Greek Agriculture and Food Minister Margaritis Schoinas focused on the challenges facing farmers in Pieria and opportunities to expand local production during a visit to the region.
Schoinas took part in a broad meeting at the Kontariotissa Town Hall with farmers, local government representatives and business and production organisations. They discussed the needs of the local agricultural economy, including new Improvement Plans worth €263.5 million, irrigation and water management projects, and the new Agricultural Entrepreneurship Fund, which will mobilise €365 million in loans.
The minister also discussed changes to the agricultural subsidy system and the transition of the new Integrated Administration and Control System (OSDE) to the AADE tax authority’s myAGRO platform, which will use data cross-checks and inspections.
“Money intended for the farming community must reach those who actually produce,” Schoinas said.
Earlier, he visited the facilities of Zeus Aktinidia, where he received an update on kiwi production and cultivation in the region.
The discussions focused on opportunities created by linking primary production with processing and exports, as well as increasing the added value of agricultural products. Schoinas said high-quality Greek products should generate greater income for producers and the regions where they are produced.
The minister concluded his tour in Karitsa, where he opened the 21st Agricultural Products, Agricultural Technology and Cottage Industry Exhibition, known as the “Farmer’s Festival – Kritsmas”.
During his address, Schoinas linked the old Macedonian tradition of celebrating after the completion of a difficult production season with modern agriculture.
“It was the moment when hard work became a celebration,” he said, describing the current event as a link between tradition and technology, equipment, processing and cottage industries.
Schoinas called for Greek agriculture to move towards a more modern and productive model. He also highlighted pressures from rising costs, water management, climate change and international competition.
He said technology, the modernisation of farms, higher production and greater value for Greek products would help address those challenges. He added that more of this value should return to producers and remain in the areas where the products are made.
The minister also highlighted Pieria’s potential, noting that the region combines strong agricultural production with one of Greece’s major tourism destinations.
He called for stronger links between local products, tourism and gastronomy, while stressing the need to create conditions that encourage more young people to see a future in the primary sector and choose to remain in their local communities.
