The extra virgin oil produced in the Messara region in Crete has become the 100th Greek product of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications, placing Greece in the 5th place across the EU.

The olive oil of Messara has already won two prizes due to its fine quality and owes its fruity olive aroma, and its harmoniously balanced fruity, pungent and bitter taste combination to the unique microclimate of region of Messara.

To mark this special occasion, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food has hosted yesterday a special event in collaboration with the delegation of the European Commission in Greece, and the National Rural Network of Greece at the B&M Theocharakis Foundation.

Rural Development and Food Minister Athanasios Tsaftaris said that Greece has made a strategic choice to invest in the quality of its agricultural products, while European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Ciolos noted that half of the EU’s agricultural exports are products of protected geographical indication. European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki referred to the efforts to register other Greek fishery products, such as Simi shrimp, Kalloni sardines, Allonisos tuna fish and Thermaikos Gulf shrimp.

See also: European Commission: List of Greek Products of protected designations of origins and protected geographical indications