Food Manifest 
Key Update
In a landmark development for agricultural trade and food safety, India and Australia have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen food safety and regulatory cooperation. Both agreements were formalised at FSSAI Headquarters in New Delhi, marking a new chapter in Indo-Australian relations. The MRA and MoU aim to streamline compliance processes, boost trade, and enhance collaboration in food safety management, setting the stage for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
Key Details of the Agreements
Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI, and Mr Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary of DAFF, signed the MoU, while the MRA simplifies certification requirements for organic products. These agreements demonstrate both countries’ shared commitment to improving food standards, ensuring food safety, and fostering innovation in agriculture and food trade.
Areas of Focus
Exchange of Best Practices: Both countries will exchange proven strategies and frameworks on food safety regulation, compliance mechanisms, and enforcement models, further enhancing governance in food safety.
Knowledge Sharing and Technical Support: The MoU will facilitate joint efforts to improve import procedures, laboratory testing capabilities, and risk assessment models, which are vital for ensuring food quality and safety.
Capacity Building: Joint training programs, workshops, and skill development initiatives will be introduced to strengthen institutional expertise in food safety management, creating more efficient systems for food trade.
Boosting Organic Trade: The MRA for organic products will streamline certification, easing trade between India and Australia. By recognising each other’s organic standards, it boosts trade, builds trust, and creates more opportunities for farmers and exporters. This supports India’s goal of becoming the “Organic Food Basket of the World” and gives small and medium farmers better access to global markets.
Significance of the MoUs
Together, these agreements mark a major milestone in the growing partnership between India and Australia in food safety, agricultural trade, and sustainability. By harmonising food safety standards and enhancing mutual trust, India and Australia aim to promote safe food trade practices, protect consumer interests, and support innovation in organic farming. This collaboration will not only foster sustainable growth in agriculture but also provide new opportunities for farmers, exporters, and businesses in both nations. Through these initiatives, the two countries are paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable global food system.
