The formation of a new national agri -food strategy, with a decade -long horizon, with a view to sustainability, competitiveness and resilience to all sorts of external crises is a key target, the Minister of Rural Development and Food said, Costas Tsiaras Speaking at the Anniversary Conference “80 Years of Panhellenic Exporters Association: Defining the future of Greek exports: innovation, challenges and opportunities”.
The minister stressed that developments in the international environment leave no room for complacency.
“We do not blindfold, he continued, we know that there are branches where the country remains deficient – such as meat, feed and cereals. But there we focus our interventions.
We are planning:
• National greenhouse program of € 600 million, so that our fruits and vegetables are produced qualitatively throughout the year.
• Strategy for promoting PDO/Product PGI to gain identity and greater value.
• Digital traceability and certification to enhance the confidence of international consumers.
• Targeted promotions in key markets, from the Emirates and Japan to Canada and South Korea. “
He then referred to the importance of common agricultural policy while stressing: “It is inconceivable to see European products being replaced by cheaper third -country products, without substantial intervention.”
The minister emphasized the importance of dialogue with exporters’ representatives and added: “Our goal is clear: to enhance processing, to promote the certification and identity of Greek products, and to fully utilize digital technology tools for better traceability and promotion.”