Canada and Switzerland expand current organic equivalency arrangement

New arrangement increases opportunities for Canadian organic producers and processors

OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian organic producers and processors will benefit from new trade opportunities following the signing of an expanded organic arrangement between the governments of Canada and Switzerland. Effective October 1, 2016, the expanded arrangement will now allow all Canadian organic multi-ingredient processed products to be exported to Switzerland. The arrangement will also recognize Canadian and Swiss organic wine standards as being equivalent.

Quick Facts

• In December 2012, Canada and Switzerland reached an arrangement that deemed their respective certification systems equivalent for organic agricultural products.
• Switzerland's organic market is the eighth largest organic market in the world valued at CAD $2.66 billion in 2014, representing 7.5% growth over 2013.

Quotes

"In today's global trade environment, this arrangement is great news for Canadian organic processors and producers who will particularly benefit from Switzerland's processed food and beverage market. Creating opportunities for Canadian businesses is important to maintaining a healthy economy and growing the middle class."

-       Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Associated Links

• Canada-Switzerland Organic Equivalency Arrangement: Overview
• Regulating organic products in Canada

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Media Relations, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 613-773-6600; Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, The Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059