The USDA says livestock is now added to the list of products included in the organic trade arrangement between the U.S. and Japan. The Fence Post Dot Com says livestock can now be certified to either country’s organic standards for sale as organic in both markets.
“Opening new markets for America’s organic farmers and ranchers continues to be a priority for USDA,” says Marketing and Regulatory Programs Undersecretary Greg Ibach (Eye-baw). “Japan is already one of the top export markets for U.S. organic products. This new agreement opens even more opportunities for everyone involved in the international supply chain for livestock.”
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator Gregg Doud says Japan is a key international partner for the U.S. in the organic sector. “This expanded arrangement increases access for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to the third-largest U.S. organic export market,” Doud says. The USDA also says equivalency arrangements reduce required certification costs, fees, inspections, and paperwork for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses across the supply chain.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)