Cherry producers seminar held in Komotini to address modern trends and climate change
On November 14, 2024, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace organized a seminar in Komotini titled "Modern Trends in Cherry Production, Current Challenges, and the Impact of Climate Change." The seminar took place at the former governor's office and began with opening speeches.
Challenges and Solutions in Cherry Farming
Emanuil Tapatzas, Deputy Regional Governor responsible for Rodopi, discussed the impact of climate change on agriculture and modern cultivation techniques. He highlighted the region’s favorable climate and soil for cherry farming, which has seen significant growth, making the product popular in both domestic and international markets. However, he stressed that rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns have created difficulties for cherry production. Tapacas pointed out the adverse effects of extreme weather events such as hail, frost, and droughts, urging farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods.
The Importance of Primary Sector in Regional Economy
Sotiris Papadopoulos, Director-General of Agricultural Economics and Veterinary Services, emphasized the significance of the primary sector in the region’s economy. He noted that such events aim to provide innovative solutions for production, marketing, and agricultural techniques related to cherry farming, contributing positively to the local economy.
Key Presentations
Several experts contributed to the seminar, including:
Professor Nikos Papadopoulos from Thessaly University, who discussed pests and diseases affecting cherry trees, particularly the Cherry Fruit Fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) and the Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), both of which significantly impact cherry production.
Agronomist Konstantinos Kazancis from the Greek Agricultural Technology and Agricultural Organization ‘Dimitra’, who shared insights on the challenges of cherry cultivation, particularly how climate change affects different cherry varieties.
Yannis Genopulos, a Senior Researcher at the Greek Agricultural Organization ‘Dimitra’, focused on the genetic diversity of cherries, particularly in the Rodopi region, highlighting the importance of new rootstocks in modern cherry production.
Mihail Mihailidis, Deputy Chair of the Forestry Department at Aristotle University, emphasized the importance of quality, harvesting, and post-harvest management in cherry production, stressing the need for proper storage and refrigeration techniques to maintain cherry quality.
Interactive Session
The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where local agricultural engineers asked the speakers specific questions related to cherry farming in the region. The event provided valuable insights into modern trends in cherry production and the challenges posed by climate change.
