The Ministry of Agriculture is introducing a National Quality Certification System designed to strengthen the quality, authenticity and competitiveness of Cypriot agricultural and livestock products.
The initiative, presented by Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Dr Maria Panayiotou at a Department of Agriculture event in Nicosia, will introduce a unified certification framework aimed at increasing transparency, consumer confidence and the market value of locally produced goods.
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National Quality Mark With QR Code
Certified products will carry a National Quality Mark featuring a QR code and a rating of up to three stars.
By scanning the QR code, consumers will be able to access information about a product’s origin, certification status, supply chain and quality characteristics. The three-star rating will also reflect criteria such as food safety, environmental performance and overall product quality.
The ministry said the framework is intended to create a transparent certification system that helps distinguish Cypriot products in both domestic and international markets.
Focus On Quality Over Volume
Dr Panayiotou said the initiative responds to growing consumer demand for greater transparency while recognising that Cyprus must compete on quality rather than production volume.
“The new National Quality Mark is the identity of Cypriot products; it is proof that behind every product stands a producer who invests responsibly in quality, food safety, environmental protection and continuous improvement,” she said.
Financial Incentives For Producers
The ministry plans to provide annual financial support to farms and processing units to help cover certification costs, as well as administrative expenses, record-keeping and documentation.
Participation in the certification system will also be considered in ministry investment schemes, giving certified producers additional points when applying for funding for modernisation and upgrading projects.
The ministry said the certification mark is expected to strengthen the market position of Cypriot products by helping producers differentiate their goods while giving consumers greater confidence in product quality.
Supporting Exports And Competitiveness
According to Dr Panayiotou, the National Quality Mark is also intended to strengthen Cyprus’ international reputation by promoting the quality, authenticity and reliability of its agricultural products and supporting export growth.
The initiative forms part of the government’s Strategy for the Development of the Primary Sector, which aims to improve the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector.
Department of Agriculture Director Maki Antoniadis said the certification framework will be based on objective criteria, transparent procedures and independent certification. The technical framework was presented by Department of Agriculture official Dr Anthemi Melifronidou Pantelidou, who outlined the certification process and the role of accredited conformity assessment bodies.
Dr Panayiotou called on producer and professional organisations to support the initiative and encourage wider participation in the new certification system.
