Australia and India have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on organics equivalence, opening up opportunities for Australian organic producers to market their products in one of the largest economies in the world.
The Indian organic market was valued at nearly $2.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow by approximately 20 per cent annually, to $16.5 billion by 2033, presenting significant opportunities for Australian producers.
Under the terms of the arrangement, Australian organic producers will now be able to export and market as organic the following products to India:
- unprocessed plant products, excluding seaweed, aquatic plants, and greenhouse crops
- processed foods composed of one or more ingredients of plant origin
- wine.
The two countries have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on food safety, enabling further collaboration on issues including regulation and international food standards.
The signing of the MRA on organics equivalence is the culmination of a commitment made in April 2022, under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, while the signing of the MOU is an outcome of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, concluded between India and Australia on 4 June 2020.
Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the government’s focus on nurturing relationships with partners like India has provided Australia’s farmers and producers with the best platform for continued growth.
“This new agreement represents a significant opportunity for Australian organic producers, who will gain increased access to the Indian organic market,” said Collins.
“India is predicted to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and the Indian organic food market is expected to grow significantly, driven by an increasing interest in the health benefits of organic foods and rising investment in this area.”
Australian Organic Limited (AOL), welcomed the signing, which took place in New Delhi on 24 September. The organisation has been leading the charge on stronger organic legislation in Australia – culminating in the introduction of The National Organic Standard Bill 2024 to Parliament in November last year.
AOL CEO, Jackie Brian, said the arrangement is a significant step forward and reflection of the international demand and credibility for Australian organic businesses looking to expand into one of the world's fastest-growing markets.
“By eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming secondary certification, it will provide a much smoother pathway for our world-class organic products to reach millions of Indian consumers,” said Brian.
“We are optimistic this will translate into tangible commercial outcomes for our certified operators in the years ahead.”
