The Green Party of Canada congratulates Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party, on receiving the Distinguished Supporter of the Year Award from the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) on September 24 at its annual Organic Gala & Leadership Awards in Toronto. 

May’s recognition reflects longstanding advocacy to ensure organic agriculture is represented in federal food and agricultural policy. May has consistently called for a stronger Canadian Organic Standard, transitional support for farmers moving to certified organic production and greater access to organic food, while highlighting the role of organic agriculture in protecting biodiversity, pollinators, soil and water.

That advocacy has also brought the sector’s priorities directly to Parliament. In 2018, May co-hosted COTA’s Organic Champion Breakfast on Parliament Hill, bringing representatives of the sector together with parliamentarians to present key recommendations from the State of Organics report and discuss the Canada Organic Standards.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award,” said May. “With the current government slashing support for organic agriculture, it is more important than ever to advocate for the transition to organic agriculture. In omnibus budget bill C-30, the government handed over to the Cabinet the power to approve dangerous pesticides. This spring, the Liberals also shut down the Swift Current Research and Development Centre, Canada’s longest-running research program in organic agriculture. This recognition of my work is a very generous gesture. Greens from across Canada will redouble efforts to fight for organic farmers, producers and all working for healthy local food.”

The Green Party of Canada will continue to support policies that advance organic agriculture while protecting the land, water and biodiversity on which Canada’s food system depends. 

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