In Greece, particularly in the Peloponnese region, agricultural practices are adapting to climate change, with a shift towards cultivating subtropical crops. The last two dry winters have challenged traditional farming, yet have created conditions favourable for crops like mangoes, avocados, lychees, cherimoyas, and macadamias. These crops are not only resilient to higher temperatures but also command favourable market prices.
An experimental program initiated in 2022 in Lakonia and Messinia, overseen by the Hellenic Agricultural Organization under the Ministry of Agricultural Development, focuses on these five subtropical plants. Spanning over 2.5 hectares, this initiative aims to explore the viability of these crops in southern Greece's changing climate. Funded by the Regional Authority of the Peloponnese, the program is set to run for five years, marking a significant shift in agricultural practices in response to environmental changes.
Source: ekathimerini.com