U.S. and EU sign organic equivalence agreement
February 15, 2012
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As of June 1, certified organic products will be able to move freely between the U.S. and EU borders.
The two largest organic markets have signed an organic equivalence arrangement, a moved aimed at expanding market access for organic producers and companies.
Specifically, it means both groups now will recognize each other’s organic standards as sufficient, except for the following restrictions.
- Antibiotics can not be administered to animals for products entering the United States
- Antibiotics can not be used to control fire blight in apples and pears for products entering the European Union.
The EU and the U.S. also will work together to promote strong organic programs, protect organic standards, enhance cooperation, and facilitate trade in organic products.
This arrangement is limited to organic products of U.S. or EU origin. Additionally, both the U.S. and EU have agreed to exchange information on animal welfare issues, and on methods used to avoid contamination of organic products from genetically modified organisms.
“This monumental agreement will further create jobs in the already growing and healthy U.S. organic sector, spark additional market growth, and be mutually beneficial to farmers both in the United States and European Union as well as to consumers who choose organic products,” says Christine Bushway, executive director and ceo of U.S.-based Organic Trade Association (OTA).
For more information, visit www.ota.com/GlobalMarkets/US-EU-Organic-Equivalence-Arrangement.html or www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=LATEST_RELEASES.
This arrangement is limited to organic products of U.S. or EU origin. Additionally, both the U.S. and EU have agreed to exchange information on animal welfare issues, and on methods used to avoid contamination of organic products from genetically modified organisms.
“This monumental agreement will further create jobs in the already growing and healthy U.S. organic sector, spark additional market growth, and be mutually beneficial to farmers both in the United States and European Union as well as to consumers who choose organic products,” says Christine Bushway, executive director and ceo of U.S.-based Organic Trade Association (OTA).
For more information, visit www.ota.com/GlobalMarkets/US-EU-Organic-Equivalence-Arrangement.html or www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=LATEST_RELEASES.
- M.K.
