ELGO–DIMITRA, following an order by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, proceeded with the suspension of licences — as Inspection and Certification Bodies (ICBs) in the organic production sector — and the imposition of substantial financial fines on three companies.

In his statement, the head of the Coordination Group (Task Force) for organic production and Secretary General of Rural Development and Food, Spyros Protopsaltis, stressed that “support for organic production and consumer protection go hand in hand. We cannot talk about a ‘green transition’ and high value-added products if we do not first ensure that every certificate reflects reality,” adding that “with the inspections we requested from ELGO ‘DIMITRA’, the sanctions imposed, and the work of the Task Force, we are sending a clear message: we respect and protect producers who do their job properly and we will not allow anyone to undermine the credibility of Greek organic products. This effort will continue with consistency and transparency until we are certain that every product reaching the shelf with the label ‘organic’ is worthy of the trust shown by consumers.”

Specifically:

• One company is subject to suspension of its approval decision as an ICB in the organic production sector for a period of six (6) months from 25.11.2025, as well as a financial fine totaling €38,461.50.
• A second company is subject to suspension of its approval decision as an ICB in the organic production sector for a period of six (6) months from 25.11.2025, as well as a financial fine totaling €42,307.70.
• A third company is subject to suspension of its approval decision as an ICB in the organic production sector for a period of six (6) months from 25.11.2025, as well as a financial fine totaling €42,307.70.

According to the announcement by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (YPAAΤ), the involved bodies exercised the legal remedies provided and filed objections, which were duly examined. Following the completion of the process, the decisions of the Ministry and ELGO–DIMITRA were upheld and the sanctions remain in force, sending a clear message of zero tolerance toward practices that harm the credibility of the certification system and disadvantage compliant producers.

With today’s decisions and the fines imposed in August, the total amount of fines levied on certification bodies now reaches €179,692.05.

It is also noted that the Task Force is comprehensively reviewing the framework for supervision and control of certification bodies, evaluating findings from all inspections carried out by ELGO “DIMITRA”, and preparing additional measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in the organic products supply chain.

The investigation by the Coordination Group is at an advanced stage and, as the Ministry notes, the consolidated data and conclusions will be publicly presented in the near future, with full transparency, so that producers, businesses, and consumers can be responsibly informed, and so that further institutional initiatives can be launched where necessary.