THE GLOBAL PULSE OF FOOD & AGRICULTURETürkçe ↗
Greece

Call for Technology and Organization for the Modern Agricultural Sector in Greece

Nikolaos Papavasileiou, a retired professor at Athens University of Economics, argues that the modern agricultural sector in Greece should combine traditional production with food technology. According to Papavasileiou, the agricultural sector, along with its associated value chain, accounts for 15% of the country's gross domestic product and is in a stronger position than tourism in terms of total economic weight. The author proposes that this potential be developed using intelligent agriculture, artificial intelligence, sensors, and biotechnology.

Call for Technology and Organization for the Modern Agricultural Sector in Greece — source visual
Το προφίλ ενός σύγχρονου αγροτικού τομέα στη χώρα μας · Photo: Naftemporiki

The article states that there is a potential for growth of dairy products, especially white cheese and yogurt. In order for this to be assessed, quality products must be supported by standardized production, regular distribution and effective promotion. Consumer interest in frozen vegetables has increased, but Greece's exports remain weak and imports high. The main problem with the export of fresh vegetables is the lack of modernly organized businesses and logistical infrastructure.

Papavasileiou notes that shellfish production and trade in Greece is very small and underdeveloped compared to the European Union total. He writes that there is a downward trend in fishing production, with imports increasing as fish exports remain low. The export of instant juice is estimated to be $90.7 million annually, while imports are reported to be $45-50 million, while Israel's global position in concentrated orange juice exports is presented as a comparison for Greece.

The article highlights packaging and identification of bales in cotton, and recognition and promotional deficiencies in olive oil, wine and olives. New technologies can provide farmers with information about cost, price, variety, quality, marketing channels, and competition; this requires strengthening cooperation among farmers. It is also criticized for having only 36% share of domestically produced products sold in retail.

Sources

English translation of AgroAjans’s Turkish report. Original publishers are linked above.

More from around the world

Latest news →