Greece leads EU cotton production
Greece remains by far the European Union’s leading cotton producer, accounting for around 80% of both the bloc’s cotton-growing area and production, according to European Commission data.
The figures were highlighted on World Cotton Day, observed annually on October 7. The event, first marked in 2019 and officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, highlights the economic importance of cotton and the challenges facing the global sector.
This year’s main World Cotton Day event is being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with discussions focusing on trade, the cotton value chain, sustainability and climate finance.
Cotton supports thousands of Greek farmers
Cotton cultivation covers almost 6% of Greece’s total agricultural land and is concentrated mainly in Central and Northern Greece, particularly in Thessaly, Macedonia and Thrace.
Ministry of Rural Development and Food data show that around 211,000 hectares were cultivated in 2024, producing approximately 709,700 tonnes of seed cotton. Some 36,682 farmers were involved in production.
Secretary-General for Rural Development and Food Spyros Protopsaltis said Greece’s leading position represents an important advantage for the country, with thousands of farmers, local economies and processing companies forming a production chain with a significant presence in international markets.
Sector faces pressure to modernise
The focus is increasingly shifting from production volumes to the quality and commercial value of Greek cotton.
Certification, technology, more efficient use of water and other inputs, and adaptation to changing climate conditions are becoming central to the sector’s future.
The government has also included cotton in a three-year pilot programme aimed at reducing the crop’s carbon footprint. Farmers who commit to reducing their emissions can receive €31.7 per 1,000 square metres under the scheme.
Integrated crop protection measures and technical support are also continuing in the country’s main cotton-producing regions.
Aim is greater value for farmers
Officials say Greece’s strong position in the European cotton market needs to translate into higher returns for farmers and a stronger international presence for Greek cotton.
The sector’s future is increasingly tied to improving quality, adopting new technologies, managing natural resources more efficiently and helping producers respond to climate pressures.
The government says these measures can strengthen cotton’s contribution to rural economies while creating new opportunities for growth across the Greek countryside.
Source:AMNA
