What is in this article?:
- USDA, EU declare one organic certification to boost organic trade
- What the new organic partnership means for your business
The organics sector in the United States and European Union is valued at more than $50 billion combined and rising yearly, reports the USDA. Beginning June 1, the worlds' two largest organic producers will begin trading under a single organic certification—what does this mean for your organic business?
In a historic agreement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and European Union (EU) today announced a partnership that allows certified organic products to be sold in either region beginning June 1. The equivalent organic standards eliminate the need for organic growers and companies to obtain separate certifications, resulting in increased market access and transparency for businesses and consumers.
Government leaders affirmed the partnership in Nuremberg, Germany, on Feb. 15 during the BioFach World Organic Fair, the largest trade show for organic products in the world. Present at the event, U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said the agreement "will open new markets for American farmers and ranchers, create more opportunities for small businesses, and result in good jobs for Americans who package, ship and market organic products."
Dacian Ciolos, the European commissioner for agriculture and rural development, cited easier access, less bureaucracy and the elimination of a double set of fees and inspections as wins for organic producers and farmers.
The interchangeable certification requires that all products must be shipped with an organic export certificate containing basic information about the products' origin and organic verification. And good news—very little change, if at all, will be necessary for organic businesses and growers to begin selling their products across the Atlantic.
Currently, the U.S. and EU organic standards differ only in the allowance of antibiotic use. USDA prohibits antibiotics unless used to control invasive bacterial infections in organic apple and pear orchards. The EU allows antibiotics to only treat infected animals.
Under the new partnership, antibiotics may not be used for any reason. All products meeting the terms of the partnership can be traded and labeled as certified organic produce, meat, cereal, or wine.