Guide to the Canadian Organic Standards
This online publication is designed to help producers, processors and other stakeholders to understand the 2026 Canadian Organic Standards. The revised Guide to the Canadian Organic Standards incorporates the many changes made to the Canadian Organic Standards in terms of both required practices and permitted substances. The 2026 Canadian Organic Standards came into force in March 2026, however current farmers, processors and other operators have a grace period of one year to adapt their practices to meet the new standard.
The Guide includes two documents:
1️⃣ The Guide to Organic Principles and Management Standards—CAN/CGSB-32.310 and
2️⃣ The Guide to Lists of Permitted Substances—CAN/CGSB-32.311.
In the left-hand column, you will find the wording of the 2026 Canadian Organic Standards. The right-hand column contains our guidance, including explanations, examples and clarifications regarding prescribed practices and permitted substances.
This Guide would not have been possible without a lot of hard work behind the scenes. COG and the OFC would like to thank the project team for all their hard work and dedication especially the Guide’s author, Janet Wallace.