NEWSBITES

BC campaign encourages consumers to think organic

• In September, the organic community, with support from the BC Ministry of Agriculture, unveiled a consumer education campaign that will help BC consumers identify organic products and understand the value behind the organic label.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s three-pillar approach to strengthen the awareness and reputation of BC’s organic foods – locally, across Canada and around the world.

Two-thirds of British Columbians already choose organic products weekly, however, consumer confusion remains about the standards and regulation that producers must meet to have the certified organic logo on their product.

“Not all food has the same impact on the world. We are encouraging consumers to Think Before They Eat and learn more about what the labels on their food mean,” stated Matthew Holmes, executive director of the Canada Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com/canada-ota)

Posters and postcards that invite you to Discover Organic in BC will be popping up in retailers and farmers’ markets across the province and more promotions will roll out through 2016.

“The organic industry is very important to British Columbia – both for the economy and specifically for the agriculture sector,” said BC Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick. “The majority of BC organic farms are family owned and operated and I encourage consumers to check out the incredible variety of organic products available throughout the province.”

“BC has a diverse and vibrant organic sector and this campaign invites consumers to discover and support local farms and foodmakers that are following organic practices,” said Jen Gamble, executive director of Operations from the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia.

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Source: The Canada Organic Trade Association: COTA is the membership-based trade association for the organic sector in Canada, representing growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and all points along the organic value chain. www.ota.com/canada-ota

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