Pro-Cert

The 2026 Canadian Organic Standards are officially here! 🇨🇦🌱 ​The National Standards of Canada for Organic Agriculture have been updated and are now available via the Government of Canada Publications website, as follows: 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 - 𝗖𝗔𝗡/𝗖𝗚𝗦𝗕 𝟯𝟮.𝟯𝟭𝟬-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: publications.gc.ca/collectio… 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 - 𝗖𝗔𝗡/𝗖𝗚𝗦𝗕 𝟯𝟮.𝟯𝟭𝟭-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: publications.gc.ca/collectio… ​What you need to know: ​𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: The 2026 standards are effective immediately. ​𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: You have a 12-month transition period to align with the new requirements, unless otherwise outlined in the standard. ​We’ll be sending copies to our COR-certified clients shortly. Our team is currently reviewing every detail to ensure you have the support you need during this transition. ​Check out the full documents on the Government of Canada website today! #OrganicCanada #OrganicStandards #SustainableFarming #COR #ProCert

What a day at the COTA Organic Summit in Ottawa yesterday! 🇨🇦 ​We are extremely proud of Pro-Cert’s Processor Certification Manager, 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻, who also serves on the COTA Board of Directors. Jenn had the honour of introducing the insightful “Marketing Organic at Canadian Retail” panel, a session that offered invaluable perspectives on retail trends. ​The summit also featured an impactful annual update from COTA Executive Director, 𝗧𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘀𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱, titled “Advancing organic together,” highlighting the key achievements and future directions for our sector. ​These gatherings are essential for driving our industry forward. Thank you, COTA, for an inspiring summit! @CanadaOrganic #COTAOrganicSummit #OrganicCanada #ProCert #OrganicAdvocacy #OrganicCertification #AdvancingOrganicTogether

Heading to the American Dairy Xpo next month? So are we! 👋 We’re thrilled to share that Pro-Cert will be exhibiting at the American Dairy Xpo in Syracuse, New York, for the very first time! Whether you're looking to transition your dairy herd, get feed certified, or learn more about organic compliance standards across North America, our outstanding team is excited to connect and guide you through every step of the process. ​📍 Find us at 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝟭𝟬𝟳𝗡 📅 November 4–5, 2026 🏢 New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center ​Drop by, say hello, and let’s talk organic! 🐄 For tickets and info --> americandairyxpo.com @USADairyXPO ​#ProCert #AmericanDairyXpo #OrganicDairy #DairyProducers #AgricultureEvents #SyracuseNY

On this last official day of Organic Month, we’re continuing the celebratation for the incredible hard work and dedication of the people who keep high-quality, sustainable organic goods on our tables! 🇨🇦 ​From farm and sea to shelf, Canada is home to: ​𝟭,𝟴𝟰𝟲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 bringing integrity and quality to the food products we enjoy every day. ​𝟳𝟯 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 raising sustainable, eco-friendly seafood with strict standards. ​Thank you to all of our incredible processors and aquaculture operators across the country for your commitment to organic excellence! 🌿🐟 @ChooseOrganic_ #ProCert ​#OrganicMonth #ChooseOrganic #CanadaOrganic #OrganicProcessing #OrganicAquaculture

On September 24, the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) hosted its 10th annual Organic Gala and Leadership Awards at Toronto's The Chefs' House, gathering leaders from across the national organic sector to celebrate those whose dedication and innovation shape the industry's future. A heartfelt congratulations to all of this year's award winners and honourees! Pro-Cert is incredibly proud to support and celebrate these movement leaders whose dedication, passion, and vision continue to propel the organic community forward. @CanadaOrganic

We’re heading to CHFA NOW Toronto! 🙌✨ ​Stop by 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟰𝟬𝟵 at Exhibition Place from September 25–27, 2026. Come talk to our amazing and knowledgeable Pro-Cert team about all of your organic certification needs—whether you're looking to certify new products, expand into new programs, or ask questions about the certification process. ​We can't wait to connect with you! ​👉 Register today at chfanow.ca @CAhealthfood ​#CHFAnow #OrganicCertification #ProCert #OrganicIndustry #NaturalHealth #TorontoEvents #ExhibitionPlace

