USDA says the new agreement will expand the market for organic farmers, reduce hurdles for small and medium-size businesses, and deliver more organic products to consumers.
Organic food and beverage manufacturers got some good news last week as the US and Switzerland agreed to an organic equivalency arrangement, which will streamline organic trade, strengthen organic agriculture and support jobs and businesses on a global level. Beginning last Friday, organic products certified in the US or Switzerland may be sold as organic in either country.
“The US organic industry has made significant progress under this Administration,” says Krysta Harden, USDA deputy secretary. “This is another chapter in the success story of organic agriculture, providing new economic opportunities for American producers, choices for consumers and jobs in rural communities across the country.”