202-3002 32nd Ave, Vernon BC Canada V1T 2L7
info@certifiedorganic.bc.ca
Organic BC offers two accreditation programs for certification bodies (CBs): BC Certified Organic Program (BCCOP) and Canada Organic Regime (COR).
The British Columbia Certified Organic Program is an agri-food quality program sanctioned by the Government of British Columbia through the Organic Certification Regulation under the Food and Agricultural Products Classification Act. Organic BC is designated as the provincial program administrator, working closely with ministry staff in monitoring the program’s credibility and acceptance in domestic markets.
Program administration activities are focused on auditing certification bodies for compliance and administering the use of the program’s official mark, which comprises the phrase “British Columbia Certified Organic” and its accompanying symbol.
The BCCOP scheme allows certification bodies to certify operators throughout the province. CBs accredited exclusively for the BCCOP may not certify operators who export or sell products outside of BC, including selling their product as inputs for products that will be certified to the Canada Organic Regime (COR).
The BCCOP Low-Risk scheme allows certification bodies to develop and implement a low-risk certification program for operators who meet Low Risk criteria as defined under the BCCOP. If an operator meets criteria, the CB may reduce the frequency of inspections to a 3-year period. CBs may not certify operators who export or sell products outside of BC, including selling their product as inputs for products that will be certified to the Canada Organic Regime(COR) under the BCCOP Low-Risk scheme.
The BCCOP Equivalent scheme allows certification bodies who are accredited under the COR program to permit the use of the BCCOP official mark outside of the province. This scheme functions in tandem with the COR accreditation program.
Organic BC is one of only three conformity verification bodies (CVB) recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). A CVB is an organization that has an agreement with the CFIA under subsection 14(1) of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act to assess, monitor and recommend certification bodies for accreditation under the Canada Organic Regime (COR) – the national organic program. The CFIA is the competent authority providing oversight to the system.
The Canadian Safe Food for Canadians Regulation requires mandatory certification to the Canada Organic Regime (COR) for agricultural products represented as organic in international and inter-provincial trade.
Complete details about the COR can be found on the CFIA website.
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