Promotion of cooperation through operational groups – Challenges and perspectives for a sustainable future

In a recent online event held in the context of the communication and information actions of the COOPinCAP project ‘Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture’, stakeholders of the agricultural sector presented their own views and proposals for the implementation of the operational programmes of the European Innovation Partnership.

The discussion was moderated by Yiannis Sarros, journalist of the newspaper Ypaithros Chora, focusing on the role of the Operational Groups in promoting sustainable development objectives and the achievements of the Member Cooperatives that implement the respective projects.

Presenting the implementation of two projects in his region, Kostas Giannitsopoulos, President of the Agricultural Cooperative of the Greater Amyntaion Area, stated that “Based on these data, we proceeded to targeted actions, such as the treatment of diseases and insects. Practically, the vineyard programme is a useful tool for us which, if properly used, yields better results both economically and environmentally“.

Christos Vallianatos, President of the Agricultural Cooperative “Euphori Gi”, presented the operational programmes implemented by the organisation, particularly on management issues, with the aim of protecting the environment. As he said, “the organization is turning in this direction, as this is one of the main issues of concern to them, due to the direct relationship with human activity in the rural environment”.

Specializing further on the issue, the agronomist of the cooperative, Mr. Kostas Papagiannopoulos, described the relevant action through the operational programme. As he said, efforts are being made to implement actions related to crop residues and used materials (mainly plastics). “Along with the implementation of the operational groups programme, we have started cooperation with recycling companies in order to make use of these residues, which used to be burned, creating environmental problems.”

The event proved that Operational Groups as platforms for cooperation between producers and scientific institutions are an important tool for rural development. Aiming at innovation, sustainability, environmental protection and competitiveness, they bring significant benefits to the value chain in the agricultural sector.