India’s organic exports to Australia surged to US $8.96 million in fiscal year 2024-25, with shipments totalling 2,781.58 metric tonnes, according to the Commerce Ministry. The export basket was dominated by psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice.
This expansion has been aided by a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic items under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). The MRA applies to unprocessed plant products (except seaweed, aquatic plants, and greenhouse crops), processed foods containing plant-based ingredients, and wine in certain contexts.
The Commerce Ministry stated that the MRA “reflects the trust and confidence our two countries place in each other’s organic standards and certification systems.”
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasised the importance of India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in maintaining strict standards, encouraging transparency, and increasing farmer income. He discovered that certified organic produce often demands a 30-40% premium over conventional items. He also advocated for stricter labelling rules, stronger enforcement, and agricultural capacity-building measures.
From Australia, Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, praised India’s fast-growing organic sector. He highlighted Australia’s 53 million hectares of organic farmland and expressed an interest in opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wine.
