The European Commission publishes the new EU Organic Logo

London, 1 April, 2010 The new logo for organic products, just published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union , will become obligatory from 1 July 2010 and will appear on the market over a two-year period. When used on a product, the organic logo indicates that the product is in full conformity with the European standards for organic farming.

Alongside the organic logo, products will carry a code number of the certifying body and an indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials, which compose the product were farmed. While changes in the logo, or its combination with other elements are not permitted, this does not prevent products carrying the new organic logo to be associated with existing national or private labels.

The new logo displays 12 stars in the shape of a leaf against a green flag. This Euro Leaf was designed by Du_an Milenkovi_ who won the EU Organic Logo competition. The design was registered by the Commission as a collective trade mark and is now at the disposal of operators.

The new organic regulation, in effect since 1 January 2009, establishes the governmental standard for organic products. The Organic Logo aims at enhancing consumer trust and promoting the European organic sector. It will be used inside and outside the EU borders on pre-packed organic products.

More information about the logo and its use can be found at www.organic-farming.eu.