The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, announced final publication of the Organic Products Regulations that will protect consumers against false organic claims and will govern the use of a new Canada Organic logo.

"Through these regulations, Canada's New Government is providing a competitive advantage for the Canadian organic sector and protecting consumers," said Minister Strahl. "Not only will Canadians be protected against deceptive and misleading claims on organic products, but the organic industry's capacity to respond to international and domestic market opportunities will be strengthened.”

Phased in over the next two years, the Canada Organic logo will be permitted for use only on those food products certified as meeting the revised Canadian standard for organic production and that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. Following this phase-in period, it will be mandatory that all organic products be certified for interprovincial and international trade.

Canada now joins more than 40 other countries world-wide with organic regulations.

These regulations are a result of comprehensive national consultations which began in 2003.

The Organic Products Regulations may be obtained on the CFIA 's Website at www.inspection.gc.ca or the Canada Gazette Website at www.canadagazette.gc.ca .