The signing of a new agreement between the European Union (EU) and Chile looks set to boost trade of organic fresh produce, vegetative propagating material and seeds for cultivation. 

The EU yesterday (March 6) signed a deal with the South American country to recognize each other’s organic product rules and regulations, therefore making it easier to trade organic products in both markets.

It means organic food that is produced in EU countries and covered by the agreement can be marketed in Chile without further controls and the same applies to several Chilean organic products in the trading bloc.

This deal includes vegetables, roots, tubers, fruit, nuts, coffee, tea, cereal and spices.

It also applies to unprocessed plant products, live animals or unprocessed animal products (including honey), aquaculture products and seaweeds, processed agricultural products for use as food (including wine), processed agricultural products for use as feed, vegetative propagating material and seeds for cultivation.

On the other hand, the EU will recognize processed agricultural products for use as food (including wine), vegetative propagating material and seeds for cultivation, from Chile.

The deal also provides for a system of co-operation, exchange of information and dispute settlement in organic trade.

This is the first of what the EU describes as a "new generation" of agreements in trade in organic products and the first bilateral recognition with a Latin American country.

According to the EU, the new agreement will encourage trade in organic products and boost EU production in the sector which is steadily growing. It also aims to improve protection for the respective organic logos, and enhancing regulatory cooperation between the EU and Chile on issues related to organic production.

Following today’s adoption of the decision, the European Parliament still needs to give its consent after which the Council will still have to formally adopt it.

“The organic sector is growing steadily and rapidly and is a great resource for European agriculture and the wider economy," says Roderick Galdes, EU Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal rights. ​

This agreement with Chile will give a boost to EU organic production and exports, and so help generate growth and create jobs. The Council warmly welcomes it.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com