The Albanese Government has secured new opportunities for Australian organic producers, with an agreement granting access to India’s rapidly expanding organic food market.
Australia and India have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on organics equivalence, allowing both countries to recognise each other’s organic certification systems for a specific range of products.
The deal means Australian producers can now market their goods as organic in India under Australia’s own National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the deal underscores the Government’s commitment to expanding trade opportunities for farmers.
“This new agreement represents a significant opportunity for Australian organic producers, who will gain increased access to the Indian organic market.”
As per report the eligible exports include unprocessed plant products (excluding seaweed, aquatic plants and greenhouse crops), processed foods of plant origin, and organic wine.
India’s organic market was worth nearly $2.9 billion in 2024 and is forecast to soar by 20 per cent annually to reach $16.5 billion by 2033 — creating a lucrative opening for Australian producers.
The agreement builds on commitments made under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022 and complements a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on food safety, signed to strengthen collaboration on food regulation, international standards, and emerging safety issues.
Ms Collins added, “India is predicted to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and its organic food market is expected to grow significantly, driven by rising interest in the health benefits of organic foods.”
Australian Organic Limited CEO Jackie Brian said the arrangement validates Australia’s world-class standards.
“This deal not only cuts red tape but also reinforces the value and integrity of Australian organic certification, providing streamlined access to a key emerging market.”
Between July 2022 and June 2025, the Albanese Government has achieved 231 agricultural market access milestones, including opening 29 new markets and restoring 17 where trade was previously lost.
The agreement was signed at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, and Australia’s First Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Tom Black. Senior officials, including Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Petal Dhillon, FSSAI Advisor Dr. Alka Rao, and Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India Nick McCaffrey, also attended the ceremony.
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