All European citizens urged to vote on adoption of new organic logo

THE online voting deadline to decide a new European Union organic logo is January 31.

All European citizens were invited last December to cast their votes in the final stage of competition to ensure the new logo appeals to as many people as possible.

A total of 3,422 design and art students submitted their innovative proposals for the logo.

An internationally renowned jury later took the competition to the next stage by selecting the final three logos, which can be viewed online.

Unlike the current logo, the winning entry will be obligatory on all pre-packaged organic products that derive from the 27 EU member states and will meet the labelling standards.

The logo guarantees that the products it appears on are genuinely organic from the farm to the fork.

Minister of State Trevor Sargent said the logo will become a familiar sight to shoppers. “This is a great opportunity for Irish producers and consumers to decide which logo is chosen. I would encourage everyone to cast their vote before the end of the month,” he said.

More than 100,000 people have already voted online, but the European Commission hopes many more will follow, as this will increase the visibility of the organic sector.

Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said the Commission wants this logo to reflect what Europeans think about organic farming. It is not just a logo for the organic producers or supermarkets and distributors.

“This is a logo for all Europeans interested in organic farming and sustainable food choices. So I really hope that they will let their voices be heard,” she said.

The hyperlink to cast votes is http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/logo/index_en.htm.