European Union Votes to Expand Canada-EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement

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The European Union has voted to expand the scope of the Canada-EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement. That means processed products that are certified organic and contain imported agreements will no longer require double certification. It also means EU and Canadian organic wines will be considered equivalent.

“Allowing goods to flow more easily between Canada and Europe is a real focus for our government, and this is very welcome news for organic processors and producers who export to Europe,” said Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland. “I look forward to building on this success as we implement our gold standard agreement with the EU, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.”

The Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA) has estimated the EU organic market to be worth approximately 23.9 billion Euros.

“This is long-awaited and exciting news for our sector,” said Dag Falck, president of COTA. “Strengthening Canada’s export opportunities with EU countries just took a strong step forward with recognition of Canadian Organic Regime (COR) certified organic products with ingredients from all approved suppliers.”

The regulations are expected to be in place this spring.

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