Organic producers can hope to build consumer confidence only by having a reputable certification system and by carefully maintaining standards. The goal of organic producer organizations is to establish standards for organic production on which the public can depend. The OPAM guidelines specify that crops must be grown on soils that have been treated according to organic standards for 36 months prior to harvest. Generally, no growth stimulants, antibiotics, synthetic medications, or synthetically produced mineral or vitamin supplements may be used. Only biological insect control methods may be used.
More details are available from local organic producer associations.
Marketing organic products Successful organic producers must regard marketing as an important priority. Although products can be sold through regular marketing channels, including the Canadian Wheat Board, producers also commonly sell privately, and to specialty markets. Companies such as B.P. Kent Flour Mills in Virden, Manitoba and the Mercantile Food Company in Connecticut, U.S.A., market organic products for farmers at premium prices. When investigating organic product markets, farmers should ensure that traders are reputable, have good certification standards and pay fair prices. The producer must sell the grain to the elevator at the initial price and then buy it back at the established CWB price before selling it to his private buyer at premium prices.