News

Agricultural Markets Task Force

Posted on by paisiadis
Agricultural Markets

Few days ago the European Commission announced the experts who will participate in the new Agricultural Markets Task Force. This Task Force is to examine the development of the agri-food sector internationally and the prospects and risks for the European agricultural sector in the global market. The aim for the Task Force is to present to the European Commission a report by the autumn 2016 with its findings and recommendations for policy and legislative initiatives. Continue reading Agricultural Markets Task Force

Advertisements

Netherlands: 2015 a record year for cucumbers and tomatoes

Posted on by mkalogirou

2015 was recorded as an easy year for Dutch growers of pepper, tomato and cucumber. Although the Russian products boycott, Dutch profits doubled in 2015 compared with the previous year, based on a research of the University of Wageningen, LEI. The fact that the average earnings in fruit and vegetables sector was about 274,000 euros this year, 126% more than in 2014, is mainly a coincidence. The sector had been prepared for a difficult year as Moscow, in August 2014, banned imports from the EU of a wide range of agricultural and food products including milk, meat, butter, cheese, potatoes, vegetables and fruit in retaliation for EU sanctions after Russia’s annexation of the Crimean. Continue reading Netherlands: 2015 a record year for cucumbers and tomatoes

Agriculture and international trade at the heart of the Netherlands Presidency

Posted on by mkalogirou

Agriculture and the development of trade between the EU and third countries should be one of the central issues to be addressed by the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). More specifically, during its presidency the Netherlands will focus on the EU negotiations for bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including with the US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; (TTIP) and the agreement with Japan. Regarding the agriculture, the Netherlands will try to simplify the CAP, in order to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burden on European farmers. Moreover, it will monitor closely sectors of concern, such as dairy and pig industry. On 1 January the Netherlands took over the presidency of the Council of the EU after a successful presidency held by Luxembourg, while in the first half of the year the presidency will pass to Slovakia. Continue reading Agriculture and international trade at the heart of the Netherlands Presidency

The Belgian wine market

Posted on by mkalogirou

The Belgian wine market has clearly many prospects, as Belgium is the 12th in the global wine consumption and the seventh largest importer, as well, given that its own production is very low. According to a recent Belgian research (December 2015) multiculturalism and multi-ethnicity in the composition of its population makes Belgium an ideal market for opportunities and prospects to test products in the international market. Continue reading The Belgian wine market

Wine consumption is declining in Europe

Posted on by mkalogirou

The wine consumption is declining in Europe, while China and USA are expected to be the top countries in the world ranking wine consumption by 2027 based on a study for wine conducted by Coface. The main conclusions among others are that China and USA will be the main demand countries for wine, while Europe remains the first in wine production and exports, reaching a proportion of 60% in both. Continue reading Wine consumption is declining in Europe

The Greek feta cheese gains more and more the Swedish market

Posted on by paisiadis
The Greek feta cheese in Swedish market

The preference of the Swedish consumers for the Greek feta cheese becomes stronger over the time. Probably this comes from the general shift towards Mediterranean diet, often referred to as a model of healthy eating habits. The import of feta is mainly conducted by the import companies of Greek food products, while the retail traffic is conducted by large supermarket chains in Sweden. Continue reading The Greek feta cheese gains more and more the Swedish market

France: Consumption and imports of table olives

Posted on by paisiadis
Consumption and imports of table olives in France

In France, the consumption of table olives is lower compared to the other Mediterranean countries, mainly because the traditional French recipes are characterized basically of animal origin ingredients. But recently table olives demand increase due to the fact that they belong to the Mediterranean diet and therefore are health food products. In the last two decades the consumption has almost doubled so as France and Germany are placed in the third place in Europe, following Spain and Italy. Continue reading France: Consumption and imports of table olives

