The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) hosted its 2023 Organic Leadership Awards and evening gala to recognize the trailblazers and innovators of the organic industry. Located at the Listel Hotel in Vancouver, guests celebrated organic accomplishments, connected over local cuisine, as champions in the organic space were recognized. This is the 8th year COTA has presented these awards to Canadian catalysts that are progressing the Canadian organic sector to new heights.

“Each year we look forward to honouring organic leaders that have made great strides within the organic sector. We are so proud to recognize these organic leaders and are inspired by their incredible dedication to the advancement of organic. We celebrate their achievements.” said Tia Loftsgard, executive director, COTA.

This year’s awards and gala evening were graciously sponsored by Nature’s Path Foods, Riverside Natural Foods, Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd., Horizon Grocery + Wellness, and Ecocert Canada, all members of COTA and have a longstanding commitment to the growth of the organic industry.

The engraved flame-shaped award represents an acknowledgment of the recipient’s hard work in the organic sector and points to the passion demonstrated by innovators who forge a path of distinction to ensure organic is protected, promoted, and that their work lights the way for future generations.

Award recipients:

• Organic Champion of the Year – Ian Walker
• Organic Supplier of the Year – Discovery Organics
• Outstanding Leadership in Organic Science – Myriam R. Fernandez, PhD
• Organic Retailer of the Year – Canadian Natural Health Retailer Magazine, Bruce W. Cole & Alive Publishing Group, Ryan Benn
• Organic Innovator of the Year – Mill Street Brewery
• Organic Farming Award – St. Brigid’s Creamery
• Distinguished Leader of the Year – MP Ryan Turnbull

COTA’s Annual Organic Leadership Awards were established in 2016. Recipients of these awards are nominated by their peers and chosen by the COTA Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.  

To learn more about the awards, read all the recipient’s bios and view past recipients, visit https://canada-organic.ca/en/who-we-are/organic-leadership