Advertising: Buyer Beware Project Post

Our group investigated if Organic produce really makes a difference.  I focused on the secondary research and learned about the Organic Trade Association, Canadian Organic Growers and the organic standards.  The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy.  OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. 

OTA is a leader in advocating and protecting organic standards so that consumers can have confidence in certified organic production. Organic farming is based on growing crops without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.  The soil fertility must replenish and be maintained without the use of any chemicals whatsoever.  Organically grown produce must also be produced without the use of genetic engineering and other excluded practices, sewage sludge, or irradiation. 

Organic certification is a rigorous process that requires producers to adhere to a strict set of standards that go above and beyond all the applicable food safety laws. However, much of our air water and soil are already contaminated by chemical residues.  Organic agriculture is a response to this but it doesn’t mean products will be 100% residue free.  The Canada Organic Label is your assurance as a consumer that the product bearing it has met the Canadian government’s regulatory requirements for organic products.

Something to keep your eye out for is the Canada Organic Trade Association is partnering with other organic groups in Canada to launch National Organic Week from Oct. 9 (Thanksgiving) to Oct.16 (World Food Day). 

Our group concluded that the brand Organic is a powerful one.  People are willing to pay the higher prices for the organic label.  The organic label is a trusted label.  However, it is impossible to have produce 100% chemical and residue free because of things like pollution or acid rain for example.   

Canadian Organic Growers, believe that organic food production is the best choice for the health of consumers and producers and the protection and enhancement of the environment.  They believe that the survival of Canada and even the planet depend on organic production.