Romania: a major force in the wine production

Posted on by paisiadis
Romania wine production

Romania is one of the leading wine producers in Europe and the world. It is the fourth country among the EU countries, following Spain, France and Italy, in the cultivated vine area, and is the sixth EU wine producer after France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal. It also holds the 10th place worldwide in terms of cultivated vine area and the 12th in terms of wine production. The areas under vines in Romania remain stable in recent years and amounted to approximately 192,000 hectares, of which 180,000 are intended for the wine production. Continue reading Romania: a major force in the wine production

EU-Vietnam trade agreement in force by the end of 2017

Posted on by paisiadis
EU Vietnam trade agreement

In the final stage are the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam. Last Wednesday (2/12), the Commission President, Mr. Jean – Claude Juncker and the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, officially completed their negotiations. This agreement will give the EU access to one of the most promising markets of Asia, with a population of 90 million inhabitants. According to the European Commission, this Asian country presents significant economic growth in recent years and is expected to offer significant opportunities to European exporters. Vietnam is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) since 2007. It is worth mention that due to the economic growth, the middle class takes up an increasing part of the population, so Vietnam is as an interesting market for EU. Continue reading EU-Vietnam trade agreement in force by the end of 2017

Climate Change and Terrorism

Posted on by mkalogirou

The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 21, is being held in Paris, France, from the 30th of November to 11th of December. Earlier, from the 18th to 21st of November, the XII International media forum on the protection of nature took place in Rieti, Italy. According to what was presented in Rieti, it is important to understand that what is really at stake in Paris is the future of humanity and that the issue of climate change is a complex scientific, political and economic situation. Continue reading Climate Change and Terrorism

EU guidelines on joint selling of olive oil, beef and arable crops

Posted on by paisiadis
selling of olive oil, beef and arable crops

On November 27th new guidelines were published given in the European Commission for the sale of olive oil, beef and arable crops. These guidelines aim to support European farmers, specifying how, under certain conditions, to cooperate to jointly sell olive oil, beef and arable crops without falling foul of EU competition rules. As it was mentioned, the value of these markets is more than 80 billion euros per year. Continue reading EU guidelines on joint selling of olive oil, beef and arable crops

Increase of duty-free olive oil imports from Tunisia and sinking olive oil prices in the EU due to the jihadist threat

Posted on by paisiadis
duty-free olive oil imports from Tunisia

There is serious concern about the reduction in international olive oil prices presented recently in Spain, Italy and Greece. For the downward trend in prices is responsible the speculation on the part of buyers and large distribution networks, which try to reduce the price of the product, and in addition the decision taken by the Agriculture Ministers on September 17th, 2015 (Greece and Spain agreed, Italy disagreed). It is about the acceptance of the proposal from the European Commission to introduce an extra duty-free quantity of 35,000 tonnes of olive oil from Tunisia in the European Union (EU) for two years (2016 and 2017). This policy decision was taken in order to support the country’s economy that is threatened by jihadists. Continue reading Increase of duty-free olive oil imports from Tunisia and sinking olive oil prices in the EU due to the jihadist threat

Organic and toxic free tobacco by the co-operative Union of Tobacco producers in Greece

Posted on by mkalogirou
organic tobacco seke

One of the basic concerns in tobacco growing, in the promotion and in the overall industry, is the health of the smoker. Given that, new agronomic techniques are needed that allow the production of better quality tobacco, exempted from any toxic agrochemical remains. In line with this, the co-operative Union of Tobacco producers in Greece (SEKE SA) is the first tobacco company that initiated organic tobacco production in Greece. Moreover, SEKE continues to expand production to cover the demand of organic Basma as well. Continue reading Organic and toxic free tobacco by the co-operative Union of Tobacco producers in Greece

IOC: Japan and South Korea are interested in olive oil

Posted on by paisiadis

The markets of Japan and South Korea are becoming increasingly attractive for olive oil, as more consumers seem to prefer this product, according to International Olive Council (IOC). Japan is the country with the highest olive oil consumption per capita in Asia, followed by South Korea, which is far ahead of the relevant Chinese market. Continue reading IOC: Japan and South Korea are interested in olive oil

