A leading organic certification body has said it fears that some farmers will be caught out by new European organic labelling requirements.

Organic Farmers and Growers is reminding organic producers that from 1 July 2012 all pre-packaged organic food produced in the UK must carry an EU logo.

The Europe-wide symbol for certified organic produce was actually introduced in July 2010, though a two-year transitional period was put in place for it to be included on all packaging.

OF&G certification and compliance manager Steve Clarkson said: “We have been pushing this message out to our licensees regularly now and ensuring all new labels we check and approve are compliant.

“But, based on the feedback we are getting from the industry generally, we have concerns that the approaching deadline hasn’t reached the ears of everyone who needs to know.

“There has been no central alert or notification to all organic operators from the EU or DEFRA, but that doesn’t provide a defence for anyone who falls foul of the regulation.

OF&G has produced a guide to the requirements of the labelling regulation which is to all organic operators.

The organisation is also calling on all businesses dealing in pre-packaged organic food to check they comply with the rules.

Mr Clarkson said: “It is in no-one’s interests for UK businesses to be caught out by this and they should act now if they are unsure.

“Given the lead times often required to change packaging design, arrange print runs and use up old stock, it could be that the July deadline will be upon them before they know it.”

The logo that farmers are required to use from July is a leaf-shaped graphic on a green background which was designed by a student from Germany.

The EU ran a competition which encouraged people from across Europe to enter their own designs for the logo.

The eventual winner was picked after an online vote involving 130,000 people.