Cretan Olive Oil: Towards European approval for PGI

Τhe rejection of the objection submitted by Association of Greek Olive Oil Standardization Industries (SEVITEL) to the file for the registration of extra virgin Cretan olive oil as a product with protected geographical indications (PGI) caused satisfaction in the Region of Crete, but also in all the cooperatives and private bodies that are active in the standardization of Cretan olive oil.

The Association of Greek Olive Oil Standardization Industries asked for the possibility of standardization of the Cretan PGI olive oil outside Crete, in contrast to what is provided in the file, which have been jointly submitted and supported by the Region of Crete and cooperative organizations.

Following the rejection of the objection and the relevant decision by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the dossier takes the road of second instance approval by the European Commission.

Speaking to ERT Heraklion, the president of the Union of Heraklion, Stavros Gavalas, described the rejection of the objection as a decision – a milestone for Cretan olive oil. passport for quality Cretan olive oil to foreign markets. He reiterated that the exclusive standardization of the PGI olive oil of Crete on the island facilitates the traceability of the product and allows its quality assurance, without excluding from the process any interested party.

Official announcements are expected for the development as at noon a meeting of the involved bodies will take place with the governor of Crete, in order to discuss the developments and the next steps.