February 12, 2023

Understanding Organic Labels

Have you ever seen an "organic" product label and questioned whether it was actually organic or just using the phrase as a marketing gimmick? Keep reading to find out more about organic labels and how you can know if a product meets certain standards.

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Have you ever seen an “organic” product label and questioned whether it was actually organic or just using the phrase as a marketing gimmick? If you live in the United States or the European Union, you can be confident that products labeled as organic meet certain standards thanks to the US/EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement

This arrangement, which was established in 2012, allows for the mutual recognition of organic standards between the US and EU. In other words, it ensures that organic products produced and certified in either region can be sold without requiring further certification.

For both consumers and businesses, the US/EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement is a significant development. Since they have been certified to equivalent standards, people can buy organic products with certainty. The US/EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement makes it simpler for businesses to sell organic goods across international borders. Small businesses that do not have the capacity to get their items certified in multiple countries may find this aspect to be of particular importance. It can also help to ensure that organic products are more widely available, which is great news for consumers who want to support organic agriculture.

It’s crucial to keep in mind, however, that the arrangement only applies to bilateral trade of goods that are grown and processed in compliance with US or EU organic standards. Products made in other nations and imported into either region are not covered.

As a result, you can be confident that any product bearing the label “organic” complies with the requirements of the US/EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement. To learn more about organic products, the BIOFACH trade fair is the place to start. This annual event is held in Germany and is the world’s leading trade fair for organic products. It brings together thousands of businesses, farmers, and consumers from around the world to learn about the latest trends and innovations in organic agriculture. BIOFACH generally takes place in February at the NürnbergMesse exhibition venue.

For information on admission, visit: https://www.biofach.de/en/visitors