India, Australia ink deal to boost organic products trade

India and Australia signed a landmark agreement which aims to facilitate the trade of organic products including wine, and agricultural produce and marks a significant move to strengthen the two countries' agritrade relations.

The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) will enable both countries to recognize one another's organic norms and certification systems and so cut down on trade barriers and also ensure that there is equivalence in certification. The commerce ministry said in a statement that this step is expected to raise organic exports from India further and help more organic producers become empowered.

The agreement will be executed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia. It speaks of products and processed foods with no change in the cellular structure and wines.

Since organic products tend to sell at 30–40% higher prices on the international market, farmer incomes and rural livelihoods will also grow as a consequence of the agreement. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal indicated the role of India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in upholding high standards, transparency, and credibility in the organic sector.

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He also mentioned the labeling, punishment, and regulatory control over the distribution of non-organic products which come from mishandling in addition to the requirement for farmer training and skill development which is necessary for farmer confidence.

Speaking at the DAFF, Tom Black, Deputy Head of the Australian Department, observed the country as a pioneer in the matter of 53 million hectares of organic farmland and presented trade prospects in cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wines. In 2024–25, Indian organic exports to Australia amounted to USD 8.96 million, of which the major items were psyllium husk, coconut milk, and rice.