The Open Day at the Greenhouse Facilities of University of Thessaly, Velestino Magnesia was successfully held on 18 October 2019. The doors opened on time at 10:00 am with the presence of first registered visitors.
Professor Nikos Katsoulas and Director of the Laboratory of Agricultural Constructions of the Department of Crop Production and Rural Environment guided visitors to the Greenhouse Facilities, including a presentation of the new pilot greenhouse of the University of Thessaly, where most of the projects are implemented. During the visit were presented several opportunities for farm diversification in the circular bioeconomy.
The purpose of the event was to inform the public about the contribution of EU cohesion policy to the implementation of projects and development interventions in general under Operational Programs co-financed by the European Structural Funds.
The main objectives of the event were: to explain the new framework of the circular economy, to share good practices and to encourage networking and dialogue.
The farm is located near the National Road Athens-Thessaloniki, in the area of Velestino and at an altitude of 70 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 250 acres and covers the research and educational needs of the members of the Department. Of this total area, 2.5 acres are in greenhouses.
Professor Nikos Katsoulas, Associate Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Agricultural Constructions of the Department of Crop Production and Rural Environment mentioned that “dozens of farmers, researchers, professionals, teachers and others came to the farm and were informed of the new technologies for greenhouse production.
New technologies focus on hydroponics with complete nutrient-recycling management, testing of various crop substrates, testing of new insecticides, testing of new greenhouse cover materials, aquaculture (aquaponic and crop production) and biogas. Reduction of energy inputs (energy saving, biomass and other renewable energy use, better microclimate management by means of optimal control, better management of water resources (closed hydroponic systems).
Prof. Mr. Katsoulas highlighted that the greenhouse produces various products such as tomatoes, celery, lettuce, aromatic plants, mint.
From April to September, tomato production reached 25 tons per acre. “This is a quality tomato produced from the greenhouse with new technologies, and we estimate that 40 tons will be produced in total”
A big THANK YOU to all who participated in the OPEN DAY-Organic Plus. We would like to thank our partners, and a very heartfelt thanks to EPSA the company that offered us Greek soft drinks and made this event truly special!
