Public Discussions on Ontario’s Organic Sector

 The following message is regarding Bill 153 ( The Organic Products Act) and how it has passed the second reading in the provincial legislature! The Bill was developed with a partnership with the Organic Council of Ontario (OCO), the association for organic businesses in Ontario. Please read the full details on the Bill here.

During Organic Day at Queen’s Park this past September, this Bill was introduced. It will now be going to committee and hopefully come up for third reading in the new year. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has also announced it will hold public discussions on the organic sector in the next few weeks. On Dec. 5, you can participate in person at an OMAFRA Field Office. On Dec. 7, you can participate online via webinar.

This is an opportunity to reaffirm support for organic and to let the Ministry know that we need consistent and long-term support. Beyond regulation, producers could benefit from help with transition and certification costs, education and extension programs and other resources. Details about the consultations are provided below.

Public Discussions on Ontario’s Organic Sector

OMAFRA is organizing public discussions on the future of the organic sector in Ontario. This event will be a chance to share your views on opportunities for continued growth of the organics industry and challenges that the industry faces. Your participation will also help our government better understand where potential exists for government and industry to work together to position the sector for continued growth.

Two options are available to participate:

Option 1 – In Person in OMAFRA Field Offices

Date: December 5, 2017, 9:30 to 11:30 am

Location: Please indicate in your response at which location you plan to attend

• Toronto
• Ridgetown
• Woodstock
• Brighton
• Kemptville
• Guelph
• Vineland
• Sturgeon Falls
• Sault Sainte Marie

Option 2 – Online via Webinar

Date: December 7, 2017, 9:30 to 10:30 am – English

December 7, 2017, 1:30 to 2:30 pm – French

Location: Online – further details to connect online will follow post-registration

OMAFRA asks that only one person per business attends the discussions. Please RSVP or call 1-877-424-1300 to confirm your participation and preferred date and option. Please also copy sana@organiccouncil.ca or call (519) 827-1221 to let OCO know you will attend!