Agronutritional Cooperation of the Region of Central Macedonia | ACRCM

The Agri-Food Partnership of the Region of Central Macedonia is a non-profit civil society and was established by 19 organizations.

The initiative belongs to the Region of Central Macedonia, which participates with a strong percentage (47%). Also participating are 6 Municipalities - Lagada, Paionia, Thermaikos, Delta, Kilkis, Oreokastro - of the Region of Central Macedonia, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the American Agricultural School, the Association of Industries of Northern Greece, the Chambers of Prefectures of Halkidiki and Serres, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Thessaloniki, the Association of Exporters, the Association of Wine Producers of the Vineyard of Northern Greece, the Association of Hoteliers of Halkidiki, Gaia Enterprises , the Association of Merchants of the Central Vegetable Market.

P.K.M. produces 25% of the primary sector of our country. It has a very strong food processing industry with high quality characteristics and quantitative production capabilities. It has large agro-food units, with an enviable history and perspective. It is, P.K.M. literally, the Production Power for Greece, in the agri-food sector.

As can be seen from the organizations that participate and from the Scientific Committee that we have set up, it has strong human resources for the study, support and implementation of innovations and implementation actions in the agri-food sector. The purpose of the established body is to highlight the priorities in the primary sector, as well as in the food processing industry of P.K.M. In addition, to create the framework and the network for the promotion of the produced agro-food products. He is the strategic advisor of P.K.M. for the policies that must be implemented in the specific sectors.

It carries out training programs for producers, promotion and promotion of Macedonian food products, guaranteed by the Identity Mark of our organization. A regulation provides for the terms and conditions for the inclusion of businesses in the agro-food sector of the P.K.M., in the list of Collaborating Members of our organization.

The private characteristics make the Agri-Food Partnership of P.K.M., a flexible and efficient organization to negotiate on behalf of consortia, associations and individual companies the promotion of food products, the primary sector and processing. Accompanying the actions of the P.K.M. for the products of the Macedonian Land and the Macedonian Kitchen, supported by the executive potential of our partners, guarantee results of goals and objectives.

Research and development of cultivations for agricultural products with quality labeling indicative of the geographical origin of the Central Macedonia Region and innovative agriculture and processing that will provide domestic and international consumer products, ensuring food safety through traceability and quality characteristics worthy of the region's soil and climate conditions.

The effort we have made specifically for the Greek biodiversity in Macedonian wine, we estimate that it complements the tremendous progress of Macedonian winemaking:

- Reinforcing the identity of Greek vine-biodiversity.
- Creating necessary conditions for the promotion of Greek wine.
- Maintaining the identity of the wine and the properties of winemaking tradition, especially Macedonian.
- Preserving national varieties and recording/breeding reproductive material.
- Connecting the Gene Bank and University Collection to create a common collection and preservation of genetic wealth.

Development and reinforcement of the social position and cultural identity of food processors through the development of skills, knowledge transfer, and best practices for quality and sustainable production, thereby contributing to the modernization of the agri-food sector.

Connecting all links in the agri-food chain and those providing materials and services under a common umbrella based on high technology and the Internet of Things, with the aim of developing new digital products and services that will lead to the improvement of applied processes by all links in the supply chain, with the main goal of strengthening the agri-food sector and recognizing and ensuring the quality characteristics of products. This technological upgrade, in turn, will help address the modern challenges of the circular economy, food traceability, environmental footprint, and nutritional values.

Shaping and promoting a system of reduced inputs and low environmental footprint in the agri-food sector. Developing certification protocols as "environmentally friendly" for agri-food products. Implementing training and information actions for agronomists, farmers, and breeders on the possibilities of implementing the certification services that will be developed. Industrial and experimental research and production of scientific knowledge for the implementation of innovative business plans in the agri-food and cultivation sector. The shaping and operation of intelligent agricultural experimental fields.

Improving regional policies through increased focus on the circular economy of biological streams. These streams include waste/bio-waste, municipal and industrial sludge, and food waste, which can be addressed with similar technologies.

The current European system of agricultural food products faces the challenge of transitioning to more sustainable value chains of agriculture, food, and biological value and to innovate in general. Education is a key factor in the ability of farmers to co-create and implement new techniques and practices and to adapt to legislative, policy, market, and environmental changes, to design innovative ways of marketing their products, and to participate in interactive innovation systems and networks. Special attention has been given to policy goals set by the EU's strategies and policies, particularly the Green Deal, the 'Farm to Fork' strategy, and the new CAP.