202-3002 32nd Ave, Vernon BC Canada V1T 2L7
info@certifiedorganic.bc.ca
As part of a larger movement working towards a healthy world, Organic BC co-creates a more sustainable, diverse and resilient food system.
In the spirit of collaboration, we enact leadership that upholds the integrity of the organic standards while celebrating continuous improvement in our organization and in the organic sector.
With much gratitude to a visionary group of BC farmers who advocated for organic standards at the provincial and national levels, the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) formed as a non-profit society in 1993.
As a leading voice for organics in BC, the COABC was instrumental in developing the national organic standards. It also generated a network of farmers, ranchers, processors, and consumers that have been working together to sustain healthy ecosystems, build fair relationships, and recognize the complexity and interconnectedness of the world we live in.
Acknowledging the collective roots of the COABC, we are now operating as Organic BC and continue to celebrate, champion and advocate for the organic community and a resilient organic sector in British Columbia.
In a growing sector with over 600 organic producers in BC—constituting 11% of Canadian organic producers—Organic BC is tasked with network and partnership development, sector advocacy, education/extension services, and accreditation. As a designated administrator of the BC Certified Organic Program, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, rigorous verification, inspection, and assurance practices are the foundation of Organic BC.
Toward an organic British Columbia
To cultivate a resilient organic movement in British Columbia
Supportive: We support and advocate for the organic sector.
Transparent: We demonstrate accountability and act with integrity.
Respectful: We consider the needs of all those in the food/agricultural system, and work to include them in our deliberations.
Forward-Looking: We work to build a resilient future for the organic sector.
Innovative: We develop new and creative paths for continuous improvement in our organization and the organic sector.
Collaborative: We work with each other, government, and other organizations to maximize impact.
Principle of Health: Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the planet as one and indivisible.
Principle of Ecology: Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
Principle of Fairness: Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.
Principle of Care: Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
Funding for Organic BC’s website and online tools has been provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