A shout out to the farmers across Canada who chose organic! 🚜🇨🇦 Their dedication goes beyond a label—it's a commitment to a sustainable future, healthier soils, and cleaner communities. When you support organic, you are saluting their hard work from field to fork. Let's celebrate the growers who make a difference. 🌾💚 #OrganicMonth #ChooseOrganic #CanadaOrganic #SaluteOurFarmers #SustainableFarming #CanadianAgriculture #ProCert

The Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC) has released its latest official Q&As, offering crucial clarity for organic operations. The update covers a broad range of day-to-day practices, including: 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 & 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘀: Permitted fence post treatments, plus rules on acetic acid and cellulose-based polymers. 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗽 & 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Clarified prohibitions on burning crop residues, pasture transition periods for poultry, and proper pest control methods like glue traps. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: Temperature limits for honey processing. To ensure the Canadian Organic Standards are applied uniformly across all certified businesses, these rulings provide definitive guidance. For more information, visit ⬇️ pro-cert.org/standards-inter…

Happy Organic Month! 🍽️✨ ​Sharing a great meal feels even better when you know where your food comes from. Choosing Canada Organic means supporting four core principles you can trust: health, ecology, fairness, and care. ​This September, let’s nourish our bodies and the planet. Look for the Canada Organic logo on your next grocery run! ​#ProCert #OrganicMonth #CanadaOrganic #ChooseOrganic #EatLocal #SustainableLiving

Tariff exposure may extend beyond finished organic products. Depending on the classification and direction of trade, affected goods may include dairy and whey ingredients, honey, molasses or syrups, bakery preparations, seeds and botanicals, essential oils, packaging and processing equipment. Organic status does not create a tariff exemption. If tariff costs lead to a supplier or formulation change, review the organic documentation before implementation. See the Canada-U.S. comparison and common product considerations: pro-cert.org/new-canada-u-s-… #OrganicIngredients #OrganicManufacturing #OrganicBusiness #Tariffs #ProCert

The Pro-Cert e-Newsletter is back! 📰🌱 ​Get the latest organic industry updates, regulatory insights, event highlights and exciting features delivered straight to your inbox every month. Test your knowledge with our Pro-Cert/Organic Trivia, and get to know the faces behind your certification in our upcoming "Meet the Team" spotlight! ​👉 Don't miss the next issue—subscribe today: pro-cert.org/newsletter/ #ProCert #CertifiedOrganic #OrganicStandards #OrganicIndustry #MeetTheTeam #OrganicCertification

New tariffs are affecting selected goods moving in both directions across the Canada-U.S. border. The U.S. has imposed an additional 50% duty on listed Canadian goods. Canada has announced counter-tariffs of 15%, 25% or 50% on listed U.S.-origin goods. The product lists and rules are not identical. Organic businesses should confirm the direction of trade, tariff classification, origin, effective date and applicable exclusions with their customs broker. Read Pro-Cert’s overview: pro-cert.org/new-canada-u-s-… #ProCert #OrganicCertification #OrganicTrade #CanadaUSTrade #SupplyChain

Organic Month is HERE! 🎉 ​All September long, Canada is bringing the largest celebration of organic food, farming and products to the country. Choosing organic isn't just great for your plate; it helps build a healthier home, stronger local communities, and a thriving planet. Here’s how you can get involved this month: ​Get ready for 30 days packed with: • Live cooking demos & farm tours • Gardening workshops & webinars • Tasty organic giveaways & exclusive deals! ​Join the fun from Sept 1–30 and start your organic journey today! choosecanadaorganic.ca/organ… Conversation time: ​What’s your favorite organic go-to? Tell us below! ⬇️ ​#OrganicMonth #ProCert #OrganicCanada #EatClean #ChooseOrganic @choose

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀: Applications are now open for the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). ​Here is what you need to know: ​𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Get reimbursed up to 75% of your eligible organic certification expenses (up to $750 per certification scope). ​𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀: Expenses incurred during the 2025 and 2026 program years. ​𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: December 31, 2026. Submit your application through your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. ​Need documentation? If you are Pro-Cert certified and need copies of your invoices, receipts, or certificate to complete your application, reach out to our team today, at: [email protected] #OrganicFarming #OrganicCertification #USDA #ProCert #OCCSP #CostShare

