The Thessalonian politician pointed out that “this year, in addition to the problems we have had in the chestnut tree in recent years with the Wasp and the Faia Sipsi.
“We are here through thick and thin. The year is not easy, but the chestnut festival is rightly held to give a tone of optimism, that despite the difficulties we will manage to get back on our feet”. The above was emphasized by Member of Parliament for Larissa of New Democracy, Mr. Maximos Charakopoulos in the greeting he was invited to address at the 31st Chestnut Festival in Karitsa of the municipality of Agia.
The Thessalian politician pointed out that “this year, in addition to the problems we have had in the chestnut tree in recent years with the Wasp and the Faia Sepsi, our place was also tested by the unprecedented floods, by the flooding phenomena of Daniel and Elias. We are here to support the primary sector, to support the producers. Unfortunately, as he told us last year and Professor Mr. Nanos, to date the academic community has not found an effective cure for Gray Sepsis. Production is severely affected by this fungus and the income of producers has fallen sharply. We hope that the scientific community will soon find the means to deal with it.”
Complete program
Maximos Charakopoulos continued by saying that “until then, the state must be a helper and supporter and we must convey your voice and exert parliamentary control and pressure on the respective government to find a way to support the producers who are being tested. You know me and I’ve known you for years. The fact that a member of the governing majority can exercise parliamentary control is strange to some. I primarily represent my country and so I will continue to be a politician, strengthening your own voice and fighting for the solution of the problems of our country. Last year we were able to get 150 euros per hectare as support for each producer that was tested. I know the money wasn’t enough. This year we will also press for a comprehensive five-year program to be able to restore chestnut cultivation in Karitsa as well. We will be here exerting pressure.”
Coordination and documentation
In fact, the government deputy, commemorating the priest of Ampelakia who performed the consecration earlier, said that “Pope Vassilis earlier reminded us that “the one who blessed the five loaves in the desert” performed the miracle and fed 5,000 men. Today, as I was informed by president of the cooperative (Themis Triantafillou), we have the smallest chestnut production in the region. With this smaller production, many households in the place should have a sustainable income. So, for a miracle to happen, since we are of little faith these days, we should all put pressure on the government together, united, coordinated and documented, in order to achieve the best possible compensation and support for the producers. As far as I’m concerned, as I’ve always done, I’ll do it today.”
Congratulations to the women of Karitsa
In closing, Maximos Charakopoulos did not fail to congratulate the organizers “and especially the women of the village for the beautiful exhibition they organized, the dishes they offered, showing the many possibilities that the chestnut has, possibilities of their utilization in the place. I hope that better days will come soon to chestnut farming.”
The consecration, before the opening of the exhibition, was performed by archpriest commissioner of Lykostomio Fr. Vassilios Galousiswhile at the celebration, where greetings were addressed by mayor of Agia Mr. Antonis Goundaras and the president of Karitsa, Mr. Vassilis Tsaknisthe main speaker was Professor of Phytopathology of the International University Mr. Thomas Thamidiswho spoke about the diseases affecting chestnuts and the means of prevention and treatment.
