2009 Press Releases
Historic signing finalizes equivalency agreement between Canada and U.S.
For interviews, contact:
Matthew Holmes, managing director
Organic Trade Association in Canada
(613) 482-1717
cell: 506-260-7537
mholmes@ota.com
For pictures of the event, contact: Sue McGovern
McGovern Communications
(781) 648-7157
sue@mcgov.com
CHICAGO, Illinois (June 17, 2009)— USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, today in her keynote address at the Organic Trade Association (OTA)’s All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show, announced that an equivalency agreement has been reached between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This historic equivalency agreement will allow the continued smooth flow of certified organic products between the two countries and support the continued growth of this rapidly expanding market in North America. It is the first such equivalency agreement worldwide for the organic industry.
The official signing will take place at Organic Trade Association (OTA)’s All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show at Lakeview Center, McCormick Place this afternoon during the State of the Organic Industry in North America session. The agreement, signed by the two government agencies, takes effect on June 30.
As a result of the historic equivalency agreement, certified organic products as of July 1 can continue to move freely across the U.S. and Canadian border provided they use the new Canada Organic Biologique logo or the USDA Organic seal.
“This is a tremendous occasion for the organic sector in North America,” said Matthew Holmes, managing director of OTA in Canada. “Because of this agreement, Canadian consumers will continue to enjoy a wide range of products, while Canadian organic farmers and manufacturers will have access to one of their most important markets without the need for redundant certifications.”
Under equivalency, producers certified to Canadian organic standards by a CFIA accredited certifying body will be deemed equivalent to the NOP to meet the labeling requirements of the U.S. market when selling to the U.S. Similarly, producers certified to NOP regulations by a USDA accredited certifying agent do not have to double-certify to the Canadian organic standards in order to meet Canadian labeling requirements when exporting to the Canadian market.
Founded nearly 25 years ago, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. www.ota-canada.ca
