Cota
The Canada Organic Trade Association is urging growers to apply now for its Organic Conversion Fund, as there is still funding available with the deadline looming on June 30.
The program is open to all producers (plant based and livestock) who sought organic certification in 2020. It can reimburse up to $1,000 of certification costs, and can cover a portion of consulting costs if applicable.
In 2019, The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) announced the launch of its new Organic Conversion Support Program to assist organic producers for added costs while transitioning to organic farming.
This program reimburses producers for their paid certification costs up to a maximum of $1000.
Seeds of Change is returning as a primary sponsor of the program and COTA says its financial help has been critical in providing incubator funding for the 2020 program. Without Seeds of Change, COTA says, “We never would have been able to fund 41 farmers and convert 6,167 acres to organic nationwide!”
COTA also said it is thrilled to announce that Mill Street Brewery has joined the initiative to fund 20 farmers in 2021, in recognition of their 20th Anniversary, as a way to give back to the organic community.
The Organic Conversion Support Program is for farmers in their first, second or third year of pre-certification or for farmers already certified organic and who are increasing their organic acreage.
“We have nearly doubled the amount of funding over last year and we are pleased to provide this level of assistance to farmers in need during the pandemic,” COTA said in a statement.
The association is urging farmers to apply as soon as possible, as all funds could be allocated before the June 30 deadline. To apply online, go to
https://www.canada-organic.ca/en/what-we-do/market-access/organic-conversion-support-program