A new quality certification system for agricultural and livestock products was presented on Tuesday by the Department of Agriculture in Nicosia, introducing a unified framework aimed at promoting the quality, authenticity and added value of Cypriot products.
Through QR code scanning, consumers will be able to access information about the origin and quality characteristics of certified products, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
New national quality label for producers
The initiative was presented during a conference organised by the Department of Agriculture and was introduced by Agriculture Minister Dr Maria Panayiotou.
The event was attended by representatives of farming and producer organisations, academic institutions, the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO), the Cyprus Agricultural Insurance Organisation, as well as officials from government departments and public services.
Panayiotou said the initiative forms part of the Strategy for the Development of the Primary Sector and supports the government’s commitments through policies aimed at strengthening competitiveness and resilience in agriculture.
She said the new system responds to growing consumer demand for greater transparency regarding the origin and characteristics of products, while strengthening trust and creating new opportunities for producers.
Focus on quality and added value
The minister noted that quality is a strategic choice for Cyprus, as the country cannot compete in terms of production volume but can create greater value through quality, authenticity, innovation and reliability.
“The new National Quality Label is the identity of Cypriot products,” she said, adding that it represents the efforts of producers who invest in food safety, environmental protection and continuous improvement.
For producers, the label will provide recognition and a way to differentiate their products in a competitive market. For consumers, it will act as a reliable guide, ensuring products have been certified through transparent procedures and specific criteria.
QR technology and producer support measures
Panayiotou explained that each certified product will carry a QR code allowing consumers to learn about its origin, production journey and quality characteristics.
The Ministry also intends to provide annual financial support per farm or processing unit to cover certification costs, as well as additional assistance for administrative expenses, record keeping and preparation of required documents.
Participation in the system will also be taken into account in investment measures introduced by the Ministry, providing additional scoring for projects involving upgrading and modernisation.
Boosting Cyprus products internationally
The minister said the National Quality Label aims to become a strong ambassador for Cyprus, increasing recognition of Cypriot products both domestically and internationally.
She added that the system could create new opportunities for exports and the growth of the Cypriot agri-food sector by linking Cyprus with quality, authenticity and reliability.
During the conference, Agriculture Department Director Makis Antoniadis said the new system would serve as a tool to highlight the quality of Cypriot products, strengthen competitiveness and create added value through reliable national certification schemes.
The framework includes independent certification, transparent procedures and objective criteria. Certified products will feature the National Quality Certification Mark, supported by a QR code system and a rating system of up to three stars reflecting additional criteria such as food safety, environmental impact and quality standards.
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