Introduction

The ‘Products of Quality’ National Scheme is a national voluntary scheme recognised by the European Commission, open to all interested actors who form part of a recognised agricultural value chain, being involved in a set of activities which collectively increase the value of a specific agricultural product. This may involve the Production, Processing, Packaging, Storage, Transport and Distribution of an agricultural product. This national scheme sets binding products or production method specifications which recognises the production and farming methods and those elements that characterize the superior quality of the product.

The scheme is based on four pillars namely;

1. Standard 

Developing specific standards (in collaboration with the stakeholders) for food products whereby the final products shall have specific product characteristics, or their specificity is based on specific farming or production methods or if the quality of the products goes significantly beyond the commercial standards as regards public, animal or plant health, animal welfare or environmental protection. Approved Product Specification Standards by the European Commission can be accessed here.

2. Controls

Following an expression of interest, the Control Bodies approved by the Directorate carry onsite inspections as established in the control plan to ensure compliance with the production criteria laid down in the standard.

3. Traceability 

A web-based traceability system has been designed and made accessible to all stakeholders involved in the production of certified products so that it helps trace the movement of the product along the value chain. Any actor wishing to participate in the scheme shall submit a traceability document in line with the guidelines established by the Director. 

4. Market Surveillance

Regular market inspections will be conducted by the Directorate to ensure that only products and batches declared are identified with the logo.​

Objective 

The ‘Products of Quality’ National Scheme holds two main objectives; 

1. To promote, qualify and diffuse agricultural products in order to give them value, as well as create awareness and appreciation of such products. 

2. To attain the nationally recognised Quality Mark certification which demonstrates that the product/s in question are acknowledged and adhere to the quality scheme’s established regulations and are thus to be considered of a superior quality. 

Directorate Role

The Agricultural Directorate’s role through the Regulatory Policy Section is to set out the rules for the implementation of the scheme​, administrative criteria, publish binding product and method specifications and implement an effective control system which ensure that those products falling under this scheme are up to the established superior quality standards. For agricultural products whose product specifications have not yet been established and approved by the European Commission, a product specification proposal may be presented to the Director for reviewing, by any actor who wants to participate to the ‘Products of Quality’​ National scheme.​

Legal Basis 

SL 427.90​ Rules for the “Products of Quality” National Scheme. 

Further Information

Labelling of the ‘Products Of Quality’ National Scheme Products

The product compliant with the ‘Products of Quality’ National scheme, in addition to any other required information set forth by other regulations, shall bear the logo which identifies the “Products of Quality” mark and the established product name recognised for that value chain. Any operator participating in the scheme who intends to use the ‘Quality Mark’ Logo shall follow the Rules for the use of the Quality Mark.​