India and Australia have strengthened their trade relations in organic products. On 24 September 2025, the two countries signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) at the Vanjya Bhawan in New Delhi.

This agreement, part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Arrangement (ECTA), will streamline compliance rules and generate new opportunities for farmers and exporters.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Secretary of Commerce, Sh. Sunil Barthwal, Chairman of APEDA, Sh. Abhishek Dev, and First Assistant Secretary, DAFF, Mr. Tom Black. Several senior officials and leading Indian organic exporters were also present.

Scope and Coverage of MRA

The MRA applies to organic products grown and processed in India and Australia. Covered products include:

• Unprocessed plant products, excluding seaweed, aquatic plants, and greenhouse crops
• Processed foods with certified organic plant ingredients
• Wine

The implementing agencies are APEDA in India and DAFF in Australia. This arrangement ensures trust in each other's organic standards and certification systems, making the export process easier for farmers and producers.

Opportunities for Farmers and Exporters

Secretary of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal, emphasized the role of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). Organic products are more than a certification, they demonstrate strict standards and integrity, helping farmers earn 30-40% more.

He stressed appropriate labeling, regulatory measures, and training for farmers to maintain certified organic standards.

Australia’s Mr. Tom Black praised India’s rising organic sector and the role of the Indian diaspora in improving trade. He noted Australia’s 53 million hectares of organic farmland and potential exports of cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wine.

In FY 2024-25, India exported USD 8.96 million of organic products to Australia, including psyllium husk, coconut milk, and rice. The MRA is expected to further boost organic exports by minimizing trade barriers and supporting more producers.

The India-Australia Organic MRA is a milestone in bilateral trade. It reinforces farmer incomes, streamlines the certification process, and opens new opportunities for exporters, marking a new era for organic trade between the two countries.