British Columbia has emerged as a leader in organic farming in Canada with a number of organic farms growing fruit and vegetables. Women are particularly drawn to organic farming.

Over half of BC consumers are buying organic now purchasing organic food at least occasionally. The majority purchase their organic foods at mainstream grocery stores. Farmer�s markets and other direct sales are also important sources for organic consumers. Agriculture Canada estimates that sales of organic products in Canada will continue to rise every year.

Certified organic farmers maintain standards that protect the health of land, air, water, animals, wildlife, and people. Certified Organic food is grown with respect for the natural environment. Healthy soil, use of water, and a balanced farm ecosystem are the norm organic agriculture. results are clean air, safe drinking water and healthy food chains.

Organic food is grown without synthetic herbicides, pesticides, hormones, or genetically modified organisms. That may mean it has long term health benefits for you and your family.

Top chefs seek organic food for outstanding flavour and quality. British Columbia's current organic consumers also believe organic food tastes better. Some scientists conclude that organic food is tastier.

Certified organic meat, dairy and poultry products come from farms following strict standards. Organically raised animals are feed on certified organic feed. For a farm to be certified, its animals must be allowed outside for fresh air and exercise. Some certified organic milk cows have a productive life expectancy two or three times that of their commercial animals.

BC organic food is purely natural and grown without artificial chemicals, hormones, or genetically modified or engineered organisms. Farmers care about the health of land, air, water, animals, wildlife, and people. British Columbia organic farmers are committed to maintaining these standards.

In BC, 80 plus percent of current or prospective consumers of organic food believe it is healthier than conventionally farmed food. A growing number of studies indicate that there are measurable benefits to food grown and processed using organic methods.

A Predominantly organic diet:

• reduces the amount of toxic chemicals ingested
• reduces the amount of food additives and colourings
• increases the amount of beneficial vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and anti oxidants consumed
• Canadian Government reports warns against pesticide health risks