As more consumers become concerned about the quality of their food and the impact it has on the environment, the demand for organic products has been on the rise. This has led to an increased interest in organic food certification, especially among countries that trade with each other. One such agreement is the Canada-EU Organic Equivalency Agreement.
This agreement was signed in 2017 between Canada and the European Union (EU) and it aims to facilitate trade between the two regions in organic products. The agreement recognizes that the organic standards and regulations in Canada and the EU are equivalent. Therefore, organic products certified in one region can be sold as organic in the other region without the need for additional certifications.
This agreement is important for both Canada and the EU because it simplifies the trade processes and reduces the costs associated with multiple certifications. This is beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who may not have the resources to go through the certification process in both regions. It also ensures that consumers in both regions can trust the organic products they buy from the other region.
To ensure compliance with the agreement, Canada and the EU have set up a system to monitor and oversee organic products traded between them. This system includes regular inspections and audits of organic farms and processors and the exchange of information between the two regions.
The Canada-EU Organic Equivalency Agreement covers a wide range of organic products, including crops, livestock products, processed foods, and aquaculture. However, there are some products that are not covered by the agreement, such as wild-harvested products.
It`s important to note that the agreement doesn`t change the organic standards and regulations in Canada and the EU. Instead, it recognizes that they are equivalent and creates a framework for the two regions to trade organic products with each other.
In conclusion, the Canada-EU Organic Equivalency Agreement is a significant development for the organic industry in both regions. It simplifies trade, reduces costs for SMEs, and ensures that consumers can trust the organic products they buy. As the demand for organic products continues to grow, international agreements like this one will become increasingly important.