What is NKP?
NKP (National Quality Product / Nacionalinės kokybės produktas) is a food product produced in accordance with the National Food Quality System. This system is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania and has been operating in Lithuania since 2007.
Officially, NKP is defined as a product whose quality exceeds the safety, animal and plant health, animal welfare, or environmental protection requirements established in European Union and Lithuanian legislation, or which has exceptional characteristics due to special farming or production methods.
Simply put: mandatory requirements apply to all food producers, while NKP producers voluntarily commit to stricter ones.
Two Labels: „National Quality Lithuania“ („Nacionalinė kokybė Lietuva“) and „Quality“ („Kokybė“)
Since 2022, NKP products have been marked with one of two labels.
Green label „National Quality Lithuania“ – a white oval with the Lithuanian flag and a green leaf. It marks products that meet the basic NKP requirements, which are already stricter than standard mandatory requirements.
Red label „Quality“ („Kokybė“) – the word „KOKYBĖ“ surrounded by an arrow. It marks products that meet not only the basic requirements, but also additional, even higher requirements. These additional requirements are set separately for each product group.
Thus, both labels mean verified quality, with the red „Quality“ representing the highest level of NKP.
Who inspects NKP products?
A producer cannot apply the NKP label themselves. The entire growing, production, and processing process is certified and supervised by independent certification bodies. Currently, this right is held by the public institution „Ekoagros“ and the Certification Department of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania.
The producer is required to keep production and sales records, and the certification body verifies whether the requirements are actually being implemented. The code of the certification body, for example LT-NKP-003, is also indicated on the NKP product label.
The number of NKP producers in Lithuania is growing: in 2025, „Ekoagros“ alone certified 344 producers, almost 15% more than the previous year.
NKP, organic, or conventional product – what is the difference?
These terms are often confused, although they are different systems.
- Conventional production – products meet mandatory food safety requirements.
- NKP – Lithuania's national system with stricter requirements. The quantity, frequency, and timing of mineral fertilizers, plant protection products, and medicines used are restricted. Unlike organic production, the amount of mineral fertilizers necessary for normal plant growth is allowed.
- Organic production – identical rules across the entire EU, with the strictest requirements.
You can imagine three steps: conventional production → NKP → organic product. NKP is a great choice for those who want higher quality and clear control at an affordable price.
What products can carry the NKP label?
Many associate NKP only with vegetables, but the system covers much more. A separate specification with its own requirements applies to each product group.
NKP vegetables and fruits
This is the largest group of NKP products. Main requirements:
- genetically modified seeds and planting material must not be used;
- after using plant protection products, a period 1.5 times longer than indicated on the product label must pass before harvesting;
- chemical agents that extend shelf life are prohibited;
- in greenhouses, natural substrates and biological pest control are used, and substrates are sterilized by natural means, such as steam;
- leafy and perishable vegetables must reach the market as early as the day after harvesting.
Processed fruit and vegetable products can be NKP if at least 80% of their raw materials are certified.
Fresh Lithuanian vegetables and fruits and berries can be found directly from farmers on the ŪkisGo platform.
NKP honey and bee products
NKP honey is subject to requirements for both the apiary and the product itself. Honey is tested in a laboratory, and the test results must comply with established quality indicators. NKP products can also include items where bee products are combined with others, such as honey with nuts or berries.
Lithuanian honey from beekeepers can be found on the ŪkisGo platform.
NKP meat and poultry
Requirements apply to the entire chain – from animal rearing to the finished product. For example, during the grazing period, green fodder must make up at least 80% of the diet of cattle and sheep. Mechanically separated meat cannot be used in NKP meat products. Poultry is subject to antibiotic-free rearing requirements.
More Lithuanian meat from farms.
NKP milk and dairy products
The specification covers the production, supply, and processing of cow, sheep, and goat milk – from the farm to the finished dairy product.
Farmers' dairy products on the ŪkisGo platform.
NKP eggs
Eggs from laying hens and quails can be marked with the NKP label. The number of certified egg producers in Lithuania has been growing in recent years.
NKP grains, bread, and baked goods
Cereal products, bread, pastry baked goods, flour confectionery, and pasta can be NKP. A large part of their production must consist of certified raw materials – NKP flour, eggs, milk, etc.
Groats, flour, and other grocery goods from farms can be found on ŪkisGo.
Sweets and beverages
The system also covers sugar confectionery and chocolate, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, kvass, and fermented beverages.
The label „natural“ does not yet mean NKP
This is one of the most common mistakes. We can see labels like „natural“, „hormone-free“, „farm produce“, „made only from natural ingredients“ on packaging. The State Food and Veterinary Service reminds that such labels do not indicate that a product is NKP. The only reliable mark is the official green „National Quality Lithuania“ or red „Quality“ logo.
Why choose NKP products?
Verified quality. The NKP label means that the production of the product has been inspected by an independent certification body, not just the producer.
Responsible farming. The use of fertilizers, plant protection products, and medicines is restricted, and environmentally friendly methods are applied.
Support for local farms. NKP is a Lithuanian system, so by choosing these products, you directly support Lithuanian farmers and producers.
Freshness. Especially in the case of vegetables – a short path from the field to retail.
NKP products on the ŪkisGo platform
Farms with NKP certificates also sell on the ŪkisGo platform. They grow NKP carrots and potatoes, which you can order directly from the farmer without intermediaries. The farmer prepares the produce upon receiving the order, ensuring it reaches you as fresh as possible. You can find them in the vegetables section.
Read more about how the platform works in the article „Fresh Lithuanian goods straight to your table“.
Frequently asked questions about NKP
What does NKP mean?
National Quality Product – a food product produced and certified according to the Lithuanian national food quality system.
What is the difference between the „Quality“ and „National Quality Lithuania“ labels?
The green „National Quality Lithuania“ marks products that meet basic NKP requirements. The red „Quality“ marks products that also meet additional, even stricter requirements.
Is NKP the same as an organic product?
No. These are different systems. Organic production is subject to uniform rules across the entire EU, while NKP is a Lithuanian national system with its own requirements.
Who grants the NKP certificate?
Certification bodies authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture: the public institution „Ekoagros“ and the Certification Department of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania.
Are NKP vegetables grown without fertilizers and plant protection products?
Not entirely. Their use is permitted, but more strictly restricted, and after spraying, it is mandatory to wait longer than usual before harvesting.
How to recognize an NKP product?
Look for the official green or red mark on the packaging and the certification body code on the label.
Information prepared based on information published by the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Food and Veterinary Service, and the Lithuanian Vegetable Growers Association. Photo: Lithuanian Vegetable Growers Association.