The Organic Meat Certification Process: What It Means and Why It Matters
You often hear and see the words “organic” and “natural” in everything these days — and your meat is no exception. They evoke a sense of safety and quality. But here’s the thing: these are not just buzzwords thrown on a package to catch your eye. In Canada, the organic meat certification process is rigorous and specific. It ensures that the production of the meat you’re consuming benefits animal welfare and protects our environment. Find out what the process entails and what it means for you, and the recipes on your plate.
The Coveted CFIA Organic Seal
Do you ever wonder what that sticker or label on your organic meat is? It’s the official Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Organic seal. And it shows that the product meets all the requirements of the CFIA’s national organic standards. It’s the ultimate proof that the product is, indeed, certified organic.
But the CFIA does not just slap the seal on a package and call it a day. Legally, meat products can only get the “organic” label after they go through a certification process. Here are the steps that farmers and producers must follow to obtain this coveted seal:
- Producers must apply for certification with a CFIA-accredited certification body (CB).
- The CB reviews all farm and production records and the farm’s organic plan.
- The CB recommends certification or denial to CFIA.
All this may seem like a straightforward process, but there is much more to it. To get the organic certification, the farm and production facilities must adhere to the strict guidelines CFIA sets. And it’s not just a one-time thing — producers must maintain their organic certification and go through the process yearly.
What Does It Take to Get the Organic Certification?
For meat to be certified as organic, the animals must be raised according to strict guidelines set by the Canadian Organic Standards. The Canadian Organic Standards are challenging and comprehensive, covering everything from animal welfare and feed to crop rotation and pest management.
Some key points of the standards include ensuring that animals have access to the outdoors and are not given hormones or antibiotics. They must also have non-GMO, organic feed so that their meat is free from any potential chemicals or genetically modified substances.
Best Quality Meat Straight from the Source
There’s a lot more to consider when it comes to our food choices than just taste and convenience. Sourcing organic meat means that you are not only getting a high-quality product but also supporting sustainable farming practices.
By buying meat with the CFIA organic seal, you are voting for a food system that prioritizes animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and community health. So, look for that organic seal next time you’re at the grocery store or perusing your local farmer’s market. Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you.
That’s also why, here at Papa Earth Farms, we ensure that the farmers we source from meet all organic certification requirements. You can trust that our meat products are the real deal. Check out our selection of organic, ethically-raised products and taste the difference for yourself.