1. Elections to the Organic Accreditation Board

Would you like to become actively involved in the management and development of the CARTV's Organic Designation Board? This is your chance to be elected to the organization's Board of Directors.

The CARTV's general by-laws stipulate that the mandate for those representing consumers, merchants and producers on the Board of Directors is to terminate in odd numbered years. Thus, in anticipation of the General Assembly planned for March 22, 2005, Mr. Denis-Paul Bouffard, Secretary of the Board of Directors, is issuing this notice of nomination. Representative positions for each of the consumer, merchant and producer sectors will be elected at this time.

The position for consumer representative is currently held by Mr. Frederic Paré, for merchants by Mr. Marc Périard and for producers by Mr. Serge Nault. Mr. Périard has informed the Board that he will not be seeking renewal of his mandate.

Whether they are members currently sitting on the Board of Directors whose mandate is coming to an end or potential members, all candidates hoping to be considered for one of the above-mentioned positions must forward their nomination papers by February 21, 2005. In order to be accepted officially, nomination papers must be endorsed by at least three members from the sector the candidate wishes to represent.

The CARTV will provide nomination forms to any candidates who would like to seek nomination.

In the elections planned for 2005, the members of the following groups are eligible:

The Board will ensure that candidates meet the criteria as set forth in the by-laws; thus they must:

For more information on the CARTV, its structures and operating procedures, please visit our Web site at the following address:

http://www.caaq.org/en/about/whoweare/index.asp

2. Implementation of Aquaculture Standards

The aquaculture standards project submitted for public consultation during the summer of 2004 was adopted by the CARTV's Organic Accreditation Board during its meeting on January 13, 2005 following modifications made by the Standards Committee. These new requirements will come into effect on May 1, 2005.

These new standards, the first of their kind in North America, have the following objectives:

3. Recognition of New Foreign Certification Bodies

The CARTV recognized two new certification bodies on November 24, 2004:

• Suolo e Salute Srl, based in Italy, for products labeled as organic, regardless of their origin (except Quebec)
   
• QC&I International Services s.a.s, based in Italy, for products labeled as organic, regardless of their origin (except Quebec).

4. CARTV has obtained recognition from South Korea

In December 2004, South Korea officially recognized the organic product control system administered by the CARTV, as well as the various certification programs accredited it accredited. Every Quebec firm wishing to export its products to this Asian country may now reap the full benefits of this recognition.

CARTV Board of Directors

CARTV Personnel