1. An Update on the Canadian Organic Regulatory System
By Simon Weseen
University of Saskatchewan

2. Outline System at present Action plan of the ORC
Overview of the proposed system of the ORC

3. The System at Present
Voluntary national standard ratified by SCC in April 1999
Covers all of organic agriculture (seed to plate)
Owned by CGSB
Accreditation carried out by SCC
Other standards
Quebec, BC
System is perceived to be inefficient
Access, protection, consumer confusion

4. What is Being Done?
Pressure on the gov’t from industry to implement a mandatory national standard
Formation of ad hoc Organic Regulatory Committee (ORC)
Mandate: Working with the federal gov’t, design and implement and organic regulatory system for Canada

5. ORC Action Plan
Develop consensus within ORC about regulation (ideal system)
Finalize revisions of Canadian Organic Standard
Required to apply to Europe
Complete EU Submission
3rd country list, current system, future system
Consultation with Canadian Organic Sector
Develop Phase two plan of implementation

6. Consultation with Industry Includes…….
Workshop in Ottawa
Development of proposal for “ideal system” based on workshop
AAFC/CFIA/ORC Consultations in Guelph
Regional Consultations
Regina, other locations
Completion of document outlining consultation process and results to AAFC/CFIA

7. What has been Completed to Date?
Version 1 of a report outlining the ORC’s “ideal system”
3rd revision of Canadian national organic standard
Hull meeting in Jan
Dialogue with EU pertaining to application for 3rd country status
Implementation is scheduled to occur once feedback has been obtained
Process will likely take 2 years

8. Current Proposed System by ORC (Version 1)
Definite Requirements
Mandatory standard
Affordable
Compliant with Canadian federal system
Shared federal/provincial responsibility
Mutual recognition agreements
An optional national symbol for marketing

9. Other Highlights
Standard legislated under Canadian Agricultural Products Act
Federal gov’t will
Seek equivalency
Perform import control
Enforcement

10. Highlights cont’d A Permanent advisory body will be formed
Standard revision, regulatory changes
Certifiers will maintain current roles but will be required to obtain accreditation to our national standard.
Other details?