Canada Celebrates Fifth Annual Organic Week Sept. 20-28, 2014

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - September 18, 2014) - September 20-28 is Canada's Organic Week, the country's biggest celebration of organic food, farming and products. Supported by regional partners and coordinated by the Canada Organic Trade Association, Canadian Organic Growers and the Canadian Health Food Association, hundreds of Organic Week events will take place across the country.

"The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is proud to once again support Organic Week and shine a spotlight on the important impact the organic industry has for Canadians," stated Helen Long, president of CHFA. "Canadians can feel confident that when they purchase a product with the Canada organic logo they are not only investing in their health but also supporting sustainable environmentally friendly practices and animal welfare."

"Organic products resonate with Canadians because they are backed by regulation," said Ashley St Hilaire, Executive Director of the Canadian Organic Growers (COG). "When you buy a certified organic product, you know it has been heavily scrutinized from farm to table in order to meet Canada's rigorous organic standards."

The organic market continues to grow, as Canadian consumers look to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals and genetically modified ingredients, and to make environmentally friendly choices. "COTA's research shows the Canadian market is now the fourth largest in the world, and over 20 million Canadians choose organic products every week," said Matthew Holmes, Executive Director of the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA). "At $3.5 billion in sales a year, this is a viable, truly sustainable market Canadians can celebrate!"

Coast-to-coast Organic Week events will range from movie screenings to farm tours. Thousands of health food stores, farmers markets and grocery-chains will use the opportunity to showcase organic products and educate consumers. To find more about Organic Week events or retail promotions in your area, please visit www.organicweek.ca.

Organic Week was made possible this year by champion sponsors Nature's Path Foods, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, PC Organics, UNFI Canada, Sobeys Inc., Cascadian Farm Organic and Alive Publishing; by national leaders Que Pasa, Organic Meadow, the Big Carrot and Taste of Nature; as well as national supporters SunOpta, Beretta Farms, Organic Garage, Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Pro Organics, Mumm's Sprouting, Left Coast Naturals, OMRI, Fruit d'Or, Ambrosia Apple, Ecocert, Earthbound Farm, Procert, Fairtrade Canada, Ethical Bean, QAI and Mill St. Brewery. 

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