Mexico, Canada Extend Organic Trade Agreement Until 2027

Mexico and Canada have reaffirmed their MoU for the Recognition of Equivalence in Organic Products. This initiative aims at enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-scale producers, facilitating the trade of organic products and ensuring a robust supply for consumers in both nations.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have extended the validity of the memorandum until January 2027. This extension maintains the alignment of technical requirements, certification procedures, and monitoring processes that support the organic integrity of agricultural products traded in both markets. The agreement not only strengthens and streamlines the secure exchange of food but also reduces costs for producers, processors, importers, and exporters. Additionally, it contributes to an increase in the diversity of organic products available in the market.

In early 2023, the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA) recognized the equivalence of primary and processed products of plant and animal origin from Canada. These products, certified under Canada's Organic Regime (COR), received recognition, facilitating their entry into the Mexican market. Conversely, the CFIA acknowledged organic products produced or processed in Mexico under the Organic Products Law (LPO) and bearing the Organic Mexico seal.

Following these events, Mexican plant-based, fungal, algal, processed, and apicultural products gained access to the Canadian market without the need for COR certification, resulting in cost reductions for Mexican producers.

To ensure compliance with the memorandum in commercial exchange processes between the two countries, organic products are accompanied by a copy of the valid organic certificate and their Transaction Certificate, also known as the Control Document. This document includes information such as volumes and buyers.

Organic foods are cultivated using sustainable practices and permissible non-chemical inputs, contributing to environmental preservation, water and soil resource conservation, and atmospheric well-being. Among the organic products prominently produced in Mexico are coffee, corn, avocado, alfalfa, beans, agave, sorghum, sesame, grass, mango, lemon, honey, banana, chickpeas, coconut, and various meat products. The agreement continues to foster a mutually beneficial organic trade relationship, promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector of both nations.