What is organic?

Organic is a term used to describe food that is produced without the use of artificial fertilizers, chemicals or herbicides.

Organic production protects the environment, promotes stewardship of the land and offers a sustainable approach to farming. The ultimate goal is the production of a high quality product that is healthy and tastes good.

Organic livestock and poultry are raised in a low stress environment in which animals have access to pasture. Animals are raised without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics and are fed only certified organic feed.

What does the transition period mean?

A minimum time period is required to make the necessary transition from conventional farming to organic farming. For the production of crops, this land must have had no prohibited substances applied to it for a period of 36 months. Interested producers should contact a certifying body. For a directory of certifying bodies in Alberta, please visit http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app68/organics

What is an audit trail?

An audit trail is a paper trail maintained by a producer/processor that ensures there is integrity of the organic product from the field to storage, processing, transportation, labeling and sales of the product. Some organic certifiers will provide sample forms of the records that must be maintained as part of your paperwork.

What does the certified organic label mean?

The certified organic label is the assurance that a product has been produced in accordance with adherence to a specific organic standard.

An annual inspection is performed to ensure an audit trail is in place and there is compliance to the standard.

There are strict labeling requirements in place. An organic certification body must approve label content and all provincial and/or federal labeling requirements must be followed.