One breath before the official inclusion in the European Register of Protected Geographical Indications, Cyprus is two of its products. These are the sweet Agro rose and the kolokasi/pulles of Sotiras.
Sources from the Ministry of Rural Development said that within a month, the European seal of approval is expected specifically for the sweet Agro rose as a product of protected geographical origin (PDO). Very soon the registration is also expected for Kolokasi and Pulles Sotiras. According to information, there were no objections to the request of the Ministry of Rural Development and thus it is expected that the European Commission will soon proceed with the registration of the specific products.
It is recalled that the Ministry is trying to secure registration for a number of other Cypriot products, such as field rosehip, loundza, posirti, Pitsilia sausage, etc.
In an interview he gave a few months ago, the responsible minister, Nikos Kougialis, emphasized the importance of the registration of these products for local agricultural development. As he had stated, these products are made with raw materials, which are largely produced in the region of origin of the product. "In this way, local production is encouraged, the creation of new small and medium-sized enterprises and at the same time new jobs are created." He had even noted that the products that Cyprus wants to protect come from different parts of Cyprus, as the Ministry's goal is to create conditions for development throughout the island. At the same time, he talked about strengthening the tourism product and the gastronomy of Cyprus.
The halloumi is still late
With regard to the major issue of the registration of halloumi as a product of protected geographical origin (PDO), no developments are expected in the near future. The same sources from the Ministry said that there is optimism that the European Commission will take the relevant decision in about three months. As pointed out to us, on 8 June the Ministry's consultation process on the subject of objections (one objection from the UK and 8 from private individuals) was completed. The results of the consultation are sent to Brussels. This was also the last act in which Cyprus is involved. From now on, the European Commission has the final say.
Source: REPORTER