AGRO Standards

The AGRO Standards are a series of Greek standards developed by the Organization for the Certification and Supervision of Agricultural Products (OPEGEP – AGROCERT). They address quality, safety, and sustainability in agricultural production, defining technical specifications and criteria for rational management in primary production, environmental protection, and assurance of the quality and authenticity of Greek agricultural products.

These standards cover various aspects of agricultural production, such as integrated crop management, certification of products with geographical indications, best practices in livestock production, and food safety. Implementing them is key for producers wanting to meet strict quality requirements and enhance the added value of their products.

The AGRO Standards are aimed at producers, agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, and processing companies that wish to ensure their production aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and quality management. Specifically, these standards apply to:

• Farming operations implementing integrated crop management practices (e.g., AGRO 2-1 and AGRO 2-2)
• Livestock farms seeking improved animal hygiene and welfare (e.g., AGRO 3)
• Producers of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products adhering to quality and traceability demands (e.g., AGRO 7)
• Processing and trading companies of agricultural products seeking to prove compliance with sustainability and agri-food quality

Implementing the AGRO Standards requires producers and businesses to follow defined technical specifications and procedures covering agricultural input management, environmental protection, worker safety, and product traceability.

To comply, companies and producers must adopt documented procedures, record their practices, and ensure that resulting products meet specified quality and hygienic standards. Audits include inspections by accredited certification bodies evaluating correct application of the standards and the effectiveness of management processes.

Implementation difficulty depends on the type of farming or livestock activities, existing compliance with requirements, and the complexity of the necessary processes.

Producers already using quality or food safety management systems (GLOBALG.A.P., ISO 22000, HACCP) can more readily incorporate AGRO Standards. For new operations or producers lacking previous experience in standardized systems, implementation involves training, production practice adjustments, and possible investments in control technologies or processes.

AGRO Standards certification is handled by accredited certification bodies that verify producers’ and businesses’ adherence to the standards.

The process begins by submitting an application to a recognized body that defines the compliance framework corresponding to the specific standard applied. The company or producer must establish a management and documentation system, including all necessary elements (e.g., production records, environmental management procedures, safety checks).

An accredited body then inspects compliance with the standards, reviewing processes and verifying adherence to production requirements. If all specifications are met, a conformity certificate is issued, allowing the use of the mark corresponding to that AGRO Standard.

Certification remains valid for three years, requiring annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Following the three-year term, companies must undergo a recertification audit to renew certification.

Implementing and certifying under the AGRO Standards offers many advantages:

• Enhanced reliability and product quality, as the standards ensure high production specifications
• Easier access to new markets, with retailers and suppliers often requiring verified quality and traceability
• Improved agricultural practices through documented production and input management
• Reduced environmental impact via sustainable farming and livestock practices
• Compliance with national and EU regulations for agri-food production and management
• Greater competitiveness through recognized certifications that differentiate products in the marketplace

The certification timeline depends on the producer’s or company’s readiness, farm size, and standard requirements.

For producers already applying quality management standards, certification can be achieved in 2-4 months. Businesses needing larger adaptations may require up to 6 months, depending on their production process’s complexity.