At the Annual Conference of the Panhellenic Association of Agricultural Issues and the Panhellenic Association of Agricultural Photovoltaics held in Xanthi, former Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis highlighted the urgent need for a holistic approach to rejