Nicosia, Cyprus. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou presented a new national quality certification system for Cyprus’ agricultural and farming products, featuring QR codes that provide consumers with information on origin, certification and quality.
The initiative is part of the strategy for the development of the primary sector and aims to support product competitiveness, consumer transparency and export opportunities.
Quality and transparency
Panayiotou said the system responds to growing consumer demand for transparency and is intended to strengthen trust in Cypriot products.
She said Cyprus cannot compete through large-scale production but can create added value through quality, authenticity, innovation and reliability.
National quality mark
The new national quality mark will serve as the identity of Cypriot products and demonstrate that producers invest in quality, food safety, environmental protection and continuous improvement, Panayiotou said.
She added that the mark is intended to make Cypriot products more recognisable abroad and create new export opportunities.
Producer participation
Participation in the system will offer producers advantages related to investment, upgrading and modernisation, along with incentives aimed at encouraging wider participation.
In addition to QR code access to origin, certification and quality information, a star-rating system will indicate further criteria, including food safety and environmental footprint.
