What Does Certified Organic Mean?
Farmers may only label their product as Certified Organic if they have been produced according to a set of standards. These standards are developed and enforced by certifying bodies. In the Maritimes these certifying agencies include:
- Maritime Certified Organic Growers (MCOG)
- Organic Crop Improvement Association, (OCIA)
The standards include such items as:
- no use of genetically altered seed
- no exposure to synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides
- no use of hormones
- ethical treatment of animals.
These standards are monitored by a yearly independent inspection and peer review.
Certified organic farmers make a commitment to follow these standards which are beneficial to the health of the consumer, the environment and the economy of local communities.
