OTA Statement on Organic Equivalence Agreement for Alcohol

Washington, D.C. (October 2, 2025) — The Organic Trade Association is pleased with the decision by USDA to add alcohol to the organic equivalence agreement between the US and Japan. This agreement will support growth of the organic sector globally and benefit producers and consumers both in the US and Japan.  As described in OTA’s August 2025 article about equivalency, these arrangements are not simply trade formalities. They provide concrete, strategic advantages to U.S. organic businesses by reducing regulatory duplication, lowering certification costs, and removing barriers to entry in foreign markets. The agreement also demonstrates the rigor and trust which are inherent in the USDA Organic Seal.   

Japan ranks among the top three export markets for U.S. alcohol, importing over $200 million annually, with much of it concentrated in premium products. “This agreement doesn’t just benefit vintners, brewers, and distillers—it supports the U.S. farmers growing the organic grapes, grains, and hops that make these premium products possible,” said Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of the OTA, “U.S. organic wine, beer, and spirits are among the best in the world, and with Japan now recognizing them under equivalency, we’re celebrating a milestone that opens doors for producers and brings consumers more organic choices.”  

Joseph Brinkley, Senior Director of Regenerative and Organic Development at Bonterra, and an OTA Board Member, shared this perspective: “We are grateful to USDA Secretary Rollins, our counterparts in Japan, the Organic Trade Association, and the Wine Institute for their work to achieve this thoughtful agreement. Equivalency arrangements like these, shaped with stakeholder input, create meaningful opportunities for producers while expanding access to organic products for consumers in both the U.S. and Japan. This type of collaboration strengthens the global organic movement and supports the future of organic agriculture worldwide.” 

For an interview with OTA leadership on this issue, contact Sandy Pfaff at spfaff@ota.com.

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About the Organic Trade Association
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing organic businesses and producers across the nation. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, brands, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.