Harrington Research Farm gets certified organic for organic research plots

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Harrington Research Farm in Prince Edward Island is the department’s first research centre to have its organic land certified organic by a third-party auditor.

The land, which includes just over eight hectares of land in production and another four hectares that are being prepared for organic trials, received the certification from the Certified Organic Producers’ Co-op in the province.

"Although the information we were generating was valid and valuable, it has even more weight for industry with the certification behind it. The certification will no doubt lead to more organic research collaborations in the future."

- Aaron Mills, Scientist, Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, AAFC

While the farm had already been adhering to organic principles in the plots for more than five years, agronomist Aaron Mills says the certification gives the centre added credibility with its organic partners. "It means a lot to organic producers to have us go through the same process that they have gone through," says Mills.

During the certification process, an inspector from the Certified Organic Producers’ Co-op reviewed the centre’s production practices and visited the site to ensure it met the standards set by national and international bodies.

Key Messages

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research land in Prince Edward Island is the department's first to be certified organic by a third-party auditor.
• The certification gives added credibility with organic research partners and could lead to more organic research collaborations in the future.

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Related information

• Charlottetown Research and Development Centre
• Aaron Mills, PhD