Organic

status:
Progress
Published:
The EU and Japan have since before the EPA an organic equivalence arrangement covering plant based organic products. After some successful changes to the system this arrangement is today working well. However, it only covers products of plant origin, leaving out organic products of animal origin. As the EU has a lot of organic products to offer, the EBC believes that the two authorities with the help of the EU member states should conintue talks on expanding the coverage to also include products of animal origin. It should be noted that Japan has agreements with the US, Canada, Switzerland and Australia that covers both plant and animal origin. As this arrangement will expire in 2026, the EU and Japan should also continue to ensure the continuity of the organic equivalence by negotiating a new organic international bilateral agreement.

Recommendations

  • The EU and Japan should continue talks on mutual recognition of organic foods with animal origin.