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An Update on the Canadian Organic Regulatory System. By Simon Weseen University of Saskatchewan. Outline. System at present Action plan of the ORC Overview of the proposed system of the ORC. The System at Present. Voluntary national standard ratified by SCC in April 1999
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An Update on the Canadian Organic Regulatory System By Simon Weseen University of Saskatchewan
Outline • System at present • Action plan of the ORC • Overview of the proposed system of the ORC
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
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
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
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
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
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
Other Highlights • Standard legislated under Canadian Agricultural Products Act • Federal gov’t will • Seek equivalency • Perform import control • Enforcement
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?