Specific Production Requirements - Questions and Answers Regarding National Standard on Organic Production Systems

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in partnership with the Organic Federation of Canada, has developed the Organic Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC). The objective of the Committee is to provide, to the Canada Organic Office, interpretive guidance on issues related to the National Standards for Organic Agriculture (CAN/CGSB 32.310 and CAN/CGSB 32.311).

These are the final answers to questions raised by organic stakeholders, regarding the National Standards for Organic Agriculture. Any further clarifications related to these questions and answers can be sent to the Canada Organic Office. The numbers found in brackets at the end of each question are reference numbers used by CFIA staff for tracking purposes. Please quote the reference number when sending in your query.

Does the substrate for organic mushrooms need to be a) certified organic, b) composted? (4)

The operator should refer to 7.3.2. The growth substrate does not necessarily need to be composted (7.3.2 d refers to logs, which would be uncomposted). The substrate does not necessarily need to be certified organic (7.3.1 speaks of substrates obtained from vegetation grown in areas free from substances prohibited by 1.4.1). Materials contained in the substrate, for which there are no organic standards, must comply with 1.4.1 and be free from prohibited substances for a period of three years.

How close to a certified sugar bush can the use of a prohibited substance be allowed, without compromising the certification of the sugar bush? (13)

According to 5.1.4 and 7.2.1, the use of prohibited substances around maple production units would require the maintenance of buffer strips the same as those required for crop production (Reference: 7.2.1 7.2.8).

Are corn and soybeans considered flower bearing crops in reference to 7.1.9 location of hives? (18)

Since the requirement for the 3000 metre buffer includes proximity to all substances prohibited in 1.4.1, the distinction between flower bearing and non flower bearing crops is irrelevant. Corn and soybean crops would still trigger the mandatory buffer zone unless managed in accordance with the Standards.

Does the use of a "peat moss/compost etc. mix" satisfy the requirements of 7.5.1 for "a container system with soil"? (25)

Section 7.5.1 allows for container grown production with soil and prohibits hydroponics and aeroponics. In hydroponic production the soil is replaced by an inert substance. A compost and peat moss mixture does not constitute an inert substrate thus satisfies the requirements of a container system with soil.

Can soluble nutrients be added to the water used to grow sprouts? (74.1)

No. Soluble nutrients cannot be used in the water for sprout production. The French version of 7.4.4 is very clear in stating this intent.