Greek kiwis were given the green light to be exported to India

Posted on by paisiadis
Greek kiwi exported to India

After four years of efforts and bilateral negotiations, the Greek kiwi can be exported to India. The Indian authorities indicated that there is the possibility of kiwi trial shipment under cold treatment. They want to demonstrate this method’s effectiveness so it could join in the country’s official phytosanitary requirements. The General Director of the Greek Embassy in New Delhi, Mr. Andreas Karaiskakis, stated to Agrotypos, “A persistent effort started four years ago to gain this approval. Finally the decision that enables exporting Greek kiwis to India, under certain conditions, was signed”. Continue reading Greek kiwis were given the green light to be exported to India

Romania: forecasts for reduced agricultural production for 2015

Posted on by paisiadis
Romania forecasts agricultural production 2015

The Romanian National Forecast Committee announced that after the significant increase in agricultural production by 29% in 2013 and by 3.6% in 2014, it is expected a reduction by 3% in 2015. The long-term drought, during the summer season, adversely affected the harvest of several crops. This fall in agricultural production seems not only to affect farmers’ incomes, but also the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Continue reading Romania: forecasts for reduced agricultural production for 2015

Brussels, 1-2/12/2015: EU Agricultural Outlook Conference

Posted on by mkalogirou
EU_Agricultural_Conference_Hogan

A two-day EU Agricultural Outlook Conference will be held on December 1st and 2nd 2015, in Brussels and will provide an opportunity for a broad exchange of views on the state of agriculture, and the global issues that lie ahead. On the first day of the conference, Mr. Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Mr. Tom Vilsack, US Secretary for Agriculture, will discuss the challenges facing the farm sector. Continue reading Brussels, 1-2/12/2015: EU Agricultural Outlook Conference

Coloured potatoes: a significant antioxidant source in human nutrition even as snacks

Posted on by mkalogirou
Coloured potatoes a significant antioxidant source

Potatoes, due to consumed amount, are considered as one of the major sources of antioxidant compounds in the human diet. Moreover, in recent years, there has been an increasing interest in potato varieties with coloured flesh, mainly because of their high anthocyanin content. Given that diets rich in anthocyanins and other related phenolic compounds have been associated with a reduced incidence and severity of certain kinds of cancer and heart disease, coloured potatoes could be preferred in the diet even as processed foods, such as snacks, as a natural source of antioxidants. Continue reading Coloured potatoes: a significant antioxidant source in human nutrition even as snacks

Portugal: the reduced olive oil production for 2014/2015 was complemented with Tunisian

Posted on by paisiadis
Portugal: the reduced olive oil production

The 2014/2015 olive season was not good for Portugal, resulting in the increase of olive oil price and imports. According to data of the State Statistical Office of the country INE during the first 8 months of 2015, the Portuguese imports increased in value compared to the corresponding period of 2014 by 91 million euros (70%), amounting totally 221 million euros. This increase is due to the increase of imported quantities, and in 40% increase in the average import price per kg from 2.08 euros/kg to 2.92 euros/kg. The contraction in domestic olive oil production for the season 2014/2015 reached 35%. The Portuguese needs, essentially, were covered from Tunisia. Continue reading Portugal: the reduced olive oil production for 2014/2015 was complemented with Tunisian

Young Farmers: Their main problems in the EU and the new pilot project exchange programme

Posted on by paisiadis
Young Farmers main problems in the EU

A study published by ECORYS (made in collaboration with Wageningen University and the company AEQUATOR) presented the major problems faced by young farmers and the new improved pilot project including travels in the EU and in some OECD countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey and USA), aimed to training and education. The presentation of the study took place in Brussels, the weekend of 15-16/10/2015, during the conference entitled “Knowledge for Young Farmers.” The pilot project “exchange” Young Farmers has been proposed by the European Parliament and supported by the European Commission but it has not yet been possible to be applied. Continue reading Young Farmers: Their main problems in the EU and the new pilot project exchange programme

