Equivalency arrangements are entered into by countries with similar organic regulatory programs in order to facilitate trade. They are established by assessing and comparing two organic regulatory systems to determine if they are consistent. If variances (differences between the regulatory systems) are identified and cannot be resolved, they are considered critical variances. Those variances are then outside of the scope of the arrangement. Read more information on the process of determining organic equivalency.
Photo Credit: Canada Organic Trade Association on Equivalency Agreements
Equivalency in organic regulatory systems can achieve:
- Wider market access (for manufacturers and producers)
- Reliable Supply & Market Growth
- Bridge the gap between availability and growing season, as well as provide opportunities for organic goods of different growing conditions to be available in Canada.
Note: Organic aquaculture products are not within the scope of Canada’s current equivalency arrangements with other countries for organic products.
For more information, view the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) guidance document on Organic Equivalency Arrangements.