The importance of connecting university knowledge to everyday life and especially with the productive capacity of each area that produces Greek productshighlighted by the Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiarasduring the event for the presentation of two new departments of the Democritus University of Thrace in Drama – the Department of “Vineyards and Oenology” and the Department of “Natural Environment and Climate Resilience”.
“When one thinks of good wine, your place comes to mind spontaneously. Drama has emerged as a reference point for viticulture and winemaking, and this gives significant development potential in the area. Through the functioning of the new departments, university knowledge is transformed into an essential tool for life and local reality. It is an important step, not only for Drama, but also for the Democritus University itself, “Mr Tsiaras said of the importance of investing in local products.
Referring to the challenges caused by the climate crisis in the primary sector, he noted that both production and cultivated acres are reduced. He stressed that the Ministry of Rural Development and Food has prioritized the durability of production – which can be achieved not only by new varieties, but also with targeted policies for proper water resources management.
Mr. Tsiaras referred to the following:
- The “Water 2.0” program totaling 4 billion euros,
- The forthcoming program of large irrigation projects in the regions of EUR 600 million,
- The program of small land improvement projects in municipalities, which will be announced in the fall,
- The program for greenhouse crops, also of 600 million euros,
- The importance of transferring technological knowledge to the field, through intelligent agriculture and innovation programs.
“The little clergy and relief of our country are timeless obstacles to the competitiveness of Greek products. We can overcome this problem by investing in quality, “he said. “If we want to score a strategy for the primary sector, this is quality production. Because Greece produces unique products of high value added, looking for the European and international markets. “
Concluding, the minister stressed: “We are here to prove that with systematic effort, serious planning and – in particular – applicable policies, by utilizing the resources of the European Union, the CAP and with targeted support for the productive world, we can create a model of durable primary sector. A model that supports Greek society contributes to social cohesion and allows people of production to survive with dignity. At the same time, they give them the opportunity to become ambassadors of the high added value of Greek products around the world. “
As part of the events of the “Drama Engagement”, Mr. Tsiaras visited wineries in the area and talked to producers about the potential for the development of viticulture and the upward trend of Greek winemaking in international markets.
Prior to his departure from Kavala, the minister met with representatives of agricultural and livestock associations, with whom he discussed the irrigation problems and the effects of zoonoses on livestock farming.