U.S. and Japan Expand Organic Trade Opportunities

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service sent this bulletin at 07/14/2020 01:03 PM EDT
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service national organic program organic insider

U.S. and Japan Expand
Organic Trade Opportunities

Livestock Added to Arrangement

U.S. expands organic equivalency arrangement with Japan


Effective July 16, 2020, the U.S.-Japan organic trade arrangement adds livestock to the list of products that may 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,” said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Greg Ibach. “Japan is already one of the top export markets for U.S. organic products. This agreement opens additional opportunities for everyone involved in the international supply chain for livestock, from farm to table.”

“Japan is a key international partner in the organic market sector,” said U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator Gregg Doud. “This expanded arrangement protects and increases access for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to the third largest U.S. organic export market.”

Equivalency arrangements reduce required certification costs, fees, inspections and paperwork for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses across the supply chain.

See the Japan International Trade Policies web page and the USDA press release for details.