try their luck in the fields, the pro-
motion of solar energy for agri-
cultural uses and the reor-
ganisation of producer
groups on a more mar-
ket-efficient basis, are
just a few examples of
our new approach to
rural development.
To that end, we have
doubled our efforts:
within the span of just a
few months we evaluat-
ed and pre-approved
7,735 business plans, con-
tributing to the upgrade of
existing rural infrastructure. In spite
of the struggling economy, we secured
the necessary funds for farmers to continue pro-
ducing. In accordance with EU law, and within the
scope of the Common Agricultural Policy, we
have supported Greek farmers in order to ensure,
not just their economic survival, but the common
European goal of food sufficiency and security.
Moreover, we support contractual relationships,
particularly among producers and processing
industries, thus increasing the
negotiating power of the for-
mer. In order to reduce the
dire consequences of fod-
der price hikes on live-
stock breeders, we are
urging them to enter
mutually beneficial
partnerships
with
farmers, so as to
respond better to mar-
ket instability. We are
reshaping the legal
framework within which
producers’ organisations act,
with the aim of enhancing the
small-scale producers’ capacity to
join forces and to lower production costs,
so as to sell their products at affordable prices to
consumers, both in the domestic market and world-
wide. Before us lies a great challenge: export-ori-
ented production. Quality is, once again, the cor-
rect answer. Therein lies the future of Greek agri-
culture: a combination of tradition and cutting-
edge practices that can make the most out of the
country’s rich soil and temperate climate. Organic
Trade with Greece
101
Moreover, we support
contractual relation-
ships, particularly among producers
and processing industries, thus
increasing the negotiating power of
the former.
“
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