EU: The Organic Logo

1. Definition of organic farming

"To define the concept of organic farming, we may refer to the definition developed by the Codex Alimentarius, on the basis of contributions from experts from all over the world. According to the Codex, organic farming involves holistic production management systems … emphasising the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs. This is accomplished by using, where possible, cultural, biological and mechanical methods in preference to synthetic materials.


The Codex guidelines specify that an organic production system is designed to:

- enhance biological diversity within the whole system;

- increase soil biological activity;

- maintain long-term soil fertility;

- recycle wastes of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus minimising the use of non-renewable resources;

- rely on renewable resources in locally organised agricultural systems;

- promote the healthy use of soil, water and air as well as minimise all forms of pollution thereto that may result from agricultural practices;

- handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all stages;

- become established on any existing farm through a period of conversion, the appropriate length of which is determined by site-specific factors … "

2. Control

Particular emphasis is put on the question of inspections during all stages in the production process, including storage, processing and packing and frequent farm visits. So when buying a product with this logo, the consumer can be confident that:

- at least 95% of the product's ingredients have been organically produced;

- the product complies with the rules of the official inspection scheme,

- the product has come directly from the producer or preparer in a sealed package;

- the product bears the name of the producer, the preparer or vendor and the name or code of the inspection body.

More details can be obtained from the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L 2985 Luxembourg or through the internet:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/qual/organic/

The fact is that there is enough food in the world for everyone. But tragically, much of the world's food and land resources are tied up in producing beef and other livestock—food for the well off—while millions of children and adults suffer from malnutrition and starvation.

Dr.Walden Bello