A
griculture and a wide network of relevant
economic activities can set the economy
back on track. Despite some problems in
the agricultural sector, there are also opportuni-
ties for those willing to take a few risks. A growing
number of Greeks, especially young people, seek
a way out of the current economic crisis through
hard, but promising, work in the fields and pas-
tures. So far, the desolation of the countryside
has been the rule. Today, the crisis has turned
into an opportunity, a way back to the village and
a farmer’s life.
Aiming at the improvement of agricultural produc-
tion, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food,
in cooperation with the co-responsible ministries,
is pushing forward with reforms on the legal,
administrative and managerial levels. The alloca-
tion of land at affordable prices for those willing to
Trade with Greece
100
Development is no longer a midsummer
night’s dream, but a hard-earned prospect
for Greece, thanks to the Greek people’s
sacrifices and the Greek government’s per-
severance. Economic growth can derive
from investment in sectors where Greece
has traditionally been competitive.
Reforming those sectors, amongst which
agriculture stands out, is a key element to
success and prosperity. Agricultural reform
is a prerequisite for the vision both the
government and the farmers share: Quality,
Productivity and Exports.
Reforming Agriculture:
Quality, Productivity
and Exports
By Maximos Charakopoulos,
Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food
