Certified Organic Producers Co-op

The PEI Certified Organic Producers Co-op (COPC) was established in 2002. The Co-op is composed of certified organic agriculture producers who wish to see organic agriculture grow within Prince Edward Island. Organic agriculture has been around for a long time. In fact before the 1950’s, when pesticides and chemical fertilizers were introduced, every Island farmer was an organic producer.

The Co-op’s vision of the future entails a vibrant, growing organic industry in PEI. It is committed to supporting: quality healthy food for Islanders, revitalizing rural economy and culture, protecting and enhancing the environment, providing a fair income for organic farmers. To realize this vision the following goals have been set: increase organic production, research and market development; invite growers into the organic industry; promote and educate Islanders about organic food.

Organic Defined

Organic food is food that is grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides for at least three years prior to the harvest of the crop. In organic agriculture the soil is maintained through the use of natural fertilizers compost, and cover crops. In order to maintain certification status soil fertility must be maintained. With regard to pest maintenance biological control and natural pesticides are used.

Certified organic means that an independent certifying authority has verified that the organic standards have been met over the past 3 years. In most jurisdictions a farmer must be certified organic in order to use the term organic. When the term "organic" is applied to a product it means it has been produced and handled according the certification requirements of an independent organic certification body.

The Benefits of Organic Food

People are becoming more aware of the connection between the foods they eat and their health. Many people also realize that organic agriculture develops and sustains a healthy environment, thus helping insure a healthy planet for our children. Organic agriculture also represents a wonderful opportunity to transform and revitalize the rural culture and economy of Prince Edward Island.

Certification Numbers

Raymond Loo (grower)
OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association)
Certification #11101G02995
Joyce and Mike Kelly (grower)
MCOG (Maritime Certified Organic Grower)
Certification #PE04214
Margie Loo (grower)
MCOG (Maritime Certified Organic Grower)
Certification #PE02204
Jim Newson (grower)
MCOG (Maritime Certified Organic Grower)
Certification #PE04209
Sundance Natural Foods (Lemon and orange supplier)
GOCA (Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency)
Certification #234001
IMO Group (Sugar handler)
Certification #25450 (using EU Organic Certification Standards EEC No. 2092/91)
LesBleuets Mistassini Ltee (grower)
QAI (Quality Assurance International) Certification
#104889-A (using EU Organic Certification Standards EEC No. 2092/91)
SunOpta (handler raspberries and strawberries)
OTCO (Oregon Tilth Certified Organic)
Certification #CA-OTCO-CO-96-00133