India and Australia sign Organic MRA, simplifying trade and expanding export opportunities.
India and Australia have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products, marking a new milestone in their economic and strategic partnership under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). The signing took place at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, and senior Australian officials.
The MRA, implemented by India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), covers unprocessed plant products, processed foods of plant origin, and wine. It ensures equivalence in organic standards, reducing compliance hurdles and enhancing trade opportunities for farmers and exporters.
Commerce Secretary Barthwal underlined the importance of India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in maintaining integrity and transparency across the sector. He stressed strict certification, labelling, and regulatory measures to safeguard consumer trust while enhancing farmers’ incomes, as organic products fetch 30-40% higher prices.
Australia, which holds 53 million hectares of organic farmland, welcomed the pact. With India’s organic exports to Australia already reaching USD 8.96 million in FY 2024-25, the MRA is expected to further strengthen trade in cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wines.
Source: PIB
