U.S. and Korea Reach Agreement on Organic Standards

An agreement between the United States and Korea has set standards for organic products that can be accepted in either country. Beginning July 1, organic products certified in the United States or Korea can be labeled as organic in either country. This will allow American organic farmers, processors, and businesses greater access to Korea’s growing market for organic products. “Korea is a growing, lucrative market for U.S. organic products, and this arrangement increases demand for American organic products,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Without this equivalency arrangement in place, organic farmers and businesses wanting to sell organic processed products in either country would have to obtain separate certifications to meet each country’s organic standards. This typically has meant two sets of fees, inspections, and paperwork, and delays for U.S. farmers and businesses trying to export. 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. Learn more.