Greek and Italian apples dominate in Egypt

Posted on by paisiadis
Greek and Italian apples dominate in Egypt

The Italian and Greek apples are dominating in the Egyptian market. According to data given by Egypt for the first 7 months of 2015, apples exported from Italy worth 93.8 million euros, covering 48.26% share of the Egyptian market, while for the same period from Greece the value of exported apples was 19 million euros, covering 9.8% share of the Egyptian market. Continue reading Greek and Italian apples dominate in Egypt

Chios Mastic: Agreements with global «giants» of pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical products

Posted on by cdiamantopoulos
Chios Mastic: Agreements with global «giants» of pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical products

The last two years Chios Mastic Growers Association increases its sales network. Recently the Association reached an agreement with the American multinational company related to nutritional supplements called «GNC Holdings» and is very close to cooperate with the «Solgar», an American «giant», and these are not the only business success. Over the last two years, according to Mr. Elias Smyrnioudis, the Director of Production Research and Development Units of Chios Mastic Growers Association, such agreements have been concluded around the world from Japan to America, and of course EU is included. Continue reading Chios Mastic: Agreements with global «giants» of pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical products

Sweden: The network of the organic food retail market

Posted on by paisiadis
organic food retail market in sweden

Sweden has among the highest consumption of organic foods in the EU. Foods such as milk, eggs, yogurt, coffee, processed vegetables, juices, vegetable oils and dairy products, have enjoyed a substantial increase in sales in recent years. In particular dairy products account for one third of the organic products sales in Sweden. Continue reading Sweden: The network of the organic food retail market

Press trip to Paris – Toulouse: France, the leader in maize seed production. The role of FNPSMS federation

Posted on by agrotypos

In the beginning is … the seed. On this claim is based the role of the French National Federation of Seed Maize and Seed Sorghum Production (FNPSMS), which in recent decades has focused -through research- to the optimization of its hybrids. The main aim of FNPSMS is to strengthen its member companies to increase their sales and to serve the European farmers who are always seeking for seed that guarantee the best possible production (qualitatively and quantitatively). These efforts have succeeded as France today is the Europe’s leading seed producer country in the world and holds the 1st place for maize seed exports. Agrotypos participated in a journalistic mission in France (Paris and Toulouse, September 28-30) in the frame of FNPSMS’s informative presentation about the breeding, production and marketing of maize hybrid seed. According to what was mentioned, the seed production is essentially the first link in the agricultural chain and the starting point in the food chain, moreover the seed is the basis and has to satisfy the requirements of farmers and consumers (since the final products targeting them). The objective of the efforts made by FNPSMS is the produced maize hybrid seeds to have increased productivity, reduced inputs (of pesticides and chemical fertilizers) and be more environmentally friendly. Continue reading Press trip to Paris – Toulouse: France, the leader in maize seed production. The role of FNPSMS federation

New olive crop management practices for climate change mitigation via the European program LIFE oLIVE-CLIMA

Posted on by mkalogirou
New olive crop management practices for climate change mitigation via the European program LIFE oLIVE-CLIMA

The second year of the European program LIFE oLIVE-CLIMA entitled “Introduction of new olive crop management practices for climate change mitigation and adaptation” has successfully closed in Greece. Agrotypos is one of the main participants of this program, involved with training and dissemination. The completion of the oLIVE-CLIMA program will allow farmers across Greece and abroad –via newsletters and English subtitled videos– to adapt their cultivation practices in a way that allows them not only to mitigate greenhouse gases emissions, but also to become more resilient to climate change. Continue reading New olive crop management practices for climate change mitigation via the European program LIFE oLIVE-CLIMA

Romania: block imports of fruit, vegetables and meat according to a bill passed by the Senate

Posted on by paisiadis
Romania block imports of fruit, vegetables and meat

The Romanian Senate voted, 76 in favor and 4 against, a bill that requires from large grocery chains to supply the 51% of fruit, vegetables and meat from the domestic production. The explanatory memorandum of the draft act states that its purpose is to ensure easy access for Romanian producers in the major food retail chains. The draft act must also be voted by the House in order to be applied. Continue reading Romania: block imports of fruit, vegetables and meat according to a bill passed by the Senate

