India and Australia on Wednesday deepened their trade and strategic ties with the signing of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products. The agreement, inked at Vanijya Bhavan in New Delhi on September 24, is seen as a major step under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Arrangement (ECTA) and is expected to ease trade in organic produce between the two countries.
Under the arrangement, both sides will recognize each other’s organic standards and certifications for specific categories. These include unprocessed plant products (excluding seaweed, aquatic plants and greenhouse crops), processed foods of plant origin, including certified organic ingredients from third countries processed in India or Australia, and wine. The move will simplify compliance requirements, lower trade barriers, and open new opportunities for farmers and exporters.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) has played a vital role in ensuring transparency and credibility in India’s organic ecosystem. He emphasized that organic products should be viewed as more than just a certification, describing them as part of a system that preserves integrity, enforces strict standards, and improves farmer incomes. “Organic produce commands 30–40 per cent higher prices, which directly benefits farmers. But it is important that products are genuinely certified organic and every stakeholder maintains that trust,” he said. He also called for stronger labelling, penalties for violations, and greater training and advisory support to help farmers adapt.
Australia’s First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Tom Black, welcomed the agreement, saying it would boost organic trade between the two nations. He noted that Australia has 53 million hectares under organic farming, the largest in the world, and highlighted opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages and wine. He also praised India’s fast-growing organic sector and acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora in driving demand.
According to official data, India exported USD 8.96 million worth of organic products to Australia in 2024-25, with psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice among the top items. Officials said the new pact would give a strong push to these exports and support India’s ambition of becoming the “Organic Food Basket of the World.”
The signing ceremony was attended by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and Tom Black from DAFF. Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India Nick McCaffrey, senior officials from the Commerce Ministry, representatives from FSSAI, and leading organic exporters were also present. The agreement will be implemented by APEDA on the Indian side and DAFF in Australia.
