Voluntary organic check-off

Throughout Canada, various agricultural agencies/ development commissions have been established. Many of these agencies or commissions have been granted the power by government regulation, to set and collect a prescribed levy on agricultural products and commodities.  Although organic producers pay into the various levies, SaskOrganics is not a development commission and receives no levy dollars through the government legislated check-off system.

In 2019, SaskOrganics set up a voluntary organic check-off and began partnering with some organic buyers in this initiative.​ Check-off funds assist in providing SaskOrganics with baseline funding to operate, carry out activities, education and advocacy. Provincial industry associations play an important role in developing the organic sector.​

Having a more solid financial foundation will help SaskOrganics strengthen and grow the programming and advocacy efforts to better support the organic producers and processors that make up the sector, and support transitioning producers with the guidance they need along the way to certification.