COR Conformity Verification Body meeting in Ottawa

The COABC is a Conformity Verification Body (CVB) that has been designated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). As a CVB, we have an agreement with the CFIA under subsection 14(1) of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act to assess, recommend for accreditation, and monitor certification bodies.

On Nov. 21st and 22nd, our Accreditation Director, Maureen Loft, attended the annual Canada Organic Regime (COR) CVB meeting at the CFIA Headquarters in Ottawa.

The CFIA is the scheme owner of the COR and this meeting was an opportunity for the CVBs to meet with the CFIA to calibrate and share knowledge about the COR scheme and associated standards (Canada Organic Standard CAN-CGSB-32.310-2015, CAN-CGSB-32.311-2015, and the new CAN-CGSB-32.312-2018 for aquaculture).

Specific topics at this meeting included:

• Developing a non-compliance and enforcement flowchart that all CFIA designated CVBs will apply
• Interpretation and application of the CAN-CGSB-32.312-2018 standard for aquaculture
• Discussion of proposed updates to the COR Operating Manual

The COABC has also engaged in some exciting collaboration opportunities with the other CVBs to improve and advance the delivery of the COR program, including harmonizing processes and developing tools to improve oversight at the CVB as well as the CB and operator levels. These efforts will build on the work the CFIA has been doing with industry groups and other key stakeholders in the organic industry to enhance the effectiveness and delivery of the COR scheme.