Behind every local product lies a journey that begins long before it reaches the kitchen. It is born in the field, passes through the hands of producers, and brings with it flavors, techniques, and traditions that shape a region’s culinary identity. With this in mind, the “CAP on Your Plate” series was conceived: Seven recipes based on Cypriot products were created and recreated by local food bloggers on social media, highlighting the connection between everyday eating, local production, and the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy.
The series was created as part of the European project “Let’s Speak CAP,” which aims to raise awareness about the Common Agricultural Policy, designed to bring citizens, farmers, and the younger generation to the policies shaping the future of European agriculture.
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Read also: A Day in the Life of a Farmer: The Challenges and Daily Work on the Farm
Flavors with a “story”
A recipe for halloumi “potatoes” with warm honey sauce served as the occasion to showcase PDO halloumi, as well as the way in which the Common Agricultural Policy, through the Cyprus CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, supports producers, livestock farmers, and businesses that contribute to maintaining its quality and authenticity.
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A traditional Cypriot breakfast option brought Pitsilia PGI lounga into the spotlight, highlighting the role of European quality systems, such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). These designations not only certify a product’s origin but also help protect local culinary heritage, while strengthening producers’ position in the agri-food chain.
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(@themos.eatscy)The same philosophy was reflected in the recipe for mulled wine, which featured Cypriot wine with a geographical indication from the Limassol district. This choice highlighted the close relationship between the place of production and the product’s distinctive characteristics, reminding us that the quality and reputation of many Cypriot products are inextricably linked to their geographical origin.
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From the field, to the kitchen, and…to the screen
Each of the seven episodes centered on a Cypriot or local agri-food product, highlighting not only its place in contemporary cuisine but also its history, origin, and the people behind it.
At the same time, the content creators @chariseatsquality and @themos.eatscy, through short videos and content aimed at a younger, digital audience, have managed to convey meaningful and useful information in a direct and accessible way.
This collaboration demonstrated that social media can serve as a modern channel for information, bringing the conversation about agriculture and local production to where the audience is today.
The CAP Behind Every Local Product
The series provided an opportunity to highlight the role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in general, and the Cyprus CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027 in particular, through which interventions are implemented to support farmers, bolster the processing of agricultural products, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the local agri-food economy. These actions impact the entire value chain: from the producer and processor to the food service business and the consumer.
At the same time, many of the products used in the recipes bear the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Thanks to these labels, products such as halloumi are protected from counterfeits, gain greater added value, and strengthen the competitiveness of local producers in European and international markets.
“CAP on Your Plate” has demonstrated that gastronomy can serve as a bridge between politics and everyday life. Behind a plate of halloumi, a slice of loungas, or a glass of wine lies an entire network of people, rules, and decisions that shape the future of the Cypriot countryside. The series didn’t stop at simply showing recipes. It succeeded in making the Common Agricultural Policy understandable and relatable, bringing it from official documents to the screen of a cell phone and, ultimately, to the dinner table itself.
