1st Rhodope Agricultural Development Conference concludes in Komotini
The "1st Rhodope Agricultural Development Conference," held today in Komotini, focused on addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and local farmers.
Organized by the Rhodope Association of Professional Farmer Entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region and Komotini Municipality, the conference received support from the Rhodope Agricultural Associations and the Thrace Tobacco Producers Cooperative. The event took place at the Chris & Eve Hotel, attracting hundreds of farmers.
The conference aimed to highlight critical agricultural issues, explore practical solutions for local farming families, and promote institutional initiatives for the region's development.
Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat on Agricultural Challenges
Among the distinguished speakers was Özgür Ferhat, Member of Parliament from the New Left Party for Rhodope. He emphasized the pressing issues of drought, outdated agricultural policies, and regional development.
Ferhat highlighted the severe impact of climate change on local agriculture, stating:
"Prolonged droughts have made farming increasingly difficult. Building small-scale dams and reservoirs could provide immediate relief. Projects like the Yassıköy Dam, which could irrigate 300,000 acres, are essential for sustainable farming."
He also called for reforming institutions like OPEKEPE and ELGA, which, according to him, are outdated and unable to address current agricultural challenges.
Addressing tobacco production, Ferhat underlined its value beyond cigarette manufacturing, citing its use in the pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. He warned of declining production rates and stressed the need for tobacco to regain its place in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Ferhat concluded by addressing migration and unemployment in the region, urging comprehensive development programs to combat these issues:
"We will continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges faced by the people of Rhodope."
Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Dionysios Stamenitis, on Local Initiatives
Representing the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Deputy Minister Dionysios Stamenitis delivered a keynote speech. He praised the conference's objectives of fostering dialogue, collaboration, and motivation in the agricultural sector.
Stamenitis emphasized the region's natural resources and the importance of sustainable development:
"Rhodope's rich natural heritage and dynamic production capacity must be fully utilized. Cooperation between local producers, administrators, and businesses is key to sustainable progress."
He discussed climate change's impact on agriculture and highlighted the ministry’s efforts to support innovative agricultural methods and infrastructure:
"Programs like 'Smart Farming' allow producers to monitor climate and soil conditions in real-time, reducing costs and enhancing productivity."
Stamenitis also stressed the need to educate young farmers and modernize the sector to meet future challenges.
The conference concluded with a commitment to addressing the agricultural sector's challenges through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
