The first organic farming certification in Greece took place almost 30 years ago and involved an orange orchard in the Peloponnese. It was carried out by DIO, which is also the country's first organic certification body. Mr. Dimitris Dimitriadis, General Director of the organization, recalls: "Very soon after, certifications followed for grapes, kiwis, and tomatoes. With DIO's support, these producers managed to gain access to specialized markets, overcoming institutional, technical, and commercial challenges. According to the latest official figures, in 2022, more than 60,000 organic producers were active in Greece—more than double the number in 2012."
Visit by DIO's representatives to an organic farm in Laconia.
"Organic fruit and vegetable cultivation in Greece today includes more than 40 different types, from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini to strawberries, peaches, figs, and lemons. The percentage varies by category but is steadily increasing, especially in export-oriented crops like tomatoes, kiwis, oranges, and grapes," explains Mr. Dimitriadis.
Despite this growth, the expansion of organic farming remains a demanding endeavor, according to the General Director of DIO: "There are several challenges that discourage or delay Greek farmers from transitioning to organic agriculture. The biggest obstacle is the high cost of production and certification, as organic farming requires increased labor, strict controls, and more time to yield results. Furthermore, the limited availability of approved plant protection products and fertilizers makes disease or weed control more difficult."
Mr. Dimitriadis (second from left) with DIO's partners during a promotional action by DIO.
"Another key factor is the lack of education and technical support, particularly among small-scale farmers. Many producers are not sufficiently informed about the requirements and challenges of organic farming. Finally, market access remains a critical issue, especially for small farms that cannot easily place their products through organized distribution channels. However, with proper guidance, technical support, and collaboration with reliable certification bodies, these barriers can be overcome," Mr. Dimitriadis points out.
Mr. Dimitriadis estimates that in the coming years, Greece will further strengthen its position in the European and international organic product markets. "The adoption of European strategies for green development and the shift of younger farmers toward more sustainable production methods further support this outlook. As an accredited body with international experience, DIO can offer Greek producers comprehensive certification aligned with standards such as Bio Suisse (Switzerland), USDA Organic Standard (USA), Demeter & Naturland (Switzerland), as well as other international standards like JAS (Japan) and NAQs (Korea)," concludes the head of the Greek certification organization.
For more information:
Dimitris Dimitriadis
DIO
Tel: +30 210 82 24384
Email: [email protected]
https://www.dionet.gr/