The Quality Certification protocol and origin of Thessalian agricultural products “ThessAgro”, was launched in 2013 in collaboration of the Region of Thessaly
Nowadays consumers’ awareness has increased in terms of food control. Consumers consider several factors for the foods they purchase and consume, such as safety, nutrition, quality, and value.
The common feature of the products certified with ThessAgro is that they are produced within the geographical zone of the Region of Thessaly and meet the requirements of the Protocol. ThessAgro is intended for use by producers and production units - agri-food companies, which are located in the Region of Thessaly.
AENOL operates as the management and certification body, performing the evaluation and inspection of producers’ applications asell as issuing of invoices of charges and registration fees.
The overall objective of ThessAgro is to promote the recognition of Thessalian quality products in markets inside and outside the country, offering all companies the opportunity to develop and certify their Thessalian agricultural products, providing them with regional quality label in order to increase their added value and gain consumers’ confidence.
Resources needed
The operation ThessAgro as well as the management of the system was funded with 40.000€ by the Operational Program of Thessaly – Central Greece – Epirus 2007-2013.
The Region of Thessaly, in cooperation with the AENOL, have undertaken the implementation of ThessAgro.
Evidence of success
ThessAgro has been in force since 2013, however, there is a little interest from producers and agri-food business to apply for certification
Difficulties encountered
More information and communication activities are essential for the promotion of the benefits of ThessAgro to local agri-food businesses as well as the provision of further incentives for the ThessAgro certified companies.
Potential for learning or transfer
ThessAgro is a regional own control quality label that aims to promote the Thessalian quality products and offer them high visibility in the market. The ThessAgro Protocol can be granted either to producers and agri-food companies that apply a Food Safety Management System or to those that they do not apply such a system. ThessAgro assessment criteria focus on the origin and the traceability of the local production with the aim to enforce economic, social and environmental territorial sustainability.
ThessAgro can serve for various purposes from promotion of high-quality food for consumers to a promotion of local food traditions and culture as part of the overall regional branding.
Tags: Agriculture, Production
