British organic livestock farmers are set to benefit as their produce has officially opened for exports to Japan’s £1.4 billion organic market, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
This announcement was made by Defra Minister Dame Angela Eagle as the UK and Japan have formally recognised “the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards”.
The department stated that this trade relationship will create significant market access for British exporters to meet growing consumer demand in Japan, which is the second largest organic market in Asia.
With both countries now sharing the same level of standards for organic livestock, British businesses will need only a single UK organic certification to sell their products in Japan.
Defra noted that future organic exports to Japan could “generate millions in additional trade each year, according to industry estimates.”
Defra
When making the trade announcement yesterday (April 1), Minister Eagle said: “From Welsh organic cheese to world-class organic British beef, our farmers and producers set the gold standard for quality
“This arrangement tears down barriers and gives them access to Japanese consumers who are increasingly seeking out the very best organic products the world has to offer.”
Defra noted the strong demand for organic products can be credited to Japanese government initiatives, which promote organic consumption domestically.
The department also acknowledged the existing trade partnership between the UK and Japan.
Defra stated: “The UK-Japan organics market already enjoys a thriving trade partnership, where British organic produce including tea, fruit and vegetable juices, cereals, sauces, and syrups are already winning over Japanese consumers, who in return export popular staples like organic soy sauce, noodles, and green tea enjoyed by British consumers.”
Organic
Among those looking to export their organic produce is Welsh organic dairy producer, Calon Wen, who has reportedly been growing its consumer base of organic cheese across Asian markets.
Business development and sales manager for Calon Wen, Stuart McNally commented: “This equivalency with Japan allows us to pursue opportunities previously out of reach, including organic business tenders worth substantial trade annually.
“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 equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards will allow the following products to be exported from the UK:
- All types of UK organic certified meat and dairy products, including beef, lamb, pork and chicken;
- Processed meat products such as bacon, sausages, hams, and cured meats;
- Dairy products such as butter, cheese, yoghurt, milk powders, and processed eggs;
- Other processed food products containing animal ingredients, for example pet food.
Worldwide, the UK’s organic sector has reportedly continued to grow, expanding by 4.2% in 2025 to reach £3.9bn retail value.
Defra highlighted countries in the EU, US, and South Korea as key export export destinations for British organic products.