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U.S. and Korea shake hands on organic trade

July 7, 2014
Shoppers browse the organic section at a Koreatown market.

Shoppers browse the organic section at a Koreatown market.

A new agreement by the U.S. and Korea to streamline organic trade has opened both markets for greater access.

The arrangement became effective July 1 and was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and by Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Under the new agreement, organic processed products certified in either U.S. or Korea are now considered equal and will no longer require businesses and farmers to obtain separate certifications.

“This typically has meant two sets of fees, inspections, and paperwork, and delays for U.S. farmers and businesses trying to export,” the USDA’s July 1 news release states. “This is Korea’s first organic equivalency arrangement with any trading partner and serves as an example of how closely the United States is working with Korea to address emerging issues and strengthen the trade relationship.”

The USDA’s National Organic Program and Korea’s National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service will oversee the arrangement.

The U.S. makes up 45 percent of the world organic market. According to the USDA, the U.S. exports about $35 million in organic processed products each year.