What does it take to build a 300-year farm? ​In Part 2 of "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗺," we follow organic farmer and soil scientist Wally Hamm as he shares his deep insights into managing long-term soil health and maintaining true agricultural viability for generations to come. ​Watch the full episode now to discover how we build farms that last! 🚜✨ Presented by @OrganicAlberta Created by @pivotandgrow & 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗻 m.youtube.com/watch?v=2qC2tS…

Big news for the organic sector! 🌱 ​The 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 (OFC) and @CanadianOrganic Growers (COG) have officially published the Guide to the Canadian Organic Standards 2026! ​If you're a COR-certified operator, this is a must-have resource to help you understand the standard, grasp the intent behind key clauses, and smoothly adjust your organic operations to stay aligned. ​A few quick reminders as you dig in: ● ​It’s a helper, not a rulebook: The guide provides clarity, but it doesn't replace the official decisions of your accredited Certification Body (CB). ● ​Stay connected: We encourage users to submit any updates to your Organic System Plan (OSP)—or ask clarifying questions—directly with your CB. ​A huge thank you to the OFC, COG, and the countless industry volunteers who dedicated thousands of hours to updating the standards and bringing this guide to life! 👏 ​Check out the new guide today! 👇 cog.ca/guide-to-cos/ organicfederation.ca/ ​#CanadianOrganic #OrganicStandards #OrganicFarming #OrganicAgriculture #ProCert

Explore the history of the organic movement through the eyes of Wally Hamm in part one of a compelling two-part series - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗺, featuring the founder of Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd. Drawing on his experiences as an organic farmer, soil scientist, and pioneer in organic certification, Wally reflects on his own journey into organic farming while sharing the pivotal moments, influential people, and guiding principles that helped shape the organic movement into what it is today. Presented by @OrganicAlberta , @pivotandgrow and created by 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗻, the series follows Wally's path into organic agriculture, the experiences that inspired him to found Pro-Cert, and his lifelong commitment to strengthening the organic sector. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflections, he explores the roots and evolution of organic agriculture, the importance of healthy soils, and the enduring values that continue to guide the future of farming. Stay tuned for part two! #TheNatureOfWallyHamm #OrganicAgriculture #ProCert #OrganicHistory #HealthySoil youtu.be/4XD_CUSqXFk?si=ft_f…

Join us for a sneak peek of "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗺," an inspiring two-part interview series featuring Wally Hamm, founder of Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd. As an organic farmer, soil scientist, and respected leader in organic certification, Wally has dedicated his career to advancing organic agriculture and supporting the people who make it possible. Presented by @pivotandgrow , @OrganicAlberta and created by 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗻, this thoughtful series explores Wally's personal journey into organic farming, the experiences that led him to establish Pro-Cert, and the values that continue to guide the organization today. Along the way, Wally reflects on where organic agriculture comes from, how it has evolved over the years, and why healthy soils are at the heart of every successful organic operation. Whether you're a producer, processor, retailer, or simply curious about the organic sector, his insights offer an engaging perspective on the future of agriculture and the importance of protecting the integrity of organic certification for generations to come. #TheNatureOfWallyHamm #ProCert #OrganicAgriculture #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture youtu.be/kQ8NVyBDZG0?si=S2oR…

As of July 1, 2026, the National Organic Program (NOP) has introduced 29 new Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for organic products. Click the link for details: pro-cert.org/us-launches-new…

Last week, we had the pleasure of connecting directly with growers to navigate the evolving landscape of the Canadian Organic Standards. Pro-Cert joined forces with Ontario Orangic and EcoCert for an insightful session hosted by the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. The event provided a fantastic platform for greenhouse vegetable producers to break down recent certification updates, ask pressing questions, and engage directly with our team and fellow industry experts. ​We were also incredibly honored by a visit from Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (MPP of Ontario), who took the time to recognize and highlight the vital role Canadian organic greenhouse growers play in our broader food system. ​Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to these crucial industry conversations! ​📸 by Richard Lee From Left to Right: ​Byron Hamm – Assistant Manager, Pro-Cert ​Daniel Terlizzese, MSc – Research, Innovation & Plant Protection Lead, OGVG ​Simon Jacques – Technical Expert; Inputs, Crop Production, EcoCert ​Erica Shelley, PhD – Executive Director, Ontario Organic ​Trevor Jones – Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, MPP of Ontario