SUPPORT FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

On 21 April 2023, the fourth meeting of the Agri-Food Business Council was held at the Grecotel Astir Hotel in Alexandroupolis on the theme of the importance of local products and regional cooperation. The event gathered 7 participants on site and 6 via Zoom and included a presentation by Ms Violeta Sistrjani, representative of traditional Thracian products.

Highlights:

- Importance of local products - Ms. Sistrjani highlighted the economic and social benefits of supporting local production as well as key marketing strategies to promote traditional products.

- Producer-to-Producer Networking - Participants discussed opportunities for collaboration between agri-food businesses, including knowledge and resource sharing, as well as joint initiatives to strengthen the sector.

- Cooperation with Southern Bulgaria - Emphasis was placed on the common characteristics of the agri-food sectors in Greece and Southern Bulgaria, as well as opportunities for cross-border partnerships and market expansion.

Feedback and future steps:

- Active participation - Participants shared their challenges and ideas for promoting local production and strengthening business ties in the region.

- Commitment to development - Those present expressed a desire to work together to make the agri-food sector more competitive and sustainable.

The meeting was organized by the association "Development of culture tourism environment" - DE. CU.T.E." under the project "Business Council - BC 6275", funded by the INTERREG V/A GREECE-BULGARIA 2014-2020 Programme, Subsidy contract №B6.3a.18/13.04.2021.

This event highlighted the importance of local production and international cooperation, with participants leaving motivated for new partnerships and initiatives.

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