CONTRACT FARMING 2020-2021 – PORIAZI FAMILY

Just before the start of this year’s production, the assessment of the 2019-2020 growing season has been quite positive for both us and our partner farmers. Although cereal production was lower compared to the previous year, we managed to purchase the entire quantity of wheat and barley produced by our partners. More specifically, the amount we received this year exceeded 650 tons of wheat and barley—enough to fully meet our production needs for flour, rusks, and pasta.

This year, the Contract Farming Project, which we have successfully implemented for 31 consecutive years, is expected to begin as soon as possible. A crucial factor remains the weather conditions, as the anticipated rainfall will determine the exact start date of the project.

VARIETIES

This year’s Contract Farming Program includes the cultivation of three different wheat varieties and two barley varieties. As always, among them are the two local varieties of Lemnos—the durum wheat “Lemnos” and the barley “Panagia.”

For yet another year, our seed production program will test alternative legume crops. These will act as natural fertilizers, enriching the soil with nitrogen and enabling us to grow the highest-quality grain in a sustainable way.

Additionally, this year marks the second consecutive year of our excellent collaboration with the Pallimniakos School Fund (Mitropolis). This partnership focuses on the exclusive cultivation and distribution of the local durum wheat variety “Lemnos” for the production of traditional local products.

PARTNERS

Over the years, we have built strong relationships of trust with our partners. That is why, once again, the same farmers remain part of our program. A total of 13 partner farmers will cultivate wheat and barley across more than 4,000 stremmata (approximately 400 hectares), both privately owned and leased, some of which are organically farmed. As in previous years, the expected geographical distribution of cultivation covers the wider areas of Portianou–Melagas–Kokkinogia, eastern Atsiki, Agios Alexandros–Agios Theodoros in the northeastern part of Lemnos, and specific northwestern regions (between Kornos and Sardes).

TECHNICAL SUPPORT & CONSULTING

In collaboration with Piraeus Bank, a key pillar in ensuring the smooth operation of the Contract Farming Program, we offer financial advantages such as securing the necessary liquidity for essential raw materials and production planning.

As farmers ourselves, we fully understand the challenges and constraints of the agricultural production process. That is why we continuously support our partners at every stage—from cultivation to harvest. Additionally, throughout the year, our farmers receive technical support and consulting, and adjustments are made where necessary to ensure the highest quality standards set by our company.

RESULTS

For more than 30 consecutive years, since the launch of the Contract Farming Program, our family has sourced enormous quantities of high-quality wheat and barley from our partner farmers.

In recent years, we have fully covered our needs for the production of traditional rusks and local pasta exclusively with wheat and barley from Lemnos. This initiative supports the local economy and farmers of Lemnos, keeping the island’s primary sector alive.

However, our greatest achievement through this program is that we have brought back to your table the authentic Lemnos Flour—pure and traditional, just like in the old days.