Greece and OECD partner to reform organic production certification

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food (YPAAT) has launched a partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to reform the organic production certification and inspection system. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, improve traceability, and more effectively combat fraud and non-compliance within the sector.

This technical cooperation focuses on implementing risk-based inspections, utilizing data analysis to identify irregularities, and strengthening the oversight of certification bodies. The reform, led by Minister Margaritis Schoinas, seeks to protect consumers while supporting honest producers by ensuring the reliability of Greek organic products.

The project will leverage international expertise from the OECD and best practices from other EU member states, in coordination with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI). Spyros Protopsaltis, General Secretary of Rural Development and Food, noted that the collaboration marks a transition toward an organized, digital, and more effective regulatory framework.