Falling commodity sales forces Monsanto to axe 2,600 jobs

Posted on by agrotypos

Written by Chris McCullough
US agriculture and biotech giant Monsanto has announced plans to axe 2,600 jobs, or 11.4 per cent of its workforce, due to falling commodity sales. The company, that manufactures genetically modified (GM) seeds, recorded a US$495m loss for the fourth quarter, compared with a reported net loss of $156 million in the same period last year. The job losses will be part of a complete restructuring plan over the next 18-24 months, according to the company, and will save $275-$300m by 2017. Monsanto said the changes are designed to transform and innovate the way the company operates resulting in a more agile and focused organisation prepared to continue to lead the agriculture industry. There are also plans afoot for Monsanto to exit the sugar cane industry in a bid to further streamline the business. Continue reading Falling commodity sales forces Monsanto to axe 2,600 jobs

And yet there is Greek peanut butter. It is organic and produced in northern Greece

Posted on by cdiamantopoulos
there is Greek peanut butter. It is organic and produced in northern Greece

When we refer to peanut butter, usually we travel with our mind … to America. However, this delicious product from peanuts in shells, the last three or so years, is being produced in Greece and indeed organic. The agronomist and organic producer from Alexandroupoli, Mr. Kyriazis Kyriazidis, had the idea and then other members of his family were involved in the project. Today the produced in Alexandroupoli organic peanut butter, is sold primarily in the family cafe called the “Disaki” (means the saddlebag) held by Mr.Kyriazidis nephews, Kyriaki and Marinos. Continue reading And yet there is Greek peanut butter. It is organic and produced in northern Greece

Kale and other gourmet vegetables from Marathon to Athens farmers market

Posted on by paisiadis
Kale and other gourmet vegetables from Marathon

Saville, cherry tomatoes in several colors, watercress, fennel, coriander, fresh oregano, basil, rocket, purslane, chives, baby beetroot, are some of the vegetables cultivated by Mr. Chris Blantis in Marathon. Mr. Blantis is being experimented widely by cultivating unusual vegetables for Greek consumers. The last one he discovered was the kale, a vegetable that looks like broccoli. At least the last two years kale is very popular abroad, since apart from its fine taste, it is also a rich source of energy and vitamins, Mr. Blantis explained to us. Continue reading Kale and other gourmet vegetables from Marathon to Athens farmers market

The EU wine production for 2015 is expected to be increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year

Posted on by cdiamantopoulos
EU wine production for 2015 is expected to be increased

According to the forecasts of Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission the European Union (EU) wine production of 2015 is expected to be increased by 2.7%, compared to both the 2014-2015 production and the average of the last five years. In the 117th meeting of the Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets, which took place in Brussels on September 23, was announced that this year’s wine production for the EU-28 will reach 170.8 million hectoliters (Mhl), compared to 166.232 Mhl in 2014. Continue reading The EU wine production for 2015 is expected to be increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year

Germany: Fresh fruit and vegetable distribution

Posted on by paisiadis
Fresh fruit and vegetable german market

Germany, with a population of about 82 million persons (16% of the total EU population), is the largest consumer of fruit in the EU. The fruit group with the highest consumption consists of bananas, grapes, apples, oranges and tangerines. The German market is dominated by large retail companies which account for more than 75% of fruit and vegetable sales. Continue reading Germany: Fresh fruit and vegetable distribution

Horizon 2020: The 2016-2017 programme budget for actions in the agricultural sector is 774.5 million euros

Posted on by paisiadis
Horizon 2020 budget for actions in the agricultural sector

The European Commission announced the actions and budgets of the EU research and innovation programme «Horizon 2020» in the area of food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy for the years 2016 and 2017. This programme includes a total of 38 actions aimed at four main sections, which are: the sustainable food security, the fostering innovation and business opportunities in agricultural production, the increase of organic food production and biomass and the development of fisheries. The budget of these actions for 2016 is estimated to be at 364.5 million euros and for 2017 at 410 million euros. In the near future the Commission will announce the final report, with the proclamation of every action and the selection criteria. Continue reading Horizon 2020: The 2016-2017 programme budget for actions in the agricultural sector is 774.5 million euros

