Organic food producers in the UK and Japan will now be able to sell in both countries with a single certification, the British government announced on 1 April.

The agreement means that British organic livestock producers will be able to meet the growing demand for organic produce in Japan, removing a significant trade barrier, the government said.

The two countries already enjoy strong trade links in the organic food and beverages market as demand grows for each other’s produce, including soy sauce, fruit juices and green tea, according to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The deal could be worth millions in trade each year, it added. Japan has the second largest organic market in Asia after China, valued at £1.4 billion in 2023.
Stuart McNally, business development and sales manager at farmer-owned organic dairy Calon Wen described the announcement as “a very welcome breakthrough” for the UK organic sector.

“This equivalency with Japan allows us to pursue opportunities previously out of reach. This includes organic business tenders worth substantial trade annually,” he said, adding: “It’s a positive step that supports our family farms and strengthens the reputation of Welsh organic dairy in premium export markets such as Japan.”

The agreement builds on a 2025 deal boosting trade of organic alcoholic beverages between the two countries, and forms part of a wider UK push to expand its organic production sector, which is now worth £9.3 billion.

The news comes as supply chain disruptions stemming from conflict in the Middle East increase costs for UK farmers and food producers, with industry forecasts warning food inflation could reach 9 per cent by the end of the year. Increased market access for organic food exports may provide opportunities for farmers to sell premium products abroad should rising domestic prices soften demand at home.

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