COABC 2010 Conference

Good for You. Good for the Environment.

The Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) is an umbrella association for certification bodies which provides certification accreditation and leadership in the development of organic food production throughout British Columbia and Canada. The COABC was created in 1993 under the Agri-Food Choice and Quality Act of British Columbia to administer the BC Certified Organic Program, to ensure program credibility, facilitate domestic and international trade, and to promote the overall growth of the organic food community in BC.

The COABC is committed to promoting the importance of organic agriculture which helps ensure the long-term health and vitality of our region. The COABC seeks to educate farmers transitioning to organic production; advocate for organic consumption; provide current research and vital information for consumers, producers, stakeholders and the media; and interface with federal and provincial governments, and various organic sector stakeholders.

COABC Provides more   COABC Connects more   COABC Educates more   COABC Communicates more

Provides

• Accreditation to member agencies who inspect and certify organic farms throughout BC
• Administration of the BC Certified Organic Program
• Marketing tools and promotional support for certified organic operators
• Leadership in regional and national organic standards
• Up-to-date industry information via the COABC website, Cyber-Help, e-news, and staff support
• Networking and sharing opportunities for stakeholders
• An Online directory of local suppliers and growers
• Representation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands in matters relating to the Agri-Food Choice and Quality Act of British Columbia
• Access to the Organic Sector Development Program, a multi-million dollar federal-provincial fund that encourages research and developmentto encourage and facillitate organic production
• Research Fund programs helping to match project funding partners' investments and agencies

Connects

• Organic growers and farmers, processors, handlers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers
• Consumers with organic producers
• Local and global producers with stakeholders
• Directly with provincial and federal governments

Educates

• Through Cyber-Help, the most popular on-line organic resource in Western Canada
• By offering Organic Extension Service ad sponsoring Regional Seminars on issues of interest to organic and transitioning farmers
• By circulating the quarterly journal, the BC Organic Grower
• Through it comprehensive Website
• By employing qualified staff to respond to calls

Communicates

• Local and provincial events and issues
• Regulatory and industry updates
• About permitted substances, brand names and products allowed for use in organic production, processing, and handling