# European agricultural quality certification initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-agricultural-quality-certification-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-12T12:00:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Efforts to strengthen the economic value and legal protection of regional agricultural products are advancing in Italy and Europe. In Piedmont, the Consorzio Burro Piemonte is finalizing production regulations to secure Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status for local butter, a move supported by Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida as part of a broader strategy for food sovereignty. On a wider scale, European regions are preparing the Mantova Declaration to be presented at the AREPO general assembly. This proposal seeks to integrate DOP and Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) certifications into European Union economic policies, aiming to drive export growth, combat fraud, and support rural innovation. Complementary initiatives, such as the Mercato Italiano dei Borghi project, are also working to use local agri-food excellence to revitalize historic villages and combat rural depopulation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: European regions propose new framework for DOP and IGP product protection European regions are launching the Mantova Declaration to boost the economic impact of DOP and IGP products, while the Mercato Italiano dei Borghi project aims to revitalize rural Italian villages. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-regions-propose-new-protections-for-dop-and-igp-products ### 2026-09-24: Piedmont butter moves closer to DOP certification Piedmont is accelerating efforts to secure DOP status for its regional butter, while Italian officials emphasize the importance of protecting local agriculture and food sovereignty at the Salone del Gusto. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/piedmont-butter-moves-closer-to-dop-certification --- Cite as: European agricultural quality certification initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-agricultural-quality-certification-initiatives