International trade in organic products

The export of processed foods is seen as future growth area, especially to northern European countries where demand is growing, but raw materials are still in short supply (Datamonitor 1999). Eastern Europe, particularly EU accession countries, is seen as a potentially significant export market for Europe, especially for frozen berries and seeds (PSL 1998). 

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Facilitate equivalence with international guidelines for organic certification, accreditation and labelling in order to encourage local, regional, and international trade in organic products. ... 

While the Codex Alimentarius has taken steps towards international harmonisation of the organic regulations and markets, a proliferation of new obstacles to trade can be observed. Governmental labels excluding imported produce, bureaucratic obstacles, a narrow view of the equivalence concept and a lack of control of private organisations are seen as the main factors. Further efforts are necessary in order to remove these obstacles and to foster international trade in organic products. 

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