The European Union plans to add Peru to a preferred list of third world organic food supplying countries through legislation, website Andina.com.pe reported.

Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) organic products director Jorge Jave, said the E.U. authorities had included Peru as a priority in the list along with China and Turkey

"It's a process and we are in the final stage, we are optimistic that by the end of this year or the start of next year we will obtain this permission," Jave was quoted as saying.

He stressed the inclusion requirements for the list were similar to the demands placed on E.U. countries, which meant legislative and certificate costs would be low.

Argentina and Costa Rica are the only Latin American countries currently on the E.U. organic import list.

Bananas, coffee and cocoa represent 90% of Peru's organic exports, according to website Agraria.pe.

The main markets for this type of produce are the U.S. and the E.U., although demand is growing in Asia, especially in Japan, South Korea and China.

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