The project “Small Farm to Market II” aimed to continue empowering farmers on Lemnos and Kythera in multiple ways and to foster the sustainable development of the islands’ food systems. It builded on the insights gained in MedINA’s previous projects Terra Graeca: Small Farms to Market, Terra Lemnia and Terra Kytheria, which were implemented in Lemnos and Kythera.
The dominant agri-food model, based on the intensification of agricultural production, has proven ineffective in ensuring healthy nutrition for the entire population, while simultaneously degrading vital ecosystems and causing biodiversity loss. Meanwhile, in remote and less favorable areas, the land has been largely abandoned, and rural communities – once guardians of the agricultural landscape – have disbanded, either leaving their homeland or turning to more profitable activities such as tourism. The Greek islands are a clear example of this trend, with 75% of arable land lost between 1960 and 2000.
At the same time, the impacts of climate change are directly affecting rural communities and endangering food security on both a local and global level. Today, the need for a transition to more resilient agri-food systems – ones that do not deplete natural resources or soil productivity – is internationally recognized. There is also a growing acknowledgment of the importance of creating conditions that allow rural communities to remain and thrive in their regions.
Harnessing the opportunities offered by the new Common Agricultural Policy to implement sustainable, environmentally friendly practices; showcasing agri-food heritage as a cohesive force for local development that respects the natural limits of agro-ecosystems and highlights the unique competitive advantages of each region; and fostering a strong ecosystem of collaboration that connects local producers with each other and with broader networks – these can be critical tools for achieving meaningful progress in this direction.
Through a range of actions, “Small Farms to Market II” aimed to:
- Institutionally and through extended collaborations, utilize the “Rural Tradition and Biodiversity” certification to enhance the economic viability of producers in Lemnos and Kythera who use environmentally and traditionally friendly practices.
- Strengthen local entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector in Lemnos by supporting home-based food processing units and small-scale agri-food enterprises.
- Lay the groundwork for Lemnos to emerge as a distinctive gastronomic destination, producing high-quality, eco-friendly products while keeping its agri-food tradition alive.
The project “Small Farm to Market II” was implemented with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation.
Together we continue envisioning thriving local communities in productive and healthy agroecosystems!