The Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Japan and Canada have reached agreement on an equivalency in organic products.
An in-depth review and on-site audit of each other’s rules for organic production concluded that the organic standards and enforcement regimes of Japan and Canada meet the same objectives, allowing organic products to be sold in both countries.
The exchange of letters between Canada and Japan took place on September 16, 2014. Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz formally announced the agreement.
“On the margins of the APEC forum, Minister Ritz announced that Canada has signed a new organic equivalency arrangement with Japan. Coming into effect January 1, 2015, the agreement recognizes the organic production and certification systems in each country, making it easier to sell organic products in either country presenting new opportunities for Canadian producers and processors. ”
Please note that the letter of exchange can be found on the CFIA website along with the overview document.
