With emphasis on the need to support the primary sector against the challenges of the time, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiarasinaugurated the Freskon 2025 exhibition at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition. This is an event that, as he noted, is’Another link in the chain of strong interventions in the field of fresh products“, Demonstrating the dynamics of the country’s productive world.
The minister stressed that Freskon is not just an exhibition, but an institution that offers essential opportunities for commercial cooperation, enhances the extroversion of Greek products and gives the country’s step to reflect on the country’s production capabilities. “Through such events, we can reassess what production in Greece today means, what is the new logic in the European market, and what added value to Greek products. “ said.
Referring to the challenges facing the primary sector, Mr Tsiaras referred to the pressure exerted by the climate crisis, as well as the changing image of the European and international markets on the occasion of the US duties. “The era of development and sustainability has given way to the era of durability. And this durability is not a slogan. It is a necessity »he noted.
The Minister presented specific initiatives by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning by both the first and the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Among them stand out:
– The program for young farmers,
– Invitations for processing,
– The rural road construction,
– The reinforcement of greenhouse crops,
Referring to the program to boost greenhouse crops, YPAT stressed that its aim is to create a productive model that will withstand the crisis and enhance the competitiveness of Greek products, as well as an increase in the amount of fruit and vegetables.
In the creation of the program, said Mr Tsiaras, the YPAT was pushed by reports such as Freskon, in which participants from foreign countries show the enhanced interest in Greek products, but also by the fact that exports to this sector are increasing.
‘It’s not accidental’, said Mr. Tsiaras, “That exports of fruits and vegetables from Greece increased from € 2.2 billion in 2019 to € 3.2 billion in 2023. This is the tangible proof that our policies are paying us.”
In addition, it emphasized the importance of the primary sector not only for the economy but also for social cohesion and food security: “The remote areas of our country rely on the primary sector. And when we talk about self -sufficiency and safety in food, we are talking about our national durability. “
Referring to the conditions of the international market, it particularly raised the crucial issue of food security and new duties.
“In the midst of all this, this debate that the country is dealing with at European level is called upon to respond to the new problems that have arisen, the new needs created,” He said characteristically.
At the same time, Mr. Tsiaras emphasized that government planning is moving to form a favorable framework for a durable primary sector: “The government, hierarchy of these needs, is trying to create a favorable framework so that the primary sector in our country is increasingly durable. The time we were talking about sustainability and development has given way to the time we are talking about durability. Just because we face a special condition. Still because the role of the primary sector is still timely for food competence. “
Concluding his speech, the minister emphasized that the government is working with a plan to secure a more favorable and stable environment for Greek farmers. ‘The primary sector is a national affair’,noted and said impressed ‘Because this report is another link in the chain of a series of impressive exhibitions. And this also proves the power of the country’s productive world and the possibility of serious exhibition organizations – which the industry needs and the Greek economy in general. To give all the producers, to the farmers, to stand on their feet and to see the future with optimism. “
Earlier, the Minister of Rural Development and Food inaugurated, along with Polish Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Michał Kołodziejczak, the Polish pavilion in the exhibition, and then they had a bilateral meeting. During which issues of common interest were discussed, as well as the issue of duties imposed by US President D. Trump.