Q&A with Helen Long, president of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA)
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What do you see as the main reasons why organic products are gaining popularity?
There are many reasons Canadians choose to buy organic, but two of them stand out. Firstly, there is growing consumer awareness and concern for the use of synthetic herbicides and insecticides used in conventional farming. Shopping for foods that have been produced while following Canada's strict organic standards can significantly reduce our exposure to these materials. Secondly, Canadians are keeping in mind how their decisions impact the environment and the community around us – and by buying organic food, they are saying no to putting more of these residues into our soil, air and water.
How does the Canada Organic logo inspire consumer confidence?
Products labelled with the Canada Organic logo must be made up of at least 95 per cent organic ingredients, and have to be certified. This gives shoppers the confidence in knowing that the products they buy have maintained and protected their organic integrity through the supply chain from farm to fork. The logo also symbolizes that the product has been produced following Canada's world-recognized organic standards. Strict limits and prohibitions are in place on the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, the routine use of drugs, antibiotics or synthetic hormones, animal cloning, GMOs and more. Our national standards also forbid the use of artificial food colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, and other processing aids and ingredients commonly found in processed foods, making the Canada Organic certification the most heavily regulated food system in Canada.
Non-organic food and product prices often overlook environmental, social and nutritional impacts of low-cost options. What is the value of organic in that regard?
Organic farmers are required to manage the land and life around water systems very carefully, and are inspected annually. By not using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming is also less harmful on our precious water reserves. More energy is used to produce synthetic, fossil-fuel-based fertilizers than to cultivate and harvest crops or to transport food. Canadian studies have shown that organic farming practices can use as little as half the energy of other farming methods, while also helping to improve the nutrient density of the soil. In addition, the Census of Agriculture has shown that organic farming families earn, on average, more from their farms than the conventional Canadian farm does – and they employ more people per farm, too.
How does Canada's organic community embrace Organic Week?
Organic Week is a celebration across Canada, and many retailers, farmers and more are excited to participate every year. This community embraces Organic Week by inviting everyone to join in on the celebrations, whether they shop organic regularly or are still new to the wide array of options available. If you're looking to join in on the celebrations, it's as easy as talking to the staff at your local CHFA member health food store about the certified organic options they have available. Often times when we think about going organic, we think about fresh fruits and vegetables, but Organic Week is also a time to look beyond the produce aisle. Consider stocking up on organic pantry staples such as sauces, canned goods, cereals and even spices.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.