Questions for interpretation regarding the current Canadian Organic Standards can be submitted by email to: OPR-RPB@inspection.gc.ca. The CFIA will categorize the questions and share them with the appropriate Standards Interpretation Committee.
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).
The CFIA supports the committees by providing regulatory expertise, as needed, and by participating in meetings as an observer.
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, unless the inquirer requests to remain anonymous.
Organic Agriculture Standards Interpretation Committee
The Agri-SIC is operated by the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC). For information about Agri-SIC, see the Terms of Reference for the Agri-SIC (PDF), 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 is operated by 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 to develop answers. The OFC and the COSA then post the proposed answers for comment. Unless there is strong, irresolvable opposition voiced by the sector, the answer becomes an interpretation of the Canadian Organic Standards. Through the CFIA accredited certification bodies, there will be uniform application of the requirements of the Standards, including interpretations of it, to all operators.
The committees also provide input to the Canadian General Standards Board's Technical Committees on Organic Agriculture and Aquaculture when a question may trigger the need for revision to a section of the Standards.