Quebec extends support for converting to organic agriculture

The Support Program for Conversion to Organic Agriculture (PACAB) has been extended until March 31, 2023. André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, made the announcement about the extension this week.

“These foods address consumer concerns about health, environmental protection, climate change, animal welfare and the local economy,” commented Lamontagne in a press release.

“Today’s announcement confirms the importance our government places on the organic sector,” he said. “This measure has made a significant contribution to the increase in organic acreage and the number of businesses in organic production in recent years,” Lamontagne said, explaining that the extension of the PACAB will contribute to the development of organic farming and increase the supply of organically produced food.

The program has two components to support agricultural businesses. Component one is for the conversion of crop, maple syrup and beekeeping production units. The second component is for the construction or modification of livestock facilities to meet the requirements of organic standards.

Since the PACAB came into effect, more than $10 million worth of financial support has been provided to agricultural businesses in the province, leading to the conversion of several thousand hectares of crops and pasture, several million taps and nearly 100 beehives. Also, nearly 100 farms have received financial assistance for the construction or modification of livestock facilities to meet organic standards.

The global organic food market is estimated to be worth more than $125 billion. In Quebec, the value of this market is estimated to be close to $1 billion.

According to a press release from Lamontagne’s office, the number of organic farms in Quebec more than doubled between 2015 and 2020, from 1,128 to more than 2,400, representing nearly nine per cent of all farms in the province. During the same period, the area under organic crops and pastures increased from 49,000 hectares to more than 100,000 hectares, representing nearly five per cent of the total agricultural area. With one third of the farms in Canada being organic, Quebec is a leader in the country.