Cyprus has unveiled a new National Quality Certification System for locally produced agricultural and livestock products, introducing a unified certification framework designed to highlight the quality, authenticity and added value of Cypriot produce. Consumers will be able to scan a QR code on certified products to access information on their origin, certification and quality characteristics.
The initiative was presented at a 21 July workshop organised by the Department of Agriculture in Nicosia. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the scheme constitutes an initiative of Agriculture Minister, Maria Panayiotou, and forms part of the government's strategy to strengthen the country's primary sector.
Addressing the event, Panayiotou said the new system responds to growing consumer demand for greater transparency regarding the origin and quality of food products, while creating new opportunities for producers.
She noted that Cyprus cannot compete with larger countries in production volumes but can differentiate itself through quality, authenticity, innovation and reliability. "The new National Quality Certification System is designed to serve exactly this purpose," she said.
Under the scheme, every certified product will carry a national quality label featuring a QR code and a rating system of up to three stars. By scanning the code, consumers will be able to trace a product's origin, production journey and certified quality standards. The star rating will reflect additional criteria, including food safety, environmental performance and overall product quality.
The Minister described the quality label as a "national identity" for Cypriot products, offering producers recognition for investing in higher standards while giving consumers confidence that products have been independently certified through transparent procedures that exceed minimum legal requirements.
To encourage participation, the Ministry plans to provide annual financial support to producers and processing units to help cover certification costs, as well as additional assistance for administrative expenses and compliance requirements. Participation in the certification system will also be taken into account when evaluating applications for Ministry investment programmes, giving certified producers an advantage in funding for modernisation and development projects.
Department of Agriculture Director, Makis Antoniades, said that the new framework establishes a transparent and credible national certification mechanism that is expected to boost consumer confidence, improve the competitiveness of Cyprus' agricultural sector and increase the added value of locally produced food.
(Source: CNA)
