Organic European New Logo
The European Union (E.U.)´s new organic, or bio, logo was developed in response to consumer confusion over how to tell which products were truly organic. The new logo is placed on all goods that conform completely with the E.U. Organic Farming Regulation (which excludes the use of any genetically modified organisms), and is only awarded to a product after a strict certification process.
In order to qualify for certification, E.U. farmers who had up to now been growing non-organic crops must first complete a conversion period of a minimum of two years before their crops can be packaged and marketed with the new organic logo. Such farmers can produce both conventional and organic produce, but they must clearly separate these two operations throughout every stage of production. Periodic inspections by E.U. regulatory bodies are required to ensure that all farming practices remain in compliance with pertinent legislation.
To bolster consumer confidence, the new E.U. logo can only be found in a standard form, and the product that it labels must bear the name of the individual who last handled the product (farmer, distributor, etc.) and the name or code number of their inspection body.
As of July 1, 2010, the placement of the organic logo is mandatory for pre-packaged, 95% or higher organic contents items derived from the E.U., but it remains voluntary for imported products.
After this date, all items that bear the new logo must also include an indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials were farmed, either ‘EU Agriculture’, ‘non-EU Agriculture’ or ‘EU/non-EU Agriculture.’ A E.U.-published user manual helps both producers and consumers understand the intricacies of logo certification and usage.