FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has created new regulations to ensure all products labelled organic meet strict national standards.

"Consumers are increasingly interested in not only buying local, but organically produced food," said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. "With these new regulations, consumers looking to buy organic can make healthy, accurate and informed decisions without worrying that one vendor might define organically grown different than the next."

The new regulations were created at the request of organic producers around the province to bring New Brunswick regulations in line with national standards. The federal Organic Products Regulations came into effect in 2009 and made certification to the Canada Organic Standard mandatory for organic products being sold internationally or inter-provincially. However, products sold within provinces are not subject to these regulations. New Brunswick is the third province to regulate the organic market within its provincial borders along with Quebec and Manitoba.

"The New Brunswick organic sector is incredibly pleased with this regulation," said Tegan Renner, provincial coordinator for the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network. "Not only does it show great support for organic producers and processors in the province, but it also demonstrates significant leadership across the country. We are looking forward to reaching out to farmers, retailers, restaurants, markets and consumers to raise awareness about the regulations and to promote New Brunswick organics over the coming year in partnership with the department."

Producers seeking to label their products as organic and sell within the province must now obtain certification from a certification body that has been accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

"This regulation represents a big gain for both consumers and organic growers," said Mike Hadfield, co-owner of Bantry Bay Farm near Saint Andrews and co-chair of the NB Organic Committee. "As an organic farmer who has put both time and money into certification, I now know that the term organic is protected anywhere I sell in the province. Consumers can be confident that all products labeled organic have gone through the rigours of certification."

Consumers should check for either the Canada Organic logo or ask a farmer to see a copy of the product's organic certificate.

LINK:

●    Organic Production Regulations

16-06-14