The Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association (FVOPA) is stepping into Grow Up Conference this year to present its Internal Standard for Cannabis, an organic certification program designed specifically for cannabis producers and processors and fully aligned with the Canadian Organic Regime.
"The FVOPA Internal Standard for Cannabis Production exists to translate organic intention into a clear, recognized, and verifiable framework," says Emily McEachern, FVOPA Administrator. "It sets out COR aligned requirements that cover cultivation practices, approved input materials, processing methods, and the often overlooked but essential world of record keeping. The goal is not to add bureaucracy for the sake of it, but to ensure that organic cannabis is produced with integrity, transparency, and full compliance with Canadian Organic Regulations."
FVOPA brings more than two decades of experience into this conversation. With over 25 years spent certifying food producers and processors across Canada, the organization is very much familiar with organic systems, audits, or the realities of running compliant operations. "We are very excited to apply that expertise to cannabis," Emily say. "This is an industry where many producers are already doing the work without a formal mechanism to have that work recognized."
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That gap is one of the most practical challenges FVOPA wants to address. "Across Canada, there are cannabis producers who are already following organic practices in their facilities, from input selection to cultivation philosophy, but who lack a recognized certification that adds credibility and value to those choices," Emily say. "Without certification, those efforts remain largely invisible to the market. FVOPA's Internal Standard gives producers the ability to formally demonstrate their commitment to organic production while opening the door to clearer marketing and leadership in sustainability."
Producers and processors who certify under the FVOPA Internal Standard are eligible to use the FVOPA Certified Organic logo on their packaging. "It is a way of telling consumers that organic is a verified process."
At Grow Up, FVOPA's focus is on connecting with producers and processors who are already committed to organic practices, as well as those who are curious and considering the next step. "We can't wait to talk about what certification looks like in practice, what it requires, and how it can support operations."
While the organization was founded in the Fraser Valley, which is where the name comes from, its certification services extend across Canada. "We currently supports clients in Ontario and British Columbia, but we also certify operations nationwide. Grow Up offers us the chance to make that reach visible to a broader audience."
Despite the challenges of today's market, FVOPA still very much sees an industry where collaboration is key. "There is a strong sense of shared problem solving, of people exchanging ideas, tools, and hard-earned lessons to bring better quality and innovation to consumers. Grow Up reflects that spirit by bringing the community together in one space."
This year marks FVOPA's first time attending Grow Up. You can meet them at booth 108.
For more information:
Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association
PO Box 18511, Delta, BC V4K 4V7, Canada
778-434-3070
[email protected]
fvopa.ca