The world olive oil production is expected to be increased and the Spanish to reach 1.2 million tonnes

Posted on by paisiadis
world and the spanish olive oil production

The International Olive Council (IOC) announced the first forecasts for this year’s olive oil production (2015/2016). According to IOC the world olive oil production is expected to be higher (over 2.5 million tonnes) than that of 2014/2015 (2.2 million tonnes) but lower compared to 2013/2014 (3.2 million tonnes). Regarding the Spanish production, despite the problems of the high temperatures, it is expected to be increased by 40% compared to the previous year. Mr. José María Penco, an agronomist of the Spanish Association of Olive Municipalities (AEMO) talked about an increase of Spanish production, around to 1.2 million tonnes. Continue reading The world olive oil production is expected to be increased and the Spanish to reach 1.2 million tonnes

Forecasts for reduction of world maize production

Posted on by cdiamantopoulos
Forecasts-reduction-world-maize-production

Greek maize cooperatives and producers are optimistic about prices in maize, because the yields are expected to be good, although this year’s cultivated acres are less, due to the last year’s poor commercial maize season. This year’s good performance of silage supports their optimism. According to Agrotypos reportage the silage value is determined by the method of payment. So those who are paid in cash, receive 3.5-3.8 cents per kilo, while those who are paid by credit (usually by a 4-month check) the price ranges to 4 cents per kilo. At the meantime the forecasts of European Commission give hope for good prices the following months (today the producer’s price is about 18 cents per kilo) and refer a reduction by almost 9 million tonnes of this year’s world maize production. Continue reading Forecasts for reduction of world maize production

An example for imitation: Austrian dairy farmers use a traditional, free of silage, farming method which leads to products of high quality and nutritional value, such as hay milk

Posted on by agrotypos

Recently (since 2004) hundreds of Austrian dairy producers turn to a traditional way of producing milk. They attempt to feed their animals (mainly cows) by the method of Hay Farming (milk production based on hay) which is free of silage use. The success of their effort resulted in the quality seal “Traditional Speciality Guaranteed” (TSG) by the European Union (EU). Moreover, there is an ever-increasing demand of high nutritional value and quality dairy products, such as Hay milk products, which leads to price bonus for their producers. This could be an example for imitation for other stockbreeders, especially of mountain areas where the animals could be fed from an extremely wide range of grasses and herbs. Continue reading An example for imitation: Austrian dairy farmers use a traditional, free of silage, farming method which leads to products of high quality and nutritional value, such as hay milk

Vineyards in France, Spain and Italy are affected by esca and flavescence doree

Posted on by paisiadis
Vineyards in France, Spain and Italy are affected

France is the first country in worldwide wine production, by sharing the 16% of world production and exporting wines worth nearly 7 billion euros per year. According to the French Institute of Wine (Institut Francais du vin), the 13% of the French vineyard are unproductive due to the infection of the vineyards during the last fifteen years. The epidemic affects almost all the vineyard in France, while it has also moved to Spain and Italy, countries with high global wine production too. Continue reading Vineyards in France, Spain and Italy are affected by esca and flavescence doree

Lindner, the Austrian innovative niche tractor brand

Posted on by agrotypos

About Lindner

Lindner produces tractors and transporters of the brands Geotrac, Lintrac and Unitrac at its Kundl location (Austria). The family company with an export rate of 50 percent employs a workforce of 220. With a market share of 14.1 percent, Lindner reaches second place on the Austrian market for standard tractors in the first seven months of 2015.
Agrotypos visited the Lindner Innovation Center in Austria and met David Lindner. Continue reading Lindner, the Austrian innovative niche tractor brand

