On April 7, Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) called for comments on Mexico’s intent to extend implementation of the Mexican Organic Regulations from October 29, 2013 until October 2016 for those countries engaged in equivalency discussions with Mexico. Although April 29 is slated as the implementation date for certified organic products unless an extension is in place, the Mexico’s National Service of Agro Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) has assured the USDA National Organic Program and Foreign Agriculture Service that customs will NOT begin enforcement at Mexico’s borders, thereby assuring the free flow of trade. Due to the length of the comment period on the notice, the earliest date for official publication of the extension could be April 27. Meanwhile, USDA has commented in support of the proposed extension, and encouraged Mexico to publish and official extension as soon as possible. The United States has been in talks with Mexico to make an equivalency agreement for organic products.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
