New rules for labelling organic food

EUROPEAN Union agriculture ministers yesterday reached political agreement on a new regulation regarding organic production and labelling, which it predicts will be simpler for both farmers and consumers.

Under the new rules, the use of the EU organic logo will be mandatory, but it can be accompanied by national or private logos. The place where the products were farmed has to be indicated. Food will only be able to carry an organic logo if at least 95% of the ingredients are organic.

Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said the agreement would help consumers to recognise organic products more easily.