Today, July 9, 2015, at a ceremony held at USDA headquarters, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - which oversees the National Organic Program - entered into its fifth organic equivalency arrangement for the United States.

"The arrangement strengthens organic agricultural trade, benefits the growing organic community, and supports jobs and businesses on a global scale," said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo.  "This new partnership reflects the integrity of the National Organic Program and USDA's rigorous organic standards." 

As a result of the arrangement, U.S. organic products certified to the USDA organic regulations may be sold as organic in Switzerland and Swiss organic products certified to Swiss organic standards may be sold as organic within the United States. 

Audits conducted by AMS confirm that Swiss oversight of organic farms and processors is thorough and comprehensive and ensures the integrity of organic products. 

AMS has established organic equivalency arrangements with Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea and now Switzerland. 

For more information, see the AMS July 9, 2015 Press Release or visit the AMS webpage.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

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