General Topics

What is organic agriculture?

A production system that encourages agricultural firms to manage their resources in a cyclical manner and to increase fertility and organic activity within their soils, through increasing the quality and the quantity of organic matter. Its aim is thus to restrict the use of additives originating from sources outside the system, through providing substitutes to fertilizer and chemical pesticides. This leads to the development of an environment in which a very significant and diversified range of species and organic activity are maintained.

What is the official definition of the term "organic?

For the purposes of these standards, the term organic (plus any synonyms such as "ecological", "bio dynamic," "biological" and all abbreviated and derivative forms (e.g.: eco, bio, etc.), as well as translations of these terms in other languages. This term also applies to agricultural food and products produced within a system that meets these standards.

Where may I obtain a copy of Quebec's organic standards?

You may obtain a copy of the Quebec Organic Reference Standard in pdf format (Acrobat Reader) by clicking on the following link

What exactly is organic agriculture?

There are several explanations and definitions available for organic agriculture, however they all describe a system where ecosystem management takes precedence over inputs that come from outside the system. The primary concern of the system is the potentially harmful effect of synthetic inputs (fertilizer and synthesis pesticides, veterinary medicinal, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and food radiation). All of these can be replaced by specific management methods appropriate to each location. They target long-term maintenance and increased soil fertility, and they also help avoid pest infestation and the spread of disease.

"Organic agriculture is a holistic management system for production, one that encourages a healthy agricultural system, incorporating biodiversity, organic cycles and soil activities. Precedence is given to management rather than production methods originating from elsewhere, while also being mindful that local systems must adapt to the regional conditions. As much as therefore in farming methods, both organic and mechanical, are preferred over synthesis products in order to fulfilling all the system's specific functions "(Codex Alimentarius Commission FAO/WHO, 1999).

What does "certified products resulting from organic agriculture" mean?

Products resulting from organic agriculture are manufactured, stored, processed, managed and marketed in accordance with detailed technical specifications (standards) and are guaranteed "organic" by certifying bodies. Once these bodies have verified compliance with applicable standards, then a label may be affixed to the products. Label formats may vary from one certifying body to another, but generally they guarantee that "organic" ingredients were used in making these products, at every stage from the farm to the market. It is important to note that labels on organic products refer to the mode of production, i.e. the production and processing methods used are in compliance with organic agriculture. As such the organic label refers more to production than to quality control.