Washington State organic crops could soon receive European certification

The state of Washington in north west United States could soon become the only state offering its farmers full European organic certification. The local agriculture authorities are trying to finalise an accreditation programme by autumn 2004 which would simplify the export to Europe of organic certified crops. In 2002, about US$12 million of organic products grown in Washington State were exported to Europe. Agricultural exports from Washington State to Europe are growing at an annual rate of around 20 percent.