U.S., EU organic agreement takes effect June 1

Beginning June 1, certified organic products of the United States and the European Union (EU) can be represented as organic in each other's markets, according to USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).

When exporting to the European Union, all products traded under the organic partnership must meet the following requirements:

• Organic apples, pears and ingredients from organic apples and pears must be produced without antibiotics. Antibiotics may not be used for at least three years prior to the harvest of the organic apple or pear

• Products must travel with an EU import certificate that has been completed by a NOP-accredited certifying agent

• Products must be either produced or have had final processing or packaging occur within the United States

When exporting from the European Union to the United States, all products traded under the partnership must meet the following requirements:

• Livestock must be produced without antibiotics

• Products must travel with a NOP import certificate that has been completed by an EU-authorized body

• Products must be either produced or have had final processing or packaging occur within the EU