2.5.3
University Access to Local Farmers and Food Producers Policy
The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to supporting local farmers and food producers by providing access to its scientific infrastructure, laboratory facilities, plant materials, and technological resources for the promotion of sustainable, innovative, and climate-resilient farming practices.
This policy forms part of the University’s strategic mission to connect academic knowledge with societal needs, strengthen regional agricultural capacity, and advance sustainable food systems. It reflects the principles of Law 4957/2022 (Articles 251–254) on the social and developmental role of universities, as well as the goals of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda (SDG 2, SDG 12, and SDG 17).
The School of Agricultural Sciences leads this initiative through its five departments, laboratories, and experimental farms, which serve as centers of research, innovation, and applied agricultural development. The University’s policy ensures that these resources are accessible to local producers, cooperatives, and agri-food enterprises, particularly within the Region of Thessaly.
Key provisions of the policy include:
Access to University Facilities: Local farmers and food producers are granted access, upon request and approval, to selected university laboratories, testing facilities, greenhouses, nurseries, and experimental fields for purposes such as soil analysis, seed testing, plant propagation, pest control trials, diagnosis of biotic and abiotic stress problems and provision of advice on how to deal with them, and water quality assessments.
Use of Technology and Expertise: The University provides access to advanced technologies, analytical instruments, and expert consultation in areas such as precision agriculture, irrigation systems, crop management, soil fertility, integrated management of pests and diseases, and sustainable aquaculture. Faculty members and research staff may offer advisory or collaborative support within the framework of the University’s community engagement mission.
Provision of Plant Stocks and Biological Material: Departments within the School of Agricultural Sciences may provide plant stocks, seeds, and propagation materials for research, testing, or sustainable cultivation purposes. These resources are managed in accordance with biosafety and environmental standards.
Subsidization and Support Mechanisms: The University allocates budgetary resources to subsidize consumables, reagents, and small equipment necessary for supporting these outreach actions. The funding is provided annually through the University’s internal budget and prioritized for activities benefiting local farmers and producer cooperatives.
Prioritization and Accessibility: Priority is given to local and regional producers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and family farms in Thessaly. Access requests are evaluated based on sustainability impact, educational benefit, and community relevance.
Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: The University encourages joint research projects, training workshops, and demonstration trials co-organized by academic units and local producer associations to enhance the dissemination of sustainable agricultural knowledge and innovation.
Oversight and Evaluation: The Rector, in cooperation with the Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, oversees the coordination, resource allocation, and evaluation of the programme’s effectiveness. Annual reports document access requests, participant data, and measurable outcomes related to sustainability and regional development.
Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its commitment to open, socially responsible, and community-oriented research and innovation. By making its infrastructure and expertise accessible to local farmers and food producers, the University strengthens the regional agri-food sector, supports rural livelihoods, and promotes a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.