Space4Green: The Cyprus Commandaria Case

Tackling Food Fraud & Enhancing Traceability: The Cypriot Demonstration Case

The SPACE4GREEN project in Cyprus focuses on strengthening the traceability and authenticity of Commandaria wine—a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product with a history spanning thousands of years. Produced exclusively in 14 villages at the foothills of the Troodos Mountains from the indigenous grape varieties “Mavro” and “Xynisteri,” Commandaria is a unique and traditional Cypriot wine, celebrated for its distinctive flavor and rich heritage.

This pilot case aims to address challenges related to origin verification and food fraud, ensuring that Commandaria’s high quality and authentic production remain uncompromised.

Implementing Blockchain and OSNMA Technology in Cyprus's Wine Supply Chain

Through blockchain-enabled traceability, combined with the OSNMA technology, the SPACE4GREEN platform adds an additional layer of security and trust. This technology allows for the secure and immutable recording of every step in the Commandaria production chain - from the vineyard to the final bottling stage - ensuring the wine’s integrity. OSNMA guarantees the accuracy of location data, enabling each geo-tagged interaction to be validated.

This not only enhances transparency and efficiency but also helps prevent mislabeling and adulteration, safeguarding the PDO status of Commandaria.

The SPACE4GREEN Cypriot Demonstration Case

The Cypriot pilot included nine fields across Limassol and Paphos, where the indigenous grape varieties used for Commandaria were cultivated. Utilizing the SPACE4GREEN app, farmers, winery workers, and winery managers actively participated in data collection by uploading geo-located photos as for example fertilization, harvesting, routes from the fields to the winery, vilification.

During harvesting, the pilot farmers cooperated with the winery workers who verified deliveries by confirming the variety, weight, and transport routes, adding photographic evidence to support the data provided by the farmers. The winery manager consolidated all inputs, confirming deliveries and processes, thereby validating the app's end-to-end traceability functionalities.

Furthermore, the pilot farmers provided inputs on fertilizer amounts, fuel consumption, and working hours on the SPACE4GREEN app for calculating their environmental performance

The ESI module of the SPACE4GREEN platform provided the annual environmental performance index, reflecting sustainable practices and enhancing Commandaria’s reputation as an environment friendly product. The insights gathered from the app helped farmers and wineries make informed decisions, balancing traditional practices with modern-day sustainability standards.

Broadening the Impact of Traceability Solutions

The positive outcomes from the Commandaria demonstration case position the SPACE4GREEN app for application to other PDO products in Cyprus, such as Halloumi cheese and Kolokasi (taro).

By ensuring transparency and promoting sustainable practices, the SPACE4GREEN project contributes to strengthening consumer trust and enhancing the authenticity of Cypriot agricultural products, supporting both local heritage and economic growth.

The project’s goals, innovative technologies, and impactful pilot trials have been compiled into the SPACE4GREEN booklet, capturing our two-year journey.

Find more about the project HERE