PRESS RELEASE 

The University of Patras signs a Memorandum of Cooperation on 11 February 2022 with

the Ministries of Education & Religious Affairs,

Rural Development and Food,

PDE and other institutions with the aim of linking with the local rural economy

Based on the common goal of scientific support, public policies, educational cooperation and especially the connection with the local rural economy, as well as the development of cooperation between the entities, on February 11th, the University of Patras will co-sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Region of Western Greece, the Hellenic Agricultural Organization – Demetra, the American Farm School and the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation, on a scientific, educational and research level, in order to achieve common goals, as well as to achieve the creation and transmission of analytical thinking, continuous upgrading and investment in human capital by integrating cutting-edge research policy technologies in the modern European area.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will take place by physical presence at the premises of the University of Patras in Messolonghi (Amphitheatre of the Department of Plant Production Science K24) and in Amaliada (Amphitheatre of the Department of Agriculture) on Friday 11 February 2022 at 13.00

The event will be addressed by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Georgios Georgantas from Athens, the Rector of the University of Patras, Professor Christos Bouras from Messolonghi, the Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Mr. Angelos Syrigos, and the Regional Minister of Western Greece, Mr. Nektarios Farmakis from Amaliada.

In the context of promoting the prescribed objectives of the Memorandum and more generally to achieve the development of cooperation between the scientific community and the public policy organizations, the above bodies agree and co-agree to take any necessary initiative to achieve the following actions/objectives:

• Cooperation in all areas where there is a common educational, scientific and research interest with a view to achieving the objectives
• Organisation of joint scientific activities (e.g. workshops, conferences, conferences, workshops) with a thematic focus on the agricultural sector
• Strengthening scientific cooperation through the exchange of material, know-how and data
• Submission of joint proposals in the framework of funded projects for research, application development and service provision
• Submission of joint proposals to international organisations
  Cooperation with a view to:
• Contributing to the smooth adaptation of the local rural economy and the transition to a new productive model of a fair and economically sustainable rural economy
• Optimising production processes and methods in the primary and secondary sector to ensure food quality and consumer health
  the contribution of information and communication technologies
  environmental sustainability, protection of resources and mitigation of the effects of climate change
• Provision of integrated post-secondary formal education at levels 3, 4 and 5
• Provision of non-formal education programmes (training, seminars, etc.)
• Linking higher education and research with agricultural production