Organic standards interpretation committees

Questions for interpretation regarding the current Canadian Organic Standards can be submitted by email: OPR-RPB@inspection.gc.ca.

The questions will be addressed by either the Agriculture Standards Interpretation Committee (Agri-SIC) or the Aquaculture Standards Interpretation Committee (Aqua-SIC). The Agri-SIC provides interpretation of the Canadian Organic Standards for agriculture (CAN/CGSB 32.310 and CAN/CGSB 32.311) and the Aqua-SIC provides interpretation of the Canadian Organic Standard for aquaculture (CAN/CGSB 32.312).

Please note that inquirer contact information is shared with the Agri-SIC administrator such that they may contact the inquirer directly regarding the question submitted for interpretation.

Organic Agriculture Standards Interpretation Committee

The Agri-SIC has been developed in partnership with the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC). For information about Agri-SIC, see the Terms of Reference for the Agri-SIC - PDF (780 kb), and the final questions and answers section of the OFC page where the official interpretations are posted.

Organic Aquaculture Standards Interpretation Committee

The Aqua-SIC has been developed in partnership with the Canadian Organic Seafood Association (COSA). COSA is a collection of businesses and organizations that work together to support the organic aquaculture industry in Canada and aid in the development and maintenance of the Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard (CAN/CGSB 32.312). See the Aquaculture Standards interpretation committee webpage for the Terms of Reference, and posted questions and answers along with other information about Aqua-SIC.

Interpretations under the Canada Organic Regime

Periodically the committees convene and discuss questions posed in order to develop answers. The OFC and COSA then post the proposed answers for comment. Unless there is strong, irresolvable opposition voiced by the sector, the interpretation will become an official interpretation of the Canadian Organic Standards. This gives the Canada Organic Regime a unique ability to achieve uniform application of the rules to all operators through the CFIA accredited certification bodies.