Production, Processing and Preparation

Are all organic products free from pesticide residues?

Certified organic products are produced, processed and prepared in compliance with Quebec Organic Reference Standard, which prohibit the use of toxic inputs and strong chemicals. Occasionally however, organic crops may be accidentally exposed to pesticides. In North America, these tend to be invasive due to an overuse of pesticides over the last fifty years and the fact that they can infiltrate through rain or groundwater.

Do certified organic farmers use pesticides?

No, under the terms of Quebec Organic Reference Standard, the use of chemical pesticides is officially prohibited. Several alternatives to these products are available for controlling insects and weeds, and also for preventing diseases. For a complete list of these, please refer to Appendix A appended to the Quebec Organic Reference Standard.

Where can we obtain information on methods and management systems in organic agriculture?

In North America organic agriculture is a fairly recent sector, thus we are still lacking some information and technical specifics tend to be rare. Progress made to date is largely due to private investment, to the willingness of consumers to pay higher prices for organic products, and also due to a sense of creativity among operators conducting experiments in the field. Research institutes are beginning to develop an interest in methods and approaches used in organic agricultural, and are carrying out more in-depth research on natural resource processes and their interactions with organic systems.

As a starting point in finding more information and assistance, please refer to the various links found on the CARTV Website.

Caution: Any farmer wishing to convert to organic production must observe a transitional phase known as the "conversion period," which lasts from two to three years. During this period, they may use organic techniques but cannot be qualified as organic farmers.

Is there any financial assistance available for converting to organic agriculture?

In Quebec there is no direct assistance available for transition, however in 2002-2003, Quebec's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) did provide a Support Program for Developing Organic Agriculture (or "Programme de soutien au développement de l'agriculture biologique"). To get further details, please go to :

http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/cgi/affiche_doc.cgi?dossier=8105&table=0

Note that this program is renewed for the 2003-2005 period. Moreover, there are other programs that may apply to activities you wish to carry out, even though not specifically related to the development of organic agriculture. For more details, we strongly recommend visiting the MAPAQ site at :

http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/Fr/md/Programmes/.

La Financière agricole intends to adapt its programs to the needs of the organic sector. Please consult their Website to remain abreast of these developments:

http://www.financiereagricole.qc.ca

Direct assistance is also available through other means, in an indirect manner. Please contact an organic agriculture representative in your area for more information. Refer to Quebec's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food site and to La Financière agricole.