Press Release
Report of the Institute for Ecological Agriculture DIO for the year 2022

Athens, 19th October 2022

In a period of environmental, social and value crisis, we decided to reactivate the Institute for Ecological Agriculture DIO in order to promote ecological agriculture in Greece though research and education.
Having a human-centric and an eco-centric approach, the Institute is a non-profit making; therefore, no profits’ distribution is attributed to its members. It was founded in 1999 and since then the respect to the people, society and environment is the fundamental principle and force to its operation.

The Institute reactivated in April 2021.

The assessment of our actions for 2022 is positive and promising for the future.

Regarding the year 2022:

• We have written and posted articles on our website with the following topics:

1. Biodynamic agriculture and Biodiversity
2. Agroecology
3. Challenges in organic beekeeping
4. Propolis

• We have created a team of educators to conduct seminars.
• So far, we have successfully held nine seminars in which 87 people participated (agriculturists, farmers, super market executives, entrepreneurs and students) from 22 regions of Greece.
• We have issued 35 Affirmations of Suitability and 5 Certificates (which have been issued after on-site inspection) for inputs that are suitable for organic farming. 
• Two meetings have been held with the Deputy Minister Mr. Kedikoglou at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and proposals have been made for the development of organic beekeeping in Greece.
• In cooperation with Local Food Experts and the Association of Nemea Winemakers (SON) we have created the following Private Standards: ’Sustainable Management System (SMS)’ and ‘LION’, respectively.
• We are active in community service activities. We have donated 150 € to Rescue Team of Laconia and 200 € to a high school in Serres with the aim of their participation in the f1 World Competition.
• After the devastating fires in N. Euboea in 2021, we took the initiative to immediately help our fellow men who affected by the fire and raise the amount of 23.500 € in our account so far. The whole amount has been given for this purpose.
• We participated in the 7^th Amari Green Festival in Crete through speeches and scheduled events.
• We took part in the Agrotica Exhibition 23-23/10/2022 where we were hosted at the stand of DIO – Inspection and Certification Organization of Organic Products.

Actions to support fire affected people in N. Euboea:

The report of the institute’s action since the starting of support as it has been recorded so far:

• From 11/08/2021 to 31/12/2022, the amount of 23,500 € has been deposited to Institute’s account.
• On 12/01/2023, part of this amount and specifically 4.996,30 € was given for the purchase of 4 tons of sugar which were delivered in the villages Achladi, Kokkinomilia and Papades in N. Euboea.
• On 30/09/2022, the delivery of 600 kg at a cost of 801,36 was completed to the village of Kerasia, in N. Euboea.
• Electrical appliances, gadgets and a computer has been bought for people who lost their belongings in the fire.
• The Institute has coordinated the distribution of 10 tons of fodder, which were delivered to the village of Kechries and neighboring villages, covering a significant part of the fodder needs in the region.
• 500 kg of extra virgin olive oil has been delivered to the village Kerasia, covering the needs of the entire village for a reasonable period.
• 1 ton of extra virgin olive oil ‘IONIS’ at cost 4.000 € delivered to Achladi village covering the needs of 130 families.
• At the same time, society’s needs are also been recorded in this way and we plan our next actions.

Our next actions are focused on:

• Coordination and organizations of the first meeting of organic olive growers from Mediterranean countries in Greece (Organic Olive Growers Forum). The three-day training meeting will take place on November 24-27 in Peloponnese in collaboration with IFOAM AgriBioMediterraneo (ABM)

We would like to express our thanks:

• To Greek paper industry – Endless for the kind donation of 5,000 euros in the frame of the ‘Beegin’ project. The amount has completely used to cover the needs of the fire-affected beekeepers in N. Euboea in order to purchase hives and other equipment for the survival of bee colonies. The hives were delivered in January 2022.
• To the company, Nutria, based in Aghios Konstantinos in Fthiotida for cost price that sold the extra virgin olive oil ‘IONIS’.
• To the Blauel Greek Organic Products based in Messinia, for the donation of 500 kilos of extra virgin olive oil.
• To the Port Delfino Kithira Hotel, in collaboration with Mrs Myrto Nikologianni and Mrs Katia Foteinopoulou and all the teachers of the island who raised the amount of 1,250 €.
• To the Melissotechniki – Bros Kapeni for the cost price at which they donated bee feed.
• To the organic grower Mrs Christou Theocharoula from Trikala for providing 10 tons forage.

Thank you all for your support and your contribution to our project!

The actions for N. Euboea’s local society are being continued!

In case you would like to deposit an amount for N. Euboea’s recovery, please fill:

• First name and Last name
• Description ‘Donation to N. Euboea’

Account Number
Owner: Institute for Ecological Agriculture DIO
GR8601720390005039101672699
PIRAEUS BANK
BIC: PIRBGRAA

Mrs. Chara Mangana and Mr. George Mangana manage the account, scientists/beekeepers in Euboea and board members of Institute for Ecological Agriculture DIO, whom we gracefully thank for their coordinating action!