Canada and the Mexico reach arrangement for trade of organic food

Feb 15, 2023

Canada and Mexico have reached an arrangement for trade of organic food, recognizing the two national organic systems as equivalent. This arrangement will give Canadian families, shopping for organic food, more choices that meet Canada's high organic requirements and expand market access for the Canadian organic industry.

The Canada-Mexico Organic Equivalency Arrangement came into effect on February 15, 2023. It will allow products certified under the Canada Organic Regime or the Mexican organic system to be sold and labelled as organic in both countries.

The arrangement applies to agricultural and processed products of plant origin grown or produced within either country, livestock and livestock products produced in Canada, and organic products whose final processing or packaging occurs within either country. For example, this could include products like fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, poultry, dairy or egg products certified as organic in Canada.

Organic equivalency arrangements are part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to eliminate trade barriers and increase consumer access to a variety of organic foods.

Source : Canada.ca

Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.