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U.S. & Japan expand organic equivalence to include livestock products
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office says the organic equivalence arrangement with Japan has been expanded to include livestock products. Trade officials say the expansion will reduce costs and streamline the process for anyone in the organic supply chain by requiring only one organic certification.
USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach says Japan is already one of the top export markets for U.S. organic products, and this agreement opens additional opportunities.
Chief Agricultural Negotiator Gregg Doud says the expanded arrangement protects and increases access for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to the third-largest U.S. organic export market.
The Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) now require organic livestock products imported from the United States to either be certified under the JAS or USDA organic regulations. The expanded agreement goes into effect Thursday (July 16th).
The U.S. already has organic equivalency agreements with Canada, the European Union, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
