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Key Points

India's organic exports to Australia have seen a significant surge, reaching nearly $9 million this fiscal year. This growth is fueled by a new Mutual Recognition Arrangement that streamlines trade between the two nations. The agreement simplifies certification, building trust in each other's organic standards and systems. This creates exciting new opportunities for Indian farmers, who can earn higher incomes from their certified organic produce.

Key Points: India's Organic Exports to Australia Surge to $9 Million in FY25

  • India's organic exports to Australia reached $8.96 million in FY2024-25
  • The Mutual Recognition Arrangement simplifies compliance for organic trade
  • Farmers benefit as organic produce commands 30-40% higher prices
  • Australia leads with 53 million hectares of organic farmland for trade
  • Key exported items include psyllium husk, coconut milk, and rice
2 min read

India's organic exports to Australia surge, create more opportunities for farmers

India's organic exports to Australia hit $8.96 million, driven by a new trade agreement that simplifies certification and creates new farmer opportunities.

"Organic products must not be so-called organic but certified organic - Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary"

New Delhi, Sep 25

India’s organic exports to Australia reached $8.96 million in FY2024-25 with a total export volume of 2,781.58 metric tonnes, led by psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice, according to the government.

Both the countries have signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products, which demonstrates the shared commitment of the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Arrangement (ECTA) and strengthens the strategic partnership between India and Australia.

The Mutual Recognition Arrangement covers organic products that are grown and processed in the jurisdictions of the participants, including unprocessed plant products, excluding seaweed, aquatic plants, and greenhouse crops, processed foods composed of one or more ingredients of plant origin and wine.

“The arrangement reflects the trust and confidence our two countries place in each other’s organic standards and certification systems. The MRA will simplify the compliance requirements and create new opportunities for the farmers and exporters,” said Commerce Ministry.

Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, said that the role of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in setting rigorous standards for India’s organic ecosystem and keeping India’s organic sector transparent and credible.

He highlighted that organic products should not be viewed as a mere certification but as a reflection of a comprehensive system that preserves integrity, maintains strict standards and ensures farmers’ incomes. With organic produce commanding 30-40 per cent higher prices, farmers benefit from improved livelihoods.

He further stressed the need for labelling, penalties and regulatory measures to ensure strict separation of organic from non-organic produce, while also calling for greater capacity building, training and advisory support for farmers.

“Organic products must not be so-called organic but certified organic, with every stakeholder in the chain taking pride in maintaining that integrity,” Barthwal said.

Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia, appreciated India’s fast-growing organic sector and the role of the Indian diaspora in increasing the organic trade between India and Australia.

He noted that Australia leads with 53 million hectares of organic farmland and highlighted trade opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages and wines.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step but we need to ensure quality control. I've seen some "organic" products in local markets that are questionable. The Commerce Secretary is right about strict certification being crucial.
S
Sarah B
As someone who buys organic regularly, I'm thrilled to see Indian products getting global recognition. The MRA agreement will make it easier for genuine farmers to export. More power to our agricultural sector!
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Arjun K
Australia has 53 million hectares of organic farmland? That's massive! We should learn from their experience while promoting our traditional farming methods. This partnership can be a game-changer for rural India.
K
Kavya N
Hope this benefits small farmers and not just big corporations. The government should ensure that training and support reaches the grassroots level. Organic farming is our heritage - time to monetize it properly!
M
Michael C
Great to see India-Australia trade relations strengthening. The diaspora connection is indeed important - they understand both markets well. Looking forward to more such positive developments!

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