Cuffe welcomes new EU organic symbol

Green Party Horticulture Minister Ciarán Cuffe has welcomed the introduction of a new EU organic “Euro-leaf” symbol which must be used from today on pre-packed organic food products where at least 95% of the ingredients are organic & which meet EU organic food standards

“Customer confidence is vital for the organic sector to survive and grow,” Minister 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.”

The Euro-leaf design – created by German student Dusan Milenkovic as part of an EU competition for art students - emerged as the winner of an on-line poll which ended on 31 January.