United States and Canada Agree on Organic Equivalency Standards

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has announced that the United States and Canada have agreed to finalize negotiations on their organic equivalency standards before the new rule is implemented on June 30, 2009, to ensure trade continues uninterrupted. The new Organic Products Regulations will require all Canadian organic products to be endorsed by a certification body accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The rules were designed to create a nationwide standard for Canadian products but raised fears that products previously accepted as organic from other countries, including the United States, could be shut out if they did not comply. The U.S. final rule on national organic standards was fully implemented in October 2002 and is slightly different than the new Canadian regulation.

An official of the OTA was quoted as saying, “Canadian consumers will definitely benefit from this, and will continue to enjoy quality year-round organic products from the United States. At the same time, Canadian farmers and manufacturers will be able to certify to our organic standards without having to take on additional redundant certifications to sell into the United States – so everybody wins.” See foodnavigator-usa.com, April 3, 2009.