Cyprus has unveiled a new National Quality Certification System for agricultural and livestock products, introducing a unified framework designed to highlight the quality, authenticity and added value of locally produced goods.
The scheme, presented on Tuesday at a conference organised by the Department of Agriculture in Nicosia, will allow consumers to access information on a product's origin and quality characteristics by scanning a QR code attached to certified products.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative was launched by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and was presented to representatives of farming organisations, producer groups, academic institutions, government agencies and public services.
Greater transparency
In her address, Panayiotou said the initiative formed part of the government's broader strategy for the development of the primary sector.
The minister said the new system responds to growing consumer demand for greater transparency regarding the origin and characteristics of products, strengthening consumer confidence and creating new opportunities for producers.
Quality over quantity
She said quality represents a strategic choice for Cyprus, which cannot compete on production volume but can generate added value through quality, authenticity, innovation and reliability.
"This is also the direction served by the new National Quality Certification System," she added.
Describing the new quality label, Panayiotou said: "The new National Quality Mark is the identity of Cypriot products, it is proof that behind every product there is a producer who responsibly invests in quality, food safety, environmental protection and continuous improvement."
She said the certification mark would provide recognition for producers' efforts and help distinguish their products in a highly competitive market by rewarding investments in higher quality standards.
For consumers, she added, the label would serve as a reliable purchasing guide by ensuring products have been certified through transparent procedures and specific criteria that exceed basic legislative requirements.
Consumer trust
"The consumer's trust is the most valuable asset of every product," she said, adding that "the new system creates a more direct and transparent relationship between producer and consumer".
Panayiotou said that through the use of QR-code technology accompanying every certified product, consumers would be able to access information about a product's origin, production journey and quality characteristics, while supporting rural communities and businesses investing in quality, innovation and sustainability.
She said the National Quality Mark was intended to become a "strong ambassador of Cyprus, strengthening the recognition of Cypriot products both in the domestic and international market, linking the name of Cyprus with quality, authenticity and reliability and highlighting the country's comparative advantages".
According to the minister, the initiative could create new opportunities for exports and for the development of Cyprus's agri-food sector.
Financial support
She also announced plans to financially support participating producers through annual subsidies to cover certification costs, along with additional assistance for administrative expenses, record keeping and documentation.
Participation in the certification system will also be taken into account in future investment support programmes, providing additional scoring advantages for projects involving upgrades and modernisation.
"Our aim is to provide practical support to producers who choose to join the new Quality Certification System," she said.
Rating system
Agriculture Department official Anthemi Melifronidou unveiled the National Quality Certification Mark, which will accompany certified products through a QR code and a rating system of up to three stars.
Consumers will be able to access information on a product's origin, certification status and quality characteristics through the QR code, while the star-rating system will reflect additional criteria including food safety, environmental impact and product quality.
Officials said the new framework aims to create a unified, transparent and reliable certification mechanism, strengthening consumer confidence and boosting the added value of Cypriot products.
Source: CNA
