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The European Commission has announced the winning design for the European Union’s new organic logo. The “Euro-leaf” design shows the EU stars in the shape of a leaf against a green background to convey two concepts: nature and Europe. It was designed by Dusan Milenkovic, a student from Germany.
Starting July 1, 2010, the new EU organic logo will be obligatory on all pre-packaged organic products that have been produced in any of the EU member states and meet the necessary standards. It will be optional for imported products. Other private, regional or national logos will be allowed to appear alongside the EU label.
The winning logo was the result of a contest open to European art and design students. Nearly 3,500 designs were examined by an international jury, which chose three finalists. Some 130,000 people voted online to choose the new organic symbol from the finalists. The winning logo attracted 63% of the votes.
"This exercise has raised the profile of organic food and we now have a logo which everyone will be able to identify with," said Mariann Fischer Boel, commissioner for agriculture and rural development.