Promotion campaign urged for organic product Euro-leaf logo

THE formal introduction yesterday of the new European Union organic “Euro-leaf” symbol was welcomed by Minister of State Ciarán Cuffe.

He said the logo must now be used on pre-packed organic food products where at least 95% of the ingredients are organic and which meet EU organic food standards.

Mr Cuffe said customers need assurance that what they are buying is genuinely organic and conforms to the highest standards. “A single symbol in use all over the EU will help to give that assurance. It will also help Irish organic producers and processors to develop the export market, where there is very significant potential for Ireland.”

Copa-Cogeca, the European umbrella bodies for farmers and agri co-op, also welcomed the logo but urged the Commission to launch a promotion campaign.

Secretary-general Pekka Pesonen said the logo will hopefully boost the EU’s organic production. The new logo is very different from other quality logos and, therefore, will avoid consumer confusion. However, consumers have to be informed of the logo’s meaning with a promotion campaign.

Mr Pesonen said the organic farming logo can be used in European and imported products, accompanied by the mention of the origin.

“However, imported products do not have to comply with the same production standards that European organic products have to. This is why the promotion campaign should focus on organic produce made in the EU.”

Labour MEP Nessa Childers said she hoped the EU logo will boost the Irish organic farming and food production sector.