After two years of intensive efforts, the project “LEMRACE – Conservation of the plant genetic wealth of Lemnos: local varieties for sustainable development of the Lemnian agrifood system” – an initiative by MedINA- comes to an end. Focusing on the agricultural genetic heritage of Lemnos and the conservation of its phytogenetic resources, LEMRACE has played a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting local traditional varieties as the cornerstone of sustainable agri-food development.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 18:00, the closing event of LEMRACE, “Action for the Agrifood Heritage of Lemnos – Present & Future”, will be held at the Multipurpose Space “Apothiki” in Myrina. Representatives from MedINA and ELGO DEMETER will present the results of the project and discuss the future of the agrifood heritage of Lemnos. At the end of the event, local variety seeds will be distributed.
During the implementation of LEMRACE:
- The “Lemnian Seed Bank”, a community seed bank, was created, preserving 35 local varieties, with the goal of saving and spreading the island’s rich genetic material. Simultaneously, a flexible network of 15 variety conservators was developed, working in coordination with the seed bank.
- Two new dossiers were submitted for the inclusion of local tomato varieties from Lemnos in the National List of Cultivated Plants. These are the elongated Lemnian tomato, proposed to be named “Kokkinogeia,” and the cherry tomato “Miloudi!”
- Three training workshops were held on the local varieties of Lemnos, along with three educational activities for students and teachers, enhancing knowledge on the preservation, promotion, and utilization of the island’s traditional varieties.
- The standard short supply chain “From Seed to Plate” was developed, utilizing local varieties of “Afkos” and “Aspromitiko” beans. These varieties were incorporated into gastronomic dishes served at three restaurants on Lemnos, bringing together local growers with local chefs.
The event is open to the public and aims to bring together members of the local community and open the discussion about the future of preserving the island’s phytogenetic wealth.
The project “LEMRACE – Conservation of the crop genetic wealth of Lemnos: local varieties for sustainable development of the Lemnian food system”, with a budget of €49,750.00, is implemented by the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos and the Greek Gene Bank / Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources of ELGO-DEMETER, in the framework of the funding programme “NATURAL ENVIRONMENT & INNOVATIVE ACTIONS 2023”, Priority Axis 4: “INNOVATIVE ACTIONS WITH CITIZENS”. The project belongs to the thematic field “A.4. Protection and Conservation of Biodiversity” and is funded by the Green Fund.