Organic Expression of Interest List
The Board would like to remind all producers that we continue to hold an Organic Expression of Interest List for producers wishing to join the organic pool. If you are an existing dairy producer interested in converting from conventional to organic production, the quota holder must submit a written request to BC Milk. All qualified requests will be placed on the Organic Expression of Interest list. The selection of candidates from the Expression of Interest list is based on stage of certification (i.e. T1, T2, and Certified) and production volume, not on chronological order. While there is not an immediate need for increased organic production, BC continues to successfully grow the organic market and we do see a future need for organic milk.
NEP Candidates and New Entrants (non-quota holders) with the intention to become organic dairy producers also must submit a written request to BC Milk and they will be added to the Organic Expression of Interest list.
The Board will only invite producers who hold quota or producers who have formally accepted an invitation from the Board to begin production (i.e. NEP or New entrants) to become organic producers.
Only those producers who receive a commitment from the Board to join the organic pool will be entitled to receive an organic premium on the milk that they ship.
Organic Incentive Allocation
An organic producer who has not previously received an organic allocation from the Board is eligible to receive a one-time organic incentive allocation equivalent to 30% of their SCDQ (organic quota) to a maximum of 25.0 kg/day, effective the date of start in the organic pool. The organic incentive allocation is not applicable on a previously allocated GEP or NEP allocation. Only those producers who receive a commitment from the Board to join the organic pool will be entitled to receive an organic incentive allocation.
For full information on organic policies in BC, please view the Organic Policy Guide available here.
If your farm is pursuing organic certification and would like to be added to the Organic Expression of Interest List, please submit in writing to wsiemens@bcmilk.com, or 604-854-4476 if you have any further questions.