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Kαλλιέργεια, μεταποίηση κι εμπορία αρωματικών και φαρμακευτικών φυτών
Start date: Jun 1, 2014, End date: May 31, 2015 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Greece is a country with great biodiversity climate and soil conditions suitable for the development of aromatic and pharmaceutical plants (APP) . Northern from Greece and up to the north pole the same species APP grow due to lower temperature and less sunshine . APP are those containing in their tissues either fragrances or other effective substances that act as a medicine for humans. These plants are in gret demand by Greek and foreign buyers. The main APP in Greece are: oregano , basil , fennel , saffron , sage , thyme , lavender , chamomile, burning bush , calendula , almond , echinacea , melissa - verbena , thyme and sunflower, arnica , marshmallow , aloe vera , tea mountain , nettle . The advantage of these plants is that they can be sold both fresh and processed in two ways - dried and their essences . In Greece the systematic cultivation of organic APP is at an embryonic stage, especially in the area of Veria . The Ministry of Rural Development is trying to develop laws to enhance the production and processing of APP , but in order to be given a grant there should be an authoritative producer group .The Hellenic APP Union was founded only a year ago. It tries to inform the producers, since the public structures are not capable of supporting these cultivations. So farmers have little experience, but on the other hand, there is great potential for growth and new working positions. The public 1st Vocational Senior High School of Veria (1st EPAL )is one of the largest schools of its category in Greece . In this school 637 students attend lessons and 97 teachers teach several subjects. In the sector of Agriculture , Food and Environment students basically live in rural areas and attend theoretical and laboratory courses.However, they don't have the chance of practical exercise . Thanks to this mobility project 15 students (aged 16-18 years ) from the Agricultural sector and two teachers -agronomists that will accompany the students (1st EPAL of Veria) will be travelling to Cyprus for two weeks . There, there is bigger experience as far as APP cultivation is concerned. There are also businesses with certified processing facilities . Our students don't have opportunities to travel abroad , let alone combined with professional guidance. In Cyprus the Greeks do not have to speak a foreign language . There, the participants will attend both theoretical seminars concerning APP and practical training including work in organic cultivations and processing plants in the premises of the host institution. They will keep a log on what they learn and do. They will also answer a questionnaire at the end of their accommodation. Each student will be asked to hand in a description and commentary project of this whole experience participating in the European project .Teachers will submit a final report . After completing the project, students will be able to: - Know the main APP in Cyprus , their properties - use - cultivate in the organic way - understand processing techniques - promote fresh and processed products through appropriate marketing techniques In addition, students will develop their professional skills , they will gain technical experience with the latest technology so as to promote themselves as professional farmers , they will become familiar with new technology and adopt the philosophy of Lifelong Learning . They will gain the mentality and consciousness of a European citizen and will experience technical training in the EU. Τhey will be socialized and co-operate with other people. Finally, they will strengthen their self-confidence and self-esteem . Initially the Teachers Association of the school,students and the Parents Association were informed and afterwards the host organization was found.It has great experience and reliability in such programs . After telephonic and electronic communication, the cooperation was confirmed and many issues were settled , such as the "letter of intent",the Europassports and the Certificates of Attendance . Prior to departure , the students will be theoretically prepared both about the country they visit and the APP . The expected results are basically the attainment of the above objectives for students and basically acquiring knowledge but also skills and experience . The impact will be positive both for the 15 students and the accompanying teachers but also for farmers and agronomists who are interested in getting involved with APP. This impact will be positive in key local and regional level but also at national and European level , since it's the first professional school of prefecture Imathia participating in European programs. The most important long-term benefit for the students would be the creation of their own enterprises which would be not only sustainable but also profitable and competitive.
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