Canada Organic Trade Association

About

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2007, dedicated to representing the interests of the organic sector in Canada. COTA advocates for organic agriculture at both national and international levels, aiming to create a supportive environment for organic businesses to thrive. COTA operates through four main pillars: organic market development, policy advocacy, data and research, and consumer education. The organization offers various services to its members, including export support, trade show funding, and market access opportunities. COTA also engages in consumer education initiatives, such as Organic Month and the Choose Canada Organic campaign. In 2022, COTA partnered with the Organic Federation of Canada and Canadian Organic Growers to form the Canadian Organic Alliance, enhancing its advocacy efforts for organic agriculture and trade. The Canadian organic sector has seen substantial growth, increasing from $1 billion in sales in 2012 to $6.6 billion in 2019. COTA plays a crucial role in shaping policies and supporting the industry's development, including facilitating transitions to new regulations and promoting organic priorities in upcoming federal elections.