Québec Organic Designation Specification Manual

Section:

Normale

Important notice to all Quebec's organic operators

Only one standard from January 1^st 2012
to make your work easier.

The CARTV has decided that on January 1st 2012, the specification manual relating to products resulting from an organic production method includes a new reference certification manual based on the technical requirements of the Canadian Organic Standards (COS). This decision means that the Quebec Organic Reference Standards was abandoned. Products certified according to this standard will however be accepted in Québec only until the end of 2012.

One standard for all organic products from Québec

The new certification reference manual to evaluate organic product certification applications corresponds to the National Standard of Canada for Organic Agriculture, whose requirements are published by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB). The previous Québec standard requirements has been added to this basis with regards to aquaculture as well as greenhouse production (thresholds set for containerized staked crops).

As an operator, you may request exemptions for certain requirements, mainly concerning livestock production, for which amendment applications have been filed with the CGSB, pending the newly revised version of the Canadian standard. Your certification body will therefore tolerate a non-compliance with a standard that may be reviewed by the CGSB.

Labelling requirements designed to meet the unique Québec's needs

Furthermore, the CARTV maintains the majority of the organic product labelling requirements that the Québec organic sector has implemented over the last decade. Harmonized with those provided for under the Canadian Organic Products Regulations, the Québec requirements are more specific and are designed to protect the terms “ecological,” “organic,” “biodynamic” and their derivatives.