The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment reminds interested parties of the provisions of the decree concerning the collection, transportation, or trade of carobs, which has been in effect since last year. This reminder aims to protect the local production of carob trees, which are a unique genetic resource with a long tradition of adaptation and resilience to soil and climatic conditions where other tree crops struggle to thrive.

According to the provisions of the said decree (C.D.P. 224/2023), the collection, transportation, or trade of carobs is prohibited before August 15th of each calendar year.

It is noted that the decree has been issued pursuant to Article 5(1) of the Carob (Regulations) Law, as amended by the Carob (Amendment) Law of 2023, which was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on June 16, 2023.

The above Law aims to protect the local production and trade of carobs, limit damage to these trees caused by the collection of unripe carobs, and maximize the benefits for both producers and landowners with carob trees from the trade of carobs.

Additionally, the implementation of the new provisions is expected to curb the phenomenon of stealing unripe carobs for illegal trade for temporary profit.

It is noted that the Minister may, upon submission of a written application by any interested person, allow such person, if satisfied with the reasons put forward in the application, to collect, transport, or trade carobs before the stipulated date.

It is highlighted that according to the provisions of the Law, a person who collects, transports, or trades carobs before August 15th of each calendar year is guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding one thousand euros (€1,000).