Canada, EU, reach agreement on organic standards

Canada and the European Union have reached an agreement recognizing each other’s organic standards and laws.

"This is an absolute game-changer for Canadian farmers and food manufacturers," said Matthew Holmes, executive director of the Canada Organic Trade Association, and an organic sector advisor to the Government of Canada on international trade and market access.

"With full access to European markets, suppliers, and ingredients, Canada's organic sector now has a strategic edge. This agreement will increase trade and boost Canada's organic sector, from the farm to the consumer."

According to COTA, the Canadian organic market has grown to more than $2.6 billion in 2010 from $2 billion in 2008.

Canada exports more than $390 million worth of organic commodities, ingredients and products to the U.S., EU and other parts of the world.

This agreement will eliminate the costs of multiple organic certifications now carried by farmers, processors and traders.

This is the world’s second such agreement; the first occurred in 2009 between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.