assistance 4. Finalized compliance and enforcement 5. Continuing to participate where needed in legislative change process 12
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 13
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. 14
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 15
Questions? Emma Holmes BC Ministry of Agriculture Email: Emma.Holmes@gov.bc.ca Phone: (250) 241-2430 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 16
