India–Australia Organic Trade Deal

India and Australia recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products, a landmark development under the broader India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). This India–Australia Organic Trade agreement was formalized at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of top trade and agricultural officials from both countries.

It marks a significant step toward strengthening organic trade, simplifying certification processes, and enhancing market access for certified organic producers in both nations.

What the India–Australia Organic Trade Agreement Covers

The India–Australia Organic Trade agreement allows for the mutual recognition of organic certification standards, eliminating the need for redundant inspections and streamlining cross-border trade.

Specifically, it covers:

• Unprocessed plant products, excluding greenhouse crops and aquatic plants.

• Processed plant-based foods, including products containing third-country certified ingredients processed in India or Australia.

• Wine enables the smoother trade of alcoholic beverages under recognized organic standards.

The key implementing agencies for this organic certification agreement are:

• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India

• DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), Australia

This framework ensures that certified organic products from either country are accepted seamlessly in the partner market, providing a significant boost to organic exports and overall India–Australia Organic Trade.

India’s Vision for Organic Farming

India aims to become the Organic Food Basket of the World, with APEDA leading initiatives to:

• Expand certified organic farming practices across the country.

• Promote global organic trade and increase exports to new markets.

• Foster transparency, traceability, and consumer trust in organic labeling.

The Mutual Recognition Arrangement for organic products plays a crucial role in this vision by making India’s certification globally acceptable. This step is expected to enhance India’s credibility in international markets and support the growth of domestic organic farming trade deals, further strengthening India–Australia Organic Trade.

Why This India–Australia Organic Trade Agreement Matters

1. Boosts Trade

• India’s organic exports to Australia were valued at USD 8.96 million in FY 2024–25, with key products including psyllium husk, coconut milk, and rice.

• The new India–Australia Organic Trade Agreement 2025 is expected to significantly increase this volume by reducing trade barriers, enabling the smoother entry of Indian organic goods into Australia.

2. Supports Farmers

• Certified organic produce commands a 30–40% premium price, and the India–Australia Organic Trade is poised to enhance farmers’ incomes.

• By opening new markets and ensuring international acceptance of Indian organic standards, farmers benefit directly from global demand.

3. Ensures Certification Trust

• Through mutual recognition of organic standards, the agreement promotes regulatory harmony and builds consumer confidence in organic certification.

• This allows both Indian and Australian consumers to trust the quality and authenticity of products, whether it is processed foods, wine, or raw plant products, strengthening India–Australia Organic Trade further.

4. Opens New Markets

• Indian organic goods can now reach Australian retailers and consumers more efficiently, while Australian wine and organic cereals gain easier access to the Indian market.

• The APEDA DAFF organic certification pact ensures smoother trade flows, reduced inspection costs, and fewer regulatory hurdles, facilitating robust India–Australia Organic Trade.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

Broader Benefits of the India–Australia Organic Trade

The agreement is not just a trade deal; it is a strategic initiative with multiple benefits:

• For Farmers: Higher income, premium pricing, and global market access.

• For Businesses: Simplified organic food export certification, reduced duplication of inspections, and lower compliance costs.

• For Consumers: Increased trust in organic labeling, availability of certified products, and greater choice in both countries.

• For Global Trade: Demonstrates how organic certification agreements support global trade, setting a precedent for other countries to enter similar global organic trade pacts.

Final Thoughts

India and Australia recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products under the broader Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), marking a significant step in strengthening India–Australia Organic Trade. This agreement allows mutual acceptance of organic certification standards, eliminating redundant inspections and simplifying cross-border trade. It covers unprocessed plant products, processed plant-based foods, and wine, ensuring smoother market access for certified producers.

The implementing agencies, APEDA in India and DAFF in Australia, will oversee the agreement’s execution, promoting transparency and trust in organic labeling.

For India, this aligns with its vision to become the Organic Food Basket of the World, supporting organic farming and boosting organic exports globally. Farmers benefit from premium prices, while consumers gain confidence in certified products.