The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the start of classes for the program “Mastic Trees: Securing the Future of a National Product” on January 30, 2026.
The program aims to continuously strengthen the sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of mastic cultivation on the island of Chios. Its educational activities include a series of specialized courses designed to cover critical areas relevant to mastic producers.
To date, more than 250 mastic producers have participated in the first organized knowledge and innovation transfer network for mastic cultivation on Chios, receiving training from specialized scientists as well as from a team of 24 specially trained mastic producers (farmer-to-farmer training) on technical topics and cultivation practices. The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
The devastating impact of the September 2024 floods on mastic cultivation on the island highlighted the need to expand the program and strengthen support for mastic producers. The program’s expansion was made possible with the support of the internationally recognized organization The Hellenic Initiative (THI).
The 2026 courses will focus on the following topics:
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Mastic secretion mechanisms
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Nutrition of mastic trees
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Cooperation and cooperatives
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Financial tools for mastic producers
The program will conclude in late March 2026 with a closing event, where the results of the activities will be presented and the benefits for the local agricultural community highlighted.
The program is designed and implemented in collaboration with the Floriculture Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Chios Mastic Producers Association. The scientific team includes experienced university professors, coordinated by Associate Professor Mr. Stefanos Chatzilazarou.
The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) and the Chios Mastic Producers Association.
For more information about the program: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/mastichodentra-diasfalizontas-to-mellon-enos-ethnikou-proiontos/
