Greek agricultural certification and oversight initiatives

Greece is implementing various initiatives to enhance the certification, oversight, and value of its agricultural products.

In the Western Greece Region, a financial support program has been announced to assist local producers in securing Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status. This program, running through June 2028, aims to increase the market value of regional agri-food products by covering technical costs for certification applications.

Concurrently, 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. Led by Minister Margaritis Schoinas, the initiative focuses on implementing risk-based inspections and utilizing data analysis to identify irregularities, combat fraud, and improve traceability.

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.” The project leverages international expertise and best practices from other EU member states, working in coordination with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) to ensure the reliability of Greek organic products.