Παρουσίαση LIFE-AgrOassis και συμβεβλημένων παραγωγών
24 Μαρτίου, 2025
Dimitris Tsimouris has been involved in agriculture for the past eight years. He mainly cultivates olives, potatoes, onions, legumes, and grains. He tries to apply sustainable practices and adapt to industry challenges, aiming for continuous growth in his production. He has been part of the LIFE-AgrOassis project since 2023.
- How did you learn about the European project LIFE-AgrOassis, and what made you interested in joining?
I found out about LIFE-AgrOassis through colleagues who were already involved in the project. I was interested in participating because the project offers practical solutions for adapting to climate change, which is crucial for the future of agriculture in Cyprus. - What made you try hedgerows on your land? Had you considered them before?
I decided to try hedgerows after hearing about their benefits through the LIFE-AgrOassis project. I hadn’t seriously thought about them before, but my participation in the project made me realize their value and motivated me to incorporate them into my land. - How was the process of planting the hedgerows? Did it require any special preparation?
Setting up the hedgerows required some preparation, but overall, it was a smooth process. First, we selected the plots and planting areas, then chose the right plants based on the needs of the field and the local climate. The planting sites were prepared, and the plants were positioned for the tree-planting day. In the beginning, some extra care was needed, like occasional watering, but with the guidance of the LIFE-AgrOassis team, everything went well. - What were your first impressions after planting?
My initial impressions were positive, although the plants needed extra care to adapt. Unfortunately, the hedgerow installation didn’t go exactly as planned due to severe drought in our area. The lack of rainfall made it difficult for the plants to grow. Despite this, I remain optimistic and hope to plant more in the future. - If another farmer asked whether hedgerows are worth trying, what would you say?
I would definitely recommend trying hedgerows because they offer many benefits. Proper preparation and selecting the right plants for the area are essential, and weather conditions play a big role in their success. If everything is done correctly, the results can be very positive, contributing to long-term sustainability and soil protection. - How do you think we could measure the success of the hedgerows on your land?
Even though the hedgerow installation didn’t go as planned, we could measure success in several ways. For example, we could monitor whether biodiversity increases around the hedgerows, such as more birds or insects in the area. We could also check if the soil improves, retaining more moisture and reducing erosion. If crop yields become more stable and less affected by extreme weather, it would be a sign that hedgerows are beneficial. It’s still early, but by tracking these factors, we can determine if they provide the expected benefits.
Did LIFE-AgrOassis provide the support you needed (technical help, training, information)?
Yes, LIFE-AgrOassis provided the support I needed. I had access to useful information and guidance. The project team was always willing to offer solutions and technical advice.
- Do you think initiatives like this can truly help agriculture adapt to climate change?
Yes, I believe initiatives like this can help agriculture adapt to climate challenges. By applying sustainable practices, such as hedgerows and better soil management, we can protect crops from extreme weather and improve our land. It’s important to adapt and use new methods to stay sustainable and cope with climate changes. - Do current agricultural policies effectively support sustainable practices?
Despite funding for organic farming, there are major challenges. Farmers who don’t own land struggle to access many programs, while bureaucracy and investment costs create significant obstacles. More flexible policies and targeted support for professional farmers are needed. - What policy or funding changes would encourage you to adopt more sustainable practices?
Some practical changes that would help include simplifying the funding process, direct financial support for sustainable practices, access to low-interest financing, incentives for reducing energy and water costs, support for improving agricultural infrastructure, and grants for reducing CO2 emissions and protecting the environment. - Is there anything else you’d like to share through this interview?
I’d like to emphasize that for farmers to adopt sustainable practices, they need proper guidance and support from projects like LIFE-AgrOassis and the government. Farmers need solutions that meet their needs and are accessible.
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