Food certified as organic in the US or Japan will from next year be able to be sold in both countries under a trade deal between the countries announced today (26 September).

US government officials said the agreement would benefit the country’s organic food sector.

“Today’s agreement will streamline access to the growing Japanese organic market for US farmers and processors and eliminate significant barriers for small and medium organic producers, benefiting America’s thriving organic industry,” added United States Trade Representative Michael Froman.

Before the deal, producers in both countries had to secure separate certifications.

The agreement follows similar deals signed with the EU last year and with Canada in 2009.