Crete stakeholders plan Interprofessional Organization for Graviera Crete PDO

Stakeholders in Crete are moving toward the establishment of an Interprofessional Organization for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Graviera Crete. A recent meeting aimed to bring all links of the value chain together to design common mechanisms for market monitoring, legal protection of the name, and a unified promotional strategy.

Graviera Crete is a vital pillar for sheep and goat farming, employment, and the economy of the island’s mountainous and semi-mountainous regions. However, the product currently faces significant challenges, including imitations in both domestic and international markets, unauthorized use of the name, inconsistent quality, and fragmented promotion. There is also a lack of reliable data regarding production, consumption, and exports.

Stavros Tzedakis, Vice Regional Governor for Agricultural Development, stated that a recognized Interprofessional Organization would gain a institutional voice in discussions regarding the Common Agricultural Policy and access to European programs. This is expected to lead to increased bargaining power, better prices, and higher income for livestock breeders and cheesemakers, serving as a strategic investment in preserving Cretan livestock farming and gastronomic heritage.