The Tui Care Foundation is launching a transformative ‘field to fork’ initiative to support farming on Crete and Rhodes.
- The project aims to integrate more than 500 farmers with local food production and hospitality sectors.
- Targeting olive oil, wine, avocados, honey, and herbs, the initiative supports 300 farmers on Crete and 200 on Rhodes.
- Custom training for local business staff aims to connect Greek gastronomic heritage with sustainable practices.
- The initiative seeks to foster a resilient agricultural future and enhance regional tourism and community livelihoods.
The Tui Care Foundation, known for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability, is spearheading a new initiative designed to bolster the agricultural sector on the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes. Through their ambitious ‘field to fork’ programme, over 500 farmers are set to connect with local food production units and hotels, aiming to enrich the entire supply chain from cultivation to consumption. This meaningful integration underscores the foundation’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices in regions with rich agricultural heritages.
The initiative focuses on a diverse range of local products including olive oil, wine, avocados, honey, and herbs. By targeting 300 farmers on Crete and another 200 on Rhodes, the programme not only aims to enhance the farmers’ income opportunities but also seeks to increase the variety and availability of sustainable food products. This comprehensive approach not only benefits producers but also aims to elevate the overall gastronomic offerings available to both locals and tourists, thus enriching the cultural experience of the islands.
A critical component of the initiative is the bespoke training provided to the staff of participating businesses. This training is designed to highlight the importance of Greek gastronomic heritage, as well as to impart knowledge on sustainable agriculture as a means to promote healthy diets, soil preservation, and enhanced rural livelihoods. The programme aims to create informed ambassadors for Greek agriculture, capable of advocating for its benefits to a wider audience, including tourists who frequent these historic locations.
Launching the Tui Field to Fork Greece was marked by a significant workshop event, which attracted more than 200 participants. Stakeholders from the ministries of agriculture and tourism, local government, hospitality partners, and local food production units convened to engage in discussions critical to the initiative’s success. Topics covered included soil health, the development of circular food systems, certification protocols, and the significant role hotels can play as regeneration hubs within the local communities.
Alexander Panczuk, the executive director of the Tui Care Foundation, has articulated the transformative potential of this initiative. By advocating for a transition towards regenerative agricultural practices, Panczuk envisions a future where sustainability in food production creates a ripple effect throughout the region. He emphasises that this initiative holds profound implications, not only for the immediate welfare of the farming communities in Crete and Rhodes but also for the broader regional tourism sector. Panczuk describes the scheme as an essential step in building a resilient and regenerative future for these beautiful islands.
The Tui Care Foundation’s initiative paves the way for sustainable agricultural growth and enhances the tourism experience on Crete and Rhodes.
