On Thursday 24 March the presentation of the road map for the promotion of Kythera olive oil, based on the study carried out under the programme Terra Kytheria.
This programme aims at the certification of traditional and soft olive cultivation in Kythera and the empowerment of producers.. Implemented by the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA) and the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Man (MedINA), in cooperation with the agricultural cooperatives of Potamos and Livadi, the University of the Aegean and other partners.
The Alexis Kotoulas and Dimitris Tsimperis, executives of AK & Partners, with many years of experience in the marketing of agri-food products, described the current situation of the olive sector in Kythera, indicating its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis).
They came up with a series of steps for the promotion of Kythera olive oil, such as standardisation, branding and marketing plan development, broad collaboration and pursuit of certifications, such as the «Rural Tradition & Biodiversity» certification now being implemented by cooperating olive growers under the Terra Kytheria.
At the beginning of the meeting, the project coordinator, King Zafiriou, presented the progress of the programme and the certification process in Kythera, while George Dimitropoulos, project coordinator Terra Lemnia in Lemnos on behalf of MedINA, presented the Terra Vita product quality label, which will accompany the certified products such as Kythera olive oil of the cooperating producers.
In Lemnos, the first certified products will be available in April, such as the local cheeses Kalathaki and Melichloro/Melipasto, flour, rusks and traditional pasta, while in Kythera the first certified olive oil is expected in the coming olive season.
The road map is a tool for all the productive forces of Kythera in the effort to promote Kythera olive oil and will soon be posted online.
MORE INFORMATION & LINKS
Terra Kytheria - Sustainable Agriculture in Kythera: The Terra Kytheria programme aims to support olive growers and promote Kytherian olive oil. It is based on a cultivation and certification system adapted to local methods and preserves the biodiversity and traditional agricultural landscapes of the island.
The programme is implemented by the Kythira Foundation for Culture & Development (KIPA) and the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Man (MedINA) in cooperation with the Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Potamos, the Agricultural Cooperative of Livadi, and the University of the Aegean. It is an extension of the programme Terra Lemnia in Lemnos coordinated by MedINA.
More information: MedINA website, CFS website, Terra Lemnia
Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Man (MedINA): MedINA was founded in 2003 and its mission is to contribute to the well-being of local communities through the conservation and protection of natural resources and the promotion of cultural heritage. More information: Web / Facebook / Instagram
Kythira Foundation for Culture & Development (KIPA)Since 2006, the Kythira Foundation has been promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Kythira, while contributing to the sustainable development and quality of life of the local community through educational activities, events, scientific conferences, and projects such as the restoration of traditional footpaths, among other things. For more information: Website / Facebook / Instagram
