India and Australia signed a landmark Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products on 24 September 2025 at Vanijya Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Arrangement (ECTA). The MRA reflects the mutual trust in each country’s organic standards and certification systems and is expected to reduce trade barriers, simplify compliance and open new opportunities for farmers and exporters.
The Arrangement was signed in the presence of Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal; APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev; Australia’s First Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Mr. Tom Black; and senior officials from both countries. The implementing agencies for the MRA are APEDA, under India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The agreement covers a wide range of organic products grown and processed in either country, including unprocessed plant products (excluding seaweed, aquatic plants and greenhouse crops), processed foods with plant-based ingredients sourced domestically or from approved third countries, and wine. Certified products processed in Australia or India will be eligible for export to the other country under this arrangement.
Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal underscored the role of India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in maintaining rigorous standards and a transparent certification system. He highlighted the importance of strict labelling, regulatory measures and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the integrity of organic produce and improve farmer incomes. With organic produce commanding 30–40 percent higher prices, the MRA is expected to enhance livelihoods for Indian farmers.
Australia’s Mr. Tom Black praised India’s rapidly expanding organic sector and the role of the Indian diaspora in driving trade between the two countries. He also noted Australia’s leadership with 53 million hectares of organic farmland and highlighted future trade opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages and wine.
In FY 2024–25, India exported USD 8.96 million worth of organic products to Australia with a total export volume of 2,781.58 metric tonnes, led by psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice. With India positioning itself as the “Organic Food Basket of the World,” the new MRA is expected to significantly boost organic exports by reducing certification hurdles and supporting more producers.