diff --git a/cruisecontrol/plugin.jelly b/cruisecontrol/plugin.jelly
index 800ed301..9e68ecd8 100644
--- a/cruisecontrol/plugin.jelly
+++ b/cruisecontrol/plugin.jelly
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
     </j:if>
 
     <j:set var="nagEmail" value="${pom.build.nagEmailAddress}" />
-    <j:if test="${nagEmail == ''}">
+    <j:if test="${empty(nagEmail)}">
       <ant:fail>You must specify pom.build.nagEmailAddress</ant:fail>
     </j:if>
     <j:set var="defaultSuffix" value="${maven.cruisecontrol.mail.defaultsuffix}" />