Provincial

Organic certification

Since September 2018, “organic” is a protected word in BC. Using it — on a label, a market banner, a website, a CSA box — needs certification: the BC program for sales within BC, the federal Canada Organic Regime for anything crossing a border. Phrases like “grown following organic principles” or “uncertified organic” need it too. A farm converting may say “transitional organic” if it sells only in BC.

Who issues it
A certification body under the BC Certified Organic Program or the Canada Organic Regime
Cost
A yearly administration fee set by regulation (from $71.60 for under $10,000 in sales), plus your certification body’s own fees.
How long
A certificate lasts one year.
Forms and pages

Do you need it?

You need it if

  • You use the word “organic” on anything you sell — a label, banner, website or CSA box.
Where this comes from

Sources

How to get it

  1. 1

    Choose a certification body

    For sales within BC, Organic BC lists Pacific Agricultural Certification Society and the North Okanagan Organic Association.

  2. 2

    Apply early

    At least 15 months before you expect to sell certified product; land in transition needs 36 months since its last prohibited substance.

  3. 3

    Pass two inspections

    You need at least two inspections before a certificate is issued.

Where this comes from

Sources

Once you have it

  • A certificate lasts one year; renew through your certification body.
Where this comes from

Sources

Which businesses need it

Farms & market gardensOnly if you call anything “organic”

The rules behind this page

Last checked 5 November 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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