Organic agreement signed by U.S., EU

The United States and the European Union signed an agreement that will allow products certified as organic in Europe or the U.S. to be sold as organic in both regions.

With the agreement, which takes effect June 1, products certified as organic in EU member countries will be marketed with impunity in the United States, and vice versa.

Both sides say the agreement will help farmers by opening up new markets to them and lowering their costs, according to the Associated Press. Until now, growers and companies in both regions had to wait for separate certifications, meaning double fees, inspections and paperwork.