Sri Lanka to reform organic agriculture laws to unlock export potential

In order to reform the organic agriculture laws in Sri Lanka to unlock the export potential, the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), which operates under the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), under its United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, hosted a national consultative workshop on March 4, 2025. 

The event gathered 75 stakeholders from the public and private sectors who assessed and refined amendments to Sri Lanka’s legal framework governing organic agriculture. 

These reforms are expected to significantly enhance the country’s export competitiveness and global market access for organic products. 

High-level discussions included Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti and EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe. Their discussions underscored the need for regulatory harmonisation to ensure Sri Lankan organic products meet stringent requirements of global markets. 

Through the UKTP Programme, the ITC has been supporting the NOCU in aligning Sri Lanka’s National Organic Standard (SLS 1324:2018) with the IFOAM International Organic Standard and Great Britain’s Organic Regulation. This initiative is a critical step toward achieving international recognition and facilitating access to high-value export destinations, including the United Kingdom.

With over 400 certified organic exporters/ processors and more than 12,000 organic producers, Sri Lanka’s organic sector contributes over US $ 0.5 billion annually to the national economy. By aligning regulations with international standards, the country aims to strengthen its credibility in the global organic market and unlock new trade opportunities. Key organic exports include tea, coconut-based products, spices, traditional rice, herbal products and nutraceuticals.

According to the latest FiBL report, the global organic market reached over US $ 142 billion in 2023, a significant rise from over US $ 15 billion in 2000. With major markets such as China, Germany and the United States driving demand, the adoption of international standards is crucial for Sri Lanka to build on its export potential and secure its place in the growing organic industry.