The Training Programme for Agronomists from Fire-Stricken Regions, which is funded exclusively by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, was officially launched today at the premises of the Agricultural University of Athens.

After funding the studies required in order to fully record the damages caused by the fires in the 7 most affected prefectures, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation started funding a training programme for agronomists from fire-stricken regions in the prefectures of Ilia, Messenia, Laconia, Arcadia, Achaia, Corinthia and Evia. The main objective of the training programme, which was designed and is being implemented by the Agricultural University of Athens, is to enrich the knowledge of agronomists and encourage them to support actions and policies that are necessary for the growth of the local economies and societies of fire-stricken regions.

Their training is aimed at acquiring new skills that will enable them to identify, design and implement pilot developmental actions in their regions; therefore, the training received is directly connected to actions that will translate into growth. 

The expected benefits from the proposed programme will not be limited to the training received by the agronomists; on the contrary, the programme will give the opportunity to a significant number of farmers (approximately 48,000), who pursue an agricultural activity in the fire-stricken municipalities, to participate initially in pilot actions. The successful outcome of the pilot actions is expected to have a positive impact on a greater number of farmers and, of course, through their multiplicative effects, on the local economies and societies of the fire-stricken regions, whose population is approximately 220,000 people.

More information about the programme is available here (in Greek).