Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced an investment of more than $150,000 to assist the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) in promoting Canada’s high-quality organic products to consumers abroad. COTA is one of several organic organizations across the country that is partnering to make Organic Week Oct. 11 to 16 a success.
“This investment will help farmers stay ahead of international market trends and enhance the global competitiveness of Canada’s growing organic agriculture sector,” said Minister Ritz.
This investment will enable COTA to participate in international trade shows, develop a Canadian exporter tool kit, and establish web resources to profile the sector and launch the Canada Organic Brand. The association will build upon its long-term international strategy and provide information and resources on markets to the Canadian organic sector.
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“With this second year of support from the Government of Canada’s AgriMarketing Program, we can begin the work of building a brand for Canadian organic products in our target markets,” said Matthew Holmes, executive director, Canada Organic Trade Association.
The Canadian organic retail market was valued at close to $2 billion in 2008, representing 66 per cent growth since 2006.
This investment is provided through the AgriMarketing Program, which helps national producer and processor associations to increase exports of safe, premium Canadian products around the world. The program helps implement long-term international strategies, which include activities such as the expansion of international markets, consumer education and brand promotion.
