With emphasis on methodical reinforcement of export agricultural productsMinister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras intervened at the General Assembly of the Panhellenic Association of Exporters, highlighting agri -food as a key pillar of the Greek economy.
As he pointed out, “exports (agricultural products) are the tangible proof that a country does not only produce to meet its internal needs, but to claim a role in world trade”, noting that export capacity is “measured in numbers, percentages”.
The items he presented are characteristics:
- Fruit and vegetable exports jumped from € 2.2 billion in 2019 to € 3.57 billion in 2024, up 62.3%.
- The total of agricultural exports in 2024 amounted to € 11.25 billion, accounting for 22.84% of total Greek exports.
- The expansion of export destinations is clear: EUR 1.33 billion to third countries and EUR 2.24 billion to the EU.
Particularly positive is the performance in key categories of products such as dairy extracts of € 1.47 billion, fish and fishing products with exports of over € 1 billion, as well as oils and fats with a net surplus of EUR 842 million, of which 654 million are derived from the EU.
Mr. Tsiaras presented the central axes of the future strategy:
- “National Greenhouse Program of 600m euros”
- ‘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 on key markets, from Emirates and Japan to Canada and South Korea”
“The power of exports is the power of the national economy. And in the agricultural sector, this power is derived from rural people, producers, family businesses, manufacturing units and export operators, but mainly from the excellent quality and high nutritional value of our products, “the minister noted.
As he pointed out, the aim is to ensure that Greek products will not only reach more markets, but will be recognized internationally as a synonymous of quality, authenticity and cultural goodwill. The state, he stressed, must stand by the side of those who produce, process and export with plan, investment and faith in the potential of the Greek countryside.
In closing, the Minister of Rural Development and Food reiterated the government’s commitment to create a stable and long -term supporting framework for the support of the agri -food sector, based on knowledge, technology and quality.
“Together we will proceed with 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,” he said.
It is noted that Kostas Tsiaras, as part of his presence, awarded Nelos Georgoudis, Managing Director of “Georgoudis SA”, Alexandra Halati-Pittas, Managing Director of the “Beekeeping Society”