New regulations under the just-enacted Food and Agricultural Products Classification Act create a modern system so B.C. consumers can enjoy B.C.'s organic agrifood products knowing that there are standards and requirements behind the key words used to describe and market them.

The regulations allow for terms, such as organic, to be used only if and when specific certification standards have been met, so any marketing of products with those terms accurately reflects those standards. As a result of the B.C. government regulating the term “organic”, after September 2018, if an agrifood product is being marketed as organic in British Columbia, it will have to be from a producer who has successfully been accredited through a federal or provincial certification program. After September 2018, uncertified producers marketing food as “organic” will face the possibility of penalties, including a $350 fine.

The transition time to September 2018 allows non-certified producers who wish to continue to market their products as “organic” time to complete the certification process. The regulation was developed following extensive consultation with B.C.’s organic growers, in which 80% of them agreed that there should be requirements attached to using the term organic. Restricting the use of the term organic supports opportunities, jobs, and growth for small businesses, as newly certified organic producers join an established brand of recognized standards that consumers purchase with confidence.

The new regulations also allow for the B.C. government to similarly restrict the use of other words used to promote or advertise foods in the future, as they emerge in the marketplace. Regulations can also be developed to create new classifications to help define the origins of B.C. products, such as geographic indications for B.C. wines.

Another unrelated regulatory change under the act includes modernizing the process around egg grading, and eliminating provincial duplication of federal requirements.

The Food and Agricultural Products Classification Act and regulations replace the Agricultural Produce Grading Act, the Agri-food Choice and Quality Act, and the Food Products Standards Act, resulting in a red tape reduction of 194 regulatory counts. Additionally, the changes will contribute to meeting the goals outlined in the minister’s mandate Letter of June 12, 2015. These goals include promoting the BC Certified Organic brand and working with the BC Wine Appellation Task Group to make recommendations to cabinet on how to improve the certification of 100% B.C.-made wine.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“When there is certainty behind the words used to describe and market B.C. foods, local consumers and businesses benefit alike. Consumers shopping for B.C. organic foods, for example, will have the confidence in knowing they are purchasing products that meet international certification standards and, likewise, B.C. companies selling organic products will be part of a trusted and respected brand.”

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“Streamlining regulations for food products in B.C. builds on the work our government has done to reduce red tape and make it easier for British Columbians to make informed food choices. These changes will create a more modern regulatory environment for food producers and take 194 unnecessary regulations off the books.”

Carmen Wakeling, co-president, Certified Organics Associations of BC –

“It is exciting to see these regulations move forward, and the impact they will have on providing clarity for consumers and producers within the organic marketplace.”

Learn More:

Introduction of the Food and Agricultural Products Classification Act news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0004-000212