The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the extension of the successful program “Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product – Knowledge transfer and innovation network in Chios”, the first Knowledge and Innovation Transfer Network in Chios, until March 2026. This extension further strengthens efforts to ensure the sustainability, protection, and promotion of mastiha cultivation on the island.
To date, more than 250 mastiha producers have participated in the first organized network for knowledge and innovation transfer concerning mastiha cultivation in Chios. They have received training from specialized scientists, as well as from a group of 24 specially trained mastiha producers (farmer-to-farmer training) on technical subjects and cultivation practices.
The devastating impact of the floods that hit the island in September 2024 highlighted the need to extend the program and strengthen the support provided to local producers.
The extension of the program was made possible thanks to the support of The Hellenic Initiative (THI). THI is the only global nonprofit organization that unites Greeks around the world through philanthropy, investing in Greece’s future. Since its establishment, THI has raised more than $38 million and has become the largest organization of the Greek Diaspora globally. Its core mission is to promote sustainable development and entrepreneurship in Greece, which is why it supports the continuation of this program’s activities.
The “Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product” program has already been recognized as a European best practice by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG Agri) of the European Commission and has received an award at the Bravo Sustainability Awards. The program continues its dynamic course, aiming to transfer knowledge, strengthen producers, and create a sustainable future for one of Greece’s most iconic products.
The program is designed and implemented in collaboration with the Laboratory of Floriculture of the School of Agriculture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Chios Mastiha Growers Association. The scientific team includes numerous experienced university professors, coordinated by Associate Professor Mr. Stefanos Chatzilazarou.
The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), The Hellenic Initiative and the Chios Mastiha Growers Association.
More information: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/mastichodentra-diasfalizontas-to-mellon-enos-ethnikou-proiontos/
