organics

The European Union (EU) and the US have announced that from 1 June this year products certified as organic in either area can be sold as such in the other region.

After auditing each others' programmes, the world's two biggest organics producers – whose sectors are worth a combined US$50bn (€38bn) – have signed formal letters on 15 February to create a partnership that eliminates barriers to trade for organic producers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dacian Ciolos, EU commissioner for agriculture and rural development, said: "This agreement comes with a double added value. On the one hand, organic farmers and food producers will benefit from easier access, with less bureaucracy and less costs, to both the US and the EU markets, strengthening the competitiveness of this sector. In addition, it improves transparency on organic standards, and enhances consumers' confidence and recognition of our organic food and products."

Previously, companies wanting to trade produce on the other side of the Atlantic had to obtain separate certificates showing they had met both regions' organics standards.