The European Commission approved on Wednesday kolokasi, also known as Cyprus taro, as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product.
The Cyprus taro is the third product of the island to be registered as a PDO and PGI, following the ‘Paphos Sausage’ and the ‘Agros Sweet Rose’.
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Nikos Kougialis said in a statement that the designation of a product as a PDO and a PGI creates real growth conditions, with the support of new SMEs, new employment opportunities and the improvement of the living conditions in rural areas.
The Government`s plan to protect rural products is being implemented, the Minister noted.
“The two characteristics of the cultivation of kolokasi, that is its excellent adaptability to the soil and weather conditions in the area and the techniques producers have developed and implemented, were highlighted in the application for kolokasi of Sotira to be designated as a PDO” Kougialis pointed out.
Kolokasi is produced in the district of Famagusta, and more particularly in the villages of Sotira, Avgorou, Frenaros and Liopetri, on the east side of Cyprus.
“Today`s registration is particularly important, as more and effective tools will be given to producers and bodies to further promote and advertise the product,” he added.
Other products of Cyprus such as halloumi, the meat products hiromeri, posyrti, sausage and lountza of the area of Pitsilia and Agros rosewater are also pending approval for PDO status.