The Greek ministry of Rural Development and Food is working under Commission Regulations to run a number of programs in order to promote European agricultural products. According to Eleni Kolokotroni, who is the Head of the Promotion Department in the Greek ministry of agriculture, through these programs, Greek beneficiaries are able to improve both the infrastructure and the business relationships that are necessary for export. “These European programs help a lot for Greek growers. The programs allow them to find new markets and increase their sales volumes,” says Kolokotroni, who has been involved with the Greek ministry for 30 years. While Greece grows a large amount of fruit and vegetables, the main products the ministry has been focusing on are olives, olive oil, apples, pears, kiwis, peaches and nectarines. There are currently 17 programs running for Greek produce. The programs are geared towards growers associations that cover a large share of the particular sector they’re involved in. As most programs need an association that represents over 50% of its sector, single and independent produce companies are unlikely to be able to apply for the programs.
Greece was forced to search for alternative markets, when the Russian embargo annulled all trade relations between the two countries. According to Kolokotroni, after three years of the ongoing embargo, Greek companies have been doing well in finding new markets for their produce. “It was quite difficult, as large volumes of Greek citrus, peaches and kiwis went to the Russian market. With the help of the EU programs, we’ve been able to tap into alternative channels for our produce. For instance, some of it is now being used to provide lunch at schools or to support the poor through food donation initiatives.”
The programs last for three years and are strictly meant for support for commercialization and promotion. The first programs started in 2004. Back then there were only 10 programs set up, whereas nowadays there could be as many as 40 programs running at any given time.
Kolokotroni added that Greek produce is unique due to the weather conditions. Even if there are large volumes on the market from competing third countries, the quality of Greek products guarantees demand on the global market. The main challenges lie with the costs for production and the inherent risk of adverse weather conditions.
Kolokotroni remains positive about the future for Greece on the global market. “I believe that there is a chance for Greece to find its way in agriculture. Agriculture and tourism really is our only hope. We need to support our producers to grow high quality products and tap into new markets.”
For more information:
Eleni Kolotroni
Ministry of Rural Development and Food
Tel.: +30 210 2124039
Email: ekolokotroni@minagric.gr
www.minagric.gr