EU 'organic wine' rules help farmers, consumers

Previously, there were no EU rules, or definition of "organic wine". Only grapes could be certified organic and only the mention "wine made from organic grapes" was allowed.

While respecting other wine labelling rules, the new labels must show the EU-organic-logo and the code number of their certifier. According to SCOF, previous rules did not cover the complete grape-to-wine practices. "Wine is the one remaining sector not fully covered by the EU rules on organic farming standards," the statement says. After the SCOF vote, EU Agriculture & Rural development Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said that he is delighter an agreement has finally been reached, as it was important to establish rules set to assist consumers who are increasingly interested in organic products.

Ciolos lauded the new rules who clearly distinguish between conventional and organic wine "as is the case with other organic products." The news rules mean that "consumers can be sure that any 'organic wine' will have been produced using stricter production rules." The SCOF statement says that the new rules imply improved transparency and better consumer recognition standards. They help to facilitate the markets and strengthen the position of EU organic wines locally and internationally, since many other wine producing countries (USA, Chile, Australia, and South Africa) have already established standards for organic wines. With this piece of legislation, the statement says, the EU organic farming is now complete and covers all agricultural products.

Read the full article on http://europa.eu.