WAPA: 5% reduction in European apple production

Posted on by paisiadis
apple production europe

Apple production in the EU is estimated to be reduced by 5% in 2015 compared to last year. This was announced by the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA), during the Prognosfruit 2015 Congress, held in the northern Italian city of Milan, in August 2015. According to the presented data, this year’s European production is expected to rise to 11.9 million tones, while in 2014 it stood at 12.5 million tones. Small decrease is expected for the Greek production as well, which is going to fluctuate at 238.000 tones (from 245.000 of the previous year) as recorded by the WAPA’s forecasts. In Poland, the largest EU producer country, this year’s production is expected to remain at the same with the previous year level (3.7 million tones). Continue reading WAPA: 5% reduction in European apple production

Land and Soil Management Award 2015/16 for good agriculture and environmental conditions

Posted on by mkalogirou
ELO-Land-and-Soil-Management-Award

Sustainable land and soil management is central to improve our food systems, maintain a healthy environment and ensure European rural development. According to European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) soils are part of Europe’s greatest treasures, thus, it is important to promote and reward practices, which contribute to their protection. In line with that, ELO organizes Land and Soil Management Award 2015/16 and invites farmers, landowners, land managers, groups of farmers, on their own or in collaboration with research institutes, universities and/or private companies to participate. Continue reading Land and Soil Management Award 2015/16 for good agriculture and environmental conditions

The World Food Life Cycle Assessments Database project for robust environmental assessments and communications

Posted on by mkalogirou
World-Food-Life-Cycle-Assessments-Database-project

The World Food Life Cycle Assessments Database (WFLDB), an international and multi-stakeholder project lead by Agroscope and Quantis, has delivered 900 accurate and transparent food datasets for improved Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and environmental communications. LCA is a scientific method used to quantify environmental impacts throughout all activities occurring over the life cycle of a product or service, from extracting natural resources to managing generated waste. An LCA dataset consists of all inputs (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, machinery, water, energy carriers, transport) used for production of a commodity and the resulting emission to air, water and soil from the production and use of the inputs. The goal of the WFLDB project is to develop and maintain the first comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of food datasets.

Continue reading The World Food Life Cycle Assessments Database project for robust environmental assessments and communications

Macfrut Forum 2015: a meeting focused on technology and retail

Posted on by mkalogirou
Macfrut-international-exhibition-fruit

The 2015 edition of Macfrut, the Fruit and Vegetable Professional Show, is scheduled to begin in less than a month, on 23-25 September in Rimini Fiera of Italy. Macfrut 2015 is getting ready to offer visitors from all over the world a series of programmed events dedicated to the fruit and vegetable supply chain, starting on the day before the official opening of the trade fair. Specifically on 22 of September, a preview of the international exhibition will be held at Cesena Fiera where retailers and operators will share their experiences in the three sessions of the meeting. Continue reading Macfrut Forum 2015: a meeting focused on technology and retail

Greek olive oil seems more competitive international according to foreign experts and media

Posted on by cdiamantopoulos
Greek olive oil seems more competitive international according to foreign experts and media

The current year is being proved as one of the best for the Greek olive oil, as, according to Agrotypos’ reportage, the producers’ prices have recently surpassed the 4.25 euros and continue their upwards trajectory. Indeed in Messinia, South Peloponnese, the price climbed to 4.30 euros per kilo satisfying producers who have stored their production until nowadays. Continue reading Greek olive oil seems more competitive international according to foreign experts and media

Greek fruit and vegetables exported to Dubai

Posted on by cdiamantopoulos
Greek fruit and vegetables exported to Dubai

Mr. Dimitris Kavvadas, the President of Horticultural Cooperative in Preveza (central Greece), talks to Agrotypos about their cooperation with the Zhumino International company, concerning the export of Greek fruit and vegetables. The company is based in Dubai and does business in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and South Africa, while recently has commenced cooperation with Greece. Actually a subsidiary company was created in the city of Larissa (Thessaly Region also in central Greece) under the name Zhumino Hellas with the clear mandate from the “parent” company to seek partnerships with Cooperatives and Producer Groups in order to export their products to the United Arab Emirates. Continue reading Greek fruit and vegetables exported to Dubai