The European Commission has opened a public vote for a new EU organic logo. Three logos have been short-listed and voters have until January 31, 2010 to make their choice at http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/logo/index.htm.

The Commission believes the new logo will enhance consumer protection and promote organic farming. The winning entry will be obligatory for all pre-packaged organic products that derive from the 27 EU member states and meet the required labeling standards.

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Mariann Fischer Boel said: “European Commission wants to ensure that the new logo appeals to as many people as possible whilst simultaneously allowing the selection process to contribute to making people aware of the importance of the organic farming sector.”

A design competition organized by the Commission took place earlier this year involving students from all over the union. Some 3,420 entries have been whittled down to the final three by an international jury. The remit for the new logo was to represent the EU both inside and outside its borders, with ease of recognition and association with the EU and organic farming without using any words or letters.

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