The value of exports of Greek fruits and vegetables increased by 1 billion euros in four years from 2.2 billion in 2019 to 3.2 in 2023, said Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras, in his speech at the inauguration of the Freskon Exhibition at the International Exhibition.

He emphasized that the government is developing a series of policies to enhance the resilience of the primary sector and referred to invitations to young farmers, manufacturing and modernization and agricultural roads. In particular, for the invitation to greenhouse cultivation, he stressed that the Ministerial Decision on the Invitation has been signed, which may exceed EUR 600 million. The aim of the ministry, Mr Tsiaras underlined, is to increase greenhouse crops by 50%, as they are less aquatic, with lower energy costs, and climate crisis -resistant.

The Minister of Rural Development spoke about the challenges facing the primary sector, and in terms of imposing US duties he noted that the debate should be held at European level.

He also expressed his satisfaction, both by the number and quality of the entries, at this year’s International Freskon Fruit and Vegetable Commercial event.

The aim of the Polish Presidency in the Council of the European Union is to ensure the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michal Kolodziejczak said.

Mr Kolodziejczak, who inaugurated his country’s booth at the Freskon exhibition, noted that a symbol of the Polish Presidency is Milos, adding that this choice is not accidental. Poland, he said, is in the first place in Europe and the fourth in the world in apple production and is proud of its quality and tasty apples.

The Region of Central Macedonia participates in “Freskon” with 26 companies, as announced by the Central Macedonian Regional Governor, Athena Aidona, which described the exhibition a very important event for the primary sector, for the market and the professionals of fresh fruits and the most important of the European and the most important. Fresh products and is the largest meeting of producers and groups of the International Retail Trade, as well as domestic and foreign traders in the wider region.

He stressed that the Region of Central Macedonia produces high quality fresh fruits and vegetables and is not accidental is the first nationwide in agricultural production, but also in exports of food and agricultural products.

A very important event for the primary sector and the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables in turn was spoken by the director of Frutona magazine, Panagiotis Orfanos.

The importance of “Freskon” for the industry was also underlined by Theodoros Dimitriadis, chief executive of O.mind Creatives, who is organizing Logistics and Transports Expo Thessaloniki these days within the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center, noting that these two branches are complemented.

The important sizes of “Freskon” and in its history were mentioned by TIF-Helexpo, Tasos Tzikas, noting that it has taken its way, while praising Poland’s very important participation in this year’s event. He stressed that the object of “Freskon” is strategic for the country.

The “present” at the inauguration of the exhibition was given by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development Dionysis Stamenitis and Christos Kellas, representatives of local government and a multitude of people.

Freskon the big “appointment” of producers, retailers, as well as domestic and foreign fresh fruits and vegetable traffickers will last until April 12 and has gathered 275 exhibitors from 22 countries.

Entrance to Freskon is only for professional and commercial visitors, and its time is as follows: Friday, April 11th from 10:00-19: 00 and Saturday 12 April from 10:00-17: 00.