Advocate
Organic Standards Review
Maintaining the Canadian Organic Standards is critically important for the integrity of the organic claim. These standards evolve as the sector grows, and OCO remains involved in the evolutionary process. OCO represents Ontario’s organic sector to the Organic Federation of Canada. To do so effectively, we continually seek feedback and recommendations on changes to the standards through our website and E-News.
Canadian Organic Standards and Feedback
Exploring Key Issues in the 2020 Organic Standards Review: #YourStandardsYourSay
Government & Policy
We foster a healthy rapport with public figures and members of government to encourage legislative action and policy development. We often provide solutions to decision makers on key issues that impact the organic sector in Ontario. Using member feedback and consultation, we prepare positions in the form of backgrounders, policy updates, news releases, and briefs that are shared with our members and government representatives.
Connect
The Ontario Organic Directory
We've developed an online resource of certified organic operators in Ontario! You can search by location, product, address, or company name, or filter to a specific category. To be included in the directory, you must be either a Basic Member of OCO (certified organic in Ontario) or a Supporting Member.
Events
We organize and participate in events that connect members of the industry and help organic operators build strong networks within the province. Our events are a chance for members to market their products, and work with legislators to make their ideas heard. They are also a way to connect organic consumers with producers, and spread the word about organic in Ontario. You can find out about upcoming events here.
Ontario Organic Day at Queen's Park
Guelph Organic Conference
AGM
Partnerships
The goal of promoting and protecting Ontario’s organic businesses is shared by many organizations. OCO is unique in that it spans the entire sector, from farmers and producers to distributors, businesses, and other organizations that represent and promote organic in Ontario. These groups also work to support a local, healthy and sustainable food system. We’ve developed strong connections with them due to their similar scope.
Organic Federation of Canada (OFC)
Canadian Organic Growers (COG)
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA)
Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO)
Farmers for Climate Solutions
Grow
Current Projects
We pursue projects that contribute to our mission of growing Ontario's organic sector and strengthening the organic brand. To receive regular updates about our current projects and plans, sign up for our e-newsletter.
The Ontario Organic Knowledge Hub
Regenerative Programs & Incentives Feasibility Study
Ontario Organic Regulation
Industry Research
We work with Ontario universities to connect researchers with organic industry and assess agricultural and horticultural needs. We meet with researchers from Ontario universities and the Organic Value Chain Roundtable on an ongoing basis to share findings and set new directions.
Scholars seeking direction or input on their organic research are encouraged to contact us for ideas, or to be connected with similar professionals.
Ontario Agriculture College
Organic Science Cluster (OACC)
New Directions Research (2012)
The Research Shop Partnership (2013)
Building Ontario’s Organic Brand
Ontario’s organic sector is growing. OCO works to build a voice for this emerging and innovative sector and to create a strong Ontario organic brand. Ontario is home to some extremely successful organic entrepreneurs, and we strive to support them. We also work to ensure that consumers, researchers, and other stakeholders have access to information about organic food, certification, regulation, and agriculture in the Ontario context.