The review of the Canadian Organic Standards will be launched soon. This review is a very important activity for the Canadian sector as the standard is referenced by the Canadian Organic Products Regulations. More importantly, it defines the principles and accepted practices for organic production and guides the daily work of Canadian certified operators.
Because of funding cycles the whole review will have to be completed inside a two-year time frame; so time is precious and the sector has to start organizing itself. The Working Groups responsible for analyzing requests for amendments made by the sector are now being re-activated in order to launch the discussions about requests for amendments.
Are you interested in continuing your participation on a COS Review Working Group, or are you interested in applying to join a WG?
If yes, please contact the OFC, at info [at] organicfederation [dot] ca , 514-488-6192.
The basic Work Groups are:
- 32.310 Organic Standard: Crop WG, Livestock WG, and Processing WG
- 32.311 Permitted Substances List: PSL Crop WG, PSL Livestock WG, and PSL Processing WG
Organic related skills and expertise wanted:
- Organic farming or processing
- Materials/Chemical substances
- Veterinary medicine/nutrition and supplements
- Apiary
- Environmental
- Animal welfare
Participation in Working Groups is voluntary and not paid; the WG meetings are held by toll-free teleconference.
Time commitment: Up to one 2hour call every second week, depending on need.
The Chairs of the WGs will coordinate the work and agenda of the meetings and CGSB will provide secretarial assistance. Working Group Chairs selection will be finalized for each WG once funding is secured. Payment of honorarium for WG Chairs is currently depending on the approval of an OFC application for funding under an AAFC program.
You don’t have to be a member of the Technical Committee (CGSB Committee on Organic Agriculture) to participate to the WG meetings. The CGSB is responsible for re-establishing the Technical Committee and will do so once the review workplan will be finalized.
Do not hesitate to contact OFC if you need additional information! Your participation in the COS review is important!
514-488-6192