Local organic farmer Kris Chand got some high-profile support for his drive to require uniform standards for all organic farms on Saturday.
That support came from opposition house leader John Horgan, who was quizzed on his position by Chand at an NDP open house event at Rotary House. Chand, who sits as the vice chair of the Certified Organic Associations of B.C., has been pushing for the province to come up with legislation to provide standards for goods labeled as organic. He said the lack of such legislation is causing conflict at farmers markets around B.C., including in Qualicum Beach.
Horgan said he supports mandatory labeling requirements.
“Food labeling, whether it be about GMOs (genetically modified organisms), Atlantic salmon or whether a product really is organic, is something consumers are very concerned with,” Horgan said. “It’s not a partisan political issue, it’s a food issue. It’s about having confidence in the food system.”