Mandate and Purpose

Statements of Purpose

Extracted from the 1993 COABC Constitution

• To promote organic agriculture and to provide education on organic agriculture and organic foods;
• To represent members in matters relating to the Agri-Food Choice and Quality Act of British Columbia;
• To develop and administer an organic certification accreditation program for members;
• To grant permission for the use of the phrase “British Columbia Certified Organic” and program symbol on agricultural product labels certified by members;
• To ensure there is a pool of qualified verification officers;
• To facilitate research and marketing activities on behalf of member organizations;
• To provide information to the public on behalf of the members;
• To develop and maintain an approved list of materials and standards for use in organic Agricultural products certified by members; and
• To be responsible for incidental matters related to the above-referenced activities.

COABC Mandate & Roles

Extracted from the 1995 British Columbia Organic Industry Strategic Plan

The Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) is an umbrella association representing organic certifying agencies in the province. COABC is empowered by the British Columbia Organic Agricultural Products Regulation under the British Columbia Food Choice and Disclosure Act to implement an organic certification accreditation province-wide. COABC was incorporated under the Society's Act in March of 1993.

The certification accreditation program is an industry and government partnership program which is industry - driven and industry - regulated, with government providing oversight authority. The main objectives of the program are to provide consumer confidence in the organic product certification, to assist producers to increase market share, and to support regional development of organic food production, processing and marketing.