The US and Canada have signed a deal recognising each country’s organic standards, it was announced yesterday (17 June).
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The so-called ‘ equivalency agreement’ aims to ensure that products sold as organic in one country and be sold as organic over the border.
US agriculture deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan said the deal would give the country’s expanded “market opportunities” to sell abroad.
“The production of organic foods is a vibrant growth opportunity for American agriculture,” Merrigan said.
According to the Organic Trade Association in the US, US sales of organic food and non-food products grew by 17.1% in 2008 to US$24.6bn.
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By GlobalDataOTA’s executive director Christine Bushway said consumers would benefit from a more affordable range of products and greater choice.
“As a result, consumers will continue to have confidence in the organic integrity and government oversight of the products they buy,” Bushway said.
Under the deal, organic producers already certified to domestic standards do not have to sign up to the equivalent certification across the border.
Both the USDA Organic seal and the Canada Organic Biologique logo may be used on certified products from both countries. Canada’s ‘Organic Product Regulation’ standards go into effect on 30 June.
