The Government supports the authenticity, superior quality and uniqueness of agricultural products of Cyprus, stated the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou, welcoming the 2nd CyFood B2B Forum, in Larnaca. Cypriot, traditional quality products are a "national wealth" of our country, he said.
The Forum is "an organization that undoubtedly strengthens the local economy and connects the business world of hospitality and catering with that of the production and marketing of agri-food products", said the Minister, speaking of sectors of "vital importance" for Cyprus.
He referred to the fact that the professional network includes representatives from every stage of the agri-food value chain, producers, processors and manufacturers, distributors and catering representatives, to add that its presence "confirms the support of our Ministry in every such effort".
Mrs. Panagotou referred to the approval by the Council of Ministers, on October 2, of the new Strategy of the Primary Sector, which, as she said, was a commitment based on the governance program of PtD Nikos Christodoulidis. A strategy which, as the Minister said, "is not just another initiative, but the road map that reflects the vision of the Ministry and the Government for the future of Cypriot agriculture".
He stated that Cypriot, traditional quality products, especially those whose names are already registered in the European Register of Geographical Indications, such as halloumi PDO, Commandaria PDO and many other local wines PDO/PGI, Kolokasi Sotiras / Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras PDO , the PGI Pitsilia sausage, the PGI Halytzi Tullirias PGI, other traditional sausages and pasta, even the PGI Rodostagma Agro "are the national wealth of our country".
The Minister of Agriculture also referred to the recent presentation, in the context of the 800 years since the award of the "Commandaria" in the first recorded medieval wine competition that took place in France in 1224 under King Philip - August - at the Wine Event at the world headquarters of the International Vine Organization and Wine (OIV) in Dijon, France.
"The Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment support the authenticity, superior quality and uniqueness of Cyprus agricultural products through the protection afforded by Geographical Indications and the corresponding quality systems," he said.
Reflecting, he continued, on their production process, from primary production in agricultural and livestock units, crafts and industries, to the services linked to the sector's activities, the "enormous contribution to the creation and maintenance of jobs for our local communities".
He noted that "these products are the most important ambassador of Cypriot gastronomy for domestic catering and hospitality services, but also for our exports". "The state has the will, provides the guarantees and facilitates the possibility of the coexistence of tradition with innovation, culinary excellence with technology" he concluded.
Source: KYPE
