The U.S. and Japan have announced the expansion of organic trade to include livestock products.
The deal went into effect July 16 and “streamlines the process for anyone involved in the organic livestock supply chain by requiring only one organic certification,” according to USDA.
The Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) now require organic livestock products imported from the U.S. to be certified under the JAS or USDA organic regulations. Livestock will now be eligible under these regulations in addition to the previously allowed plant-based organic products.
“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.”
