A workshop organized under the UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme has set the stage for aligning Sri Lanka’s organic regulations with Britain’s organic standards, a move expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global organic market.
The event, jointly hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), brought together regulators, industry experts, and organic farmers to discuss crucial regulatory updates.
“This initiative is a significant step towards gaining recognition from the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), helping Sri Lanka strengthen its position in the international organic market while reducing certification costs. It will also encourage more farmers and processors to adopt organic practices,” the EDB stated.
Under the UKTP Programme, Sri Lanka has been identified as a key beneficiary in the organic sector. The initiative aims to leverage Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) to expand trade opportunities between Sri Lanka, the UK, and the EU.
Previous collaborations between ITC and EDB have already led to amendments in Sri Lanka’s Organic Regulation (Gazette) to align with Great Britain’s standards, a crucial step toward achieving mutual recognition with other international organic certification systems, including the EU’s.
The workshop facilitated in-depth discussions on essential regulatory changes, organic certification, labeling requirements, import regulations, and control mechanisms needed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s organic sector.
With global demand for organic products rising, the event provided valuable insights into upcoming regulatory changes and reinforced collaboration between the public and private sectors. This partnership aims to establish a sustainable and internationally recognized organic agriculture framework in Sri Lanka.
