Posted October 1, 2013
The United States and Japan have announced that
beginning January 1, 2014, organic products certified in Japan or in the US may
be sold as organic in either country, according to a USDA News Release,
available here.
Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack said, “This
partnership reflects the strength of the USDA organic standards, allowing
American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to access Asia’s largest
organic market…It is a win for the American economy and sets the foundation for
additional organic agricultural trade agreements in Asia. This partnership provides economic
opportunities for farmers and small businesses, resulting in good jobs for
Americans across the organic supply chain.”
The organic sector in the US and Japan is valued at
more than $36 billion combined, and rising every year.
Prior to this equivalency arrangement, organic farmers
and businesses wanting to sell products in either country had to “obtain
separate certifications to meet each country’s organic standards,” typically
meaning “two sets of fees, inspections, and paperwork.” In preparation for the agreement, US and
Japanese technical experts conducted on-site audits, ensuring that the
programs’ regulations, quality control measures, certification requirements,
and labeling practices were compatible.
According to a Farm Futures article, available here,
Christine Bushway, Executive Director and CEO of the Organic Trade Association
said, “This monumental agreement will further create jobs in the already
growing U.S. organic sector, spark additional market growth, and be mutually
beneficial to producers both in the United States and Japan and to consumers who
choose organic products.”
Cathy Calfo, Executive Director of the California
Certified Organic Farmers said, “This agreement is vital to specialty crop
growers, who number more than 2,000 in California alone. These producers will be able to expand sales
in a vibrant Japanese market, inspiring growth in a sector that is already
creating jobs and economic opportunity.”
