The increased demand for organic food will yield economic benefits for Canada in the future, according to an experienced organic farmer.
"Yes, it is growing, and the local food seems to be very popular now," Wolfgang Pfenning told CTV's Canada AM.
"A few years ago, local (organic) food was not very popular, but it is getting extremely popular now and we are very happy about it because it gives us an opportunity to prove that we can grow it in Canada."
Much of the organic produce sold in Canada originates in the United States. However, the increasing demand for the food in Canada has proven to be a boon for Canadian farmers such as Pfenning.
Pfenning's farm in Baden, Ont. boasts 200 acres of organic farmland and is one of the largest in the province.
The Pfenning family has been farming for over 300 years and they moved to Canada from Germany in 1981.
While the demand for their organic food was initially low, demand began to steadily increase as customers began to require food free of chemical traces for their sick children.
"The biggest difference between organic farming and conventional farming would be what happens inside the soil," Pfenning told Canada AM.
"We do not import any synthetic fertilizer or synthetic pesticides for our crops. We have to feed our living organisms in the soil with compost and other high carbon compost, which will be broken down by the organisms over time and those nutrients made available for the plants as they need it."
While the Pfenning family's dedication to growing organic produce is successful, they see more room for improvement for domestic farmers.
"Canadian farmers would be able to grow a lot more...if we would get more market share to sell Canadian produce and the market would try out Canadian produce. And with a little bit of time the supply would develop."
However with grocery retailers experiencing increased demand and consumers exhibiting a heightened consciousness about health and environmental issues, he does not feel the trend will be losing momentum any time soon.
"As fuel prices get more expensive, there are a lot of people out there that are conscientious who say we don't want so much fuel burned for transporting produce that can be grown locally," Pfenning said.
If you have any comments or questions about our organic series, please email us at organic@ctv.ca.
