With a positive sign, four years of 2021-2024 closes for the Certification Address of ELGO – DIMITRAaccording to the data account of the organization.
Despite the difficulties, mainly related to reducing the available human resources, the efficiency indicators of the controls are steady upward, confirming the organizational readiness and effectiveness of ELGO – DIMITRA. The report is largely attributed to the rational planning of controls, to optimize the management of pending management and the introduction of technological automation through the I-AGRO system.
“The demand for certified and authentic agricultural products is increasing rapidly. ELGO-DIMITRA, committed to the mission assigned to him by the state, works methodically and systematically for the correct certification of Greek products, protecting Greek producers and final consumers, “he told the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency. controls of the previous period and maintain the positive results, both with institutional reforms in the relevant Directorates and with the best and most effective staffing of our services. “
The elements
According to official data from ELGO – DIMITRA, it is clear to strengthen controls in the field of Protected Name of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indication (PGI), which increased by 27.6% in four years.
The General Manager of the Organization’s Quality and Competitiveness of Agricultural Products, Efstratios Nikolaou noted in RES-EIA that “ELGO-DIMITRA, through the Directorate-General for Ensure and Competitiveness of Agricultural Products and the Certification Directorate They comply with the requirements of the legislation.
At the same time, organic farming has been impressive during this time, with the number of registered companies increasing from about 32,000 in 2020 to more than 122,000 in 2024.
The mobilization of the control mechanisms was also similar. Particularly in 2024, the strategy was adjusted: Emphasis was placed on verification inspections by ELGO-DIMITRA, while observation checks were reduced, but maintaining the overall audit rate. This transition highlighted the need for targeted controls of the organization against increased demands.
The presence of ELGO-DIMITRA on the market was significantly reinforced in 2024, with controls increased by 90%, with this evidence demonstrating the intention of strictly monitoring commercial flows.
In addition, special attention was also given to sampling, with 2024 a significant increase as the number tripled, compared to 2023 with the aim of enhancing consumer protection from abusive actions. Strengthening effective cooperation with the State General Chemistry has substantially contributed to this increase.
The digital transformation of ELGO-DIMITRA is proceeding
In the last three years, ELGO-DIMITRA has proceeded with the implementation of an extensive digital transformation, focusing on the Directorate of Certification and Specifications.
This reform aims to enhance the credibility and efficiency in the critical scope of agricultural and food certification.
“The Directorate of Certification and Specifications has done substantial work in recent years, enhancing the organization and coordination of controls, monitoring of cases and transparency in control and certification procedures,” he said in the Athenian -Macedonian News Agency, Improving efficiency, reduction of bureaucracy and complete digital modernization of procedures, contributing to a more reliable and operating certification system. “
The central axis of the new digital age is the I-AGRO information system, which ensures complete traceability at all stages of the process: from application, suggestion and control to the final administrative decision. Through the complete digitization of each action and the electronicization of the turnover – from programming to the issuance of contracts and certificates – a simplification of time -consuming procedures, resource savings and enhancement of efficiency is achieved.
Particularly important is the organization’s interconnection with the Gov.gr platform, which now allows for electronic submission of certification applications for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
This new service greatly facilitates the access of producers and businesses, offering a simple, accessible and transparent way of service.
Finally, innovation is the development of a special mobile application to document controls carried out by private certification bodies in the context of AGRO 2 (integrated management) and organic farming standards. This application enhances the validity and effectiveness of controls in order to be a key tool for documenting their implementation.
Source: RES – EIA