Organic certification equivalence agreement between Brazil and Chile: a milestone for the global organic trade?

The international trade of certified organic products faces significant challenges due to the absence of a unified global standard. Each country adopts its own regulations on production, certification, and labeling, creating significant barriers to cross-border commerce. In this context, equivalence and harmonization agreements are essential instruments for enabling international trade and fostering the expansion of organic agriculture. This study analyzes the Organic Certification Equivalence Agreement between Brazil and Chile, evaluating its challenges and potentials. To this end, a methodology based on document analysis of legislation, government reports, and interviews with key stakeholders from both countries was employed. The results show that the agreement sought to include smallholder farmers by recognizing products certified under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). Furthermore, the agreement represents an opportunity for South–South cooperation to overcome trade barriers and expand organic production. Notably, the agreement brings new perspectives to the international organic market with an important differentiator: it was established between two Latin American countries, solidifying the recognition of the PGS. This initiative underscores the potential of regional arrangements to democratize access to international markets and promote sustainable farming practices.