General - Questions and Answers Regarding National Standard on Organic Production Systems

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in partnership with the Organic Federation of Canada, has developed the Organic Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC). The objective of the Committee is to provide, to the Canada Organic Office, interpretive guidance on issues related to the National Standards for Organic Agriculture (CAN/CGSB 32.310 and CAN/CGSB 32.311).

These are the final answers to questions raised by organic stakeholders, regarding the National Standards for Organic Agriculture. Any further clarifications related to these questions and answers can be sent to the Canada Organic Office. The numbers found in brackets at the end of each question are reference numbers used by CFIA staff for tracking purposes. Please quote the reference number when sending in your query.

What level of GMO would be acceptable in seeds used for production under organic standards? Is it the responsibility of the operator or of the seed trader to check the GMO contamination of the seeds sold for organic production? (41)

Section 1.4.1 (a) prohibits the use of all materials produced through genetic engineering. Where there is a risk of contamination, the operator is responsible to document that GE materials are not used. (Section 4.4.) Testing is not mandatory although Certification Bodies have the discretion to test when fraud or contamination is suspected.

What would be the result of an unintended contamination of an organic livestock operation with a GM rabies vaccine? (52)

Section 9 of CAN/CGSB 32.310 (including the informative note) addresses the issue of emergency pest or disease treatment. The evaluation of compliance or non-compliance following this theoretical scenario would depend on;

1. the degree of contamination;
2. the precise nature of the contaminant;
3. the ability of the operator to identify and exclude affected animals.

In the case where there is a change in management control from one manager to another is a 12 month transition period necessary? (58)

A change in management control of an organic operation does not necessitate a 12 month transition period. It is a new operation that requires a minimum of 12 months of supervision by a CB, not a new operator.

In the case of contamination with a prohibited substance used in a government sponsored pest control program, what are the implications for organic operators regarding suspension of certification? (69)

The standard requires 36 months transition after the application of a prohibited substance by the operator (5.1.1 - 32.310). Unintended contact is covered under 5.1.4. Depending on the nature and extent of contamination, buffer strips around the contaminated zone and/or a transition period may be reasonable ways of maintaining the organic integrity. A prescriptive solution that applies universally to all cases of potential contamination is not possible, but in every case the degree of risk must be assessed and every attempt must be made to mitigate the negative impact on the final product. (see organic principles III: organic practices paragraph 5).