What is the role of certifying bodies under the standards?

With the implementation of the Organic Products Regulations (OPR) (SOR/2006-338) on June 30, 2009, only  certifying bodies accredited under the regulations by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may certify farms and processing facilities as organic for interprovincial or international trade. Certifying bodies certify organic farmers as organic according to a single set of national standards - The Canadian Organic Standards. These certifying bodies may also certify farmers and processors to the standards of other countries when their production is for export.

Have any conformity verification bodies and certification bodies been established?

Under the new organic regulations, conformity verification bodies (CVBs) are approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to accredit certifying bodies in Canada. See the list of conformity verification bodies and the list of certifying bodies. Certifying bodies can apply for accreditation at any time, so this list will change periodically.