British Columbia’s Thriving Organic Market Captured in New Report

[Vernon, BC, September 13, 2022] – Organic BC, in collaboration with the Canada Organic Trade Association, has released an updated analysis of British Columbia’s organic market: The Organic Market – British Columbia 2021. Using leading market research, the publication details the high demand for organic products in BC and offers a comprehensive look at organic sales, consumer trends and opportunities.

“Organic producers can be proud of participating in a growing sector, particularly when agriculture has faced many challenges in recent years,” said Eva-Lena Lang, Organic BC Executive Director. “Backed by strong principles, including building and maintaining soil health, and a certification program that ensures consumer trust, the organic sector continues to increase resilience and diversity in the food system.”

Key findings:

• In 2020, the market for organic food and beverages in BC reached an estimated $508.1 million, showing 15.6% year-to-year growth since 2017
• Consumers in BC continue to show a strong commitment to organic food, with 68% of grocery shoppers purchasing organic groceries weekly in 2020
• Organic fruit and vegetables are the second largest category of organic purchasing in BC, followed by dairy products
• Direct-to-consumer channels (such as farmers’ markets, Community Supported Agriculture [CSA], and farm stands) continue to grow significantly at the provincial level, with 39% of organic consumers choosing these locations for their grocery shopping
• While organic purchasing remains largely driven by health benefits, purchasing is also motivated by environmentally conscious consumers who want to thrive in a healthy environment by supporting environmental sustainability within the agri-food sector
• Shoppers in BC reported the second highest level of trust in the Canada Organic certification amongst all provinces

“Organic growers are a big part of our agricultural industry here in BC,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “It’s important that we continue to champion our vibrant organic sector and help them successfully grow, as they provide delicious, nutritious food for British Columbians while strengthening our provincial food system and local food economies.”

“Market share for BC organic products continues to increase year-to-year thanks to the sector’s well-earned reputation and commitment to producing high-quality, nutritious foods,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “The sector should be proud of their accomplishments and contributions to helping build a resilient food system in the province.”

For additional insights into BC’s flourishing organic market, view the full report at: organicbc.org/organic-market-2021

Media Contact

Please contact Eva-Lena Lang, Organic BC Executive Director, at 250-260-4429 or ed@organicbc.org.

About Organic BC

Organic BC is growing the organic movement in British Columbia from the ground up. Our grassroots network of organic certifiers, farmers, processors and consumers is working to build healthy soil, ecosystems, people and communities. Together, we’re raising the standards for organic agriculture and transforming agriculture’s impact on the planet.

Funding for this report has been provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.