Research and statistics

Good news: Canada’s organic market continues to grow! There are a record number of certified organic producers across the country, and more consumers eating and using organic products than ever before.

Some key findings from these reports:

• Canada’s total organic market (including food and non-food items) is estimated at $6.936 billion, up from $5.4 billion in 2017
• Organic acreage in Canada now reaches 3.4 million acres and represents an estimated 3% of Canadian farmland
• The number of certified organic operators in Canada increased from 7,073 in 2018 to 7,500 in 2019
• Two-thirds of Canadian grocery shoppers are purchasing organics weekly
• British Columbia had 840,520 organic acres in 2018, up from 794,000 acres in 2017
• British Columbia had 998 organic operations in 2018, which includes crop producers, livestock producers, and processors

Organic Sector Research Development Program

The Organic Sector Development Program (OSDP) provided funding for organic research from 2002 until 2013. The OSDP is now concluded. The list of completed projects, along with final reports can be viewed here.

Organic research in Canada

UBC Centre for Sustainable Food Systems

An interdisciplinary and inclusive research hub for solutions to local and global food systems sustainability.

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

Facilitates and leads research and education supporting organic producers, consumers and other organic sector stakeholders.

Organic Science Cluster

Industry-supported research and development endeavours initiated by the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada in collaboration with the Organic Federation of Canada. The Organic Science Clusters are supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and many organic sector partners.

Canada Organic Trade Association

Works to provide in-depth background information and analysis on various segments of the Canadian organic sector.