Category: Uncategorized

The 2025 Certification Assistance Rebate Program was administered by the PEI Certified
Organic Producers Cooperative (COPC) on behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island
through the Organic Industry Development Program (OIDP).

The program provides partial reimbursement of annual organic certification costs for certified and in-transition producers. In 2025, Prince Edward Island had twenty (20) certified organic farms, eighteen (18) of which participated.

Program Highlights (2025)
● Total certified organic farms in PEI: 20
● Participating farms: 18
● Participation rate: 90%
● Total certified acreage represented: 6,147.6 acres
● Total certification fees paid (participants): $42,585.90
● Total rebate funding distributed: $13,287.91
● Average certification cost per farm: $2,365.88
● Average rebate per farm: $738.22
● Farms receiving the maximum rebate: 16 of 18 (89%)

These figures reflect strong participation and continued reliance on the program as a
component of farm financial planning for organic operations.

Participating farms represent a broad cross-section of production systems, including grains and oilseeds, forage, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, and livestock.

Historical data indicates a decline in participating farms since 2016 alongside significant
increases in certification costs.

While structured as a 75% reimbursement up to $750, rising certification costs mean the rebate now offsets approximately 31% of average certification costs.

The program provides meaningful financial support while reinforcing verified organic
production and market integrity within the province.

View the Full Report in a PDF format here.

After a period of quiet, the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (COPC) is entering a new chapter. Over the past few years, our cooperative has faced financial and organizational challenges that made it difficult to maintain the presence and activity our members expect.

Rather than rushing forward, our Board has taken this as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rebuild — carefully and intentionally. The result is a new Strategic Action Plan, developed with input from our members, partners, and community.

This plan focuses on stability, sustainability, and impact. Instead of trying to do everything, COPC will concentrate its energy on a small number of high-value activities:

• Hosting one strong, province-wide organic gathering each year.
• Strengthening partnerships with regional allies like ACORN.
• Advocating for organic producers and sustainable food systems on PEI.
• Rebuilding our governance and financial foundation for long-term stability.

We invite you to read the Strategic Action Plan and see the vision for COPC’s future:

👉 View the Complete Strategic Action Plan, Vision Companion Document, and Action Plan Matrix as a single PDF

This is a slow and steady rebuild — but we believe it’s the right one. COPC is small, but with focus and collaboration, we can play a vital role in supporting organic producers and strengthening PEI’s food system.

Stay tuned as we continue to share updates, opportunities to participate, and ways to reconnect with the organic community here on PEI.

📅 Date: March 28, 2025
📍 Location: City Cinema, Charlottetown
🕕 Time: Afternoon (exact time TBA)

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of connection, conversation, and community-building at the Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (COPC) Annual General Meeting & Film Screening Event, featuring a special National Farmers Union (NFU) “Depth of Field” film screening and panel discussion.

This year’s gathering is more than just an AGM—it’s a call to action for PEI’s organic farmers, food producers, and supporters to come together during these uncertain economic times.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow farmers, food advocates, and community members.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities facing PEI’s organic sector.
• Shape the future of COPC and help strengthen its role as a vital networking organization.
• Experience a special screening of Depth of Field—a powerful film series from the National Farmers Union that highlights the resilience and struggles of PEI farmers.

Now More Than Ever, We Need to Support Local Farmers

With increasing economic pressures and industry shifts, it’s more important than ever to build a strong, supportive community for organic farmers. This event is an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect.

📩 Mark your calendar and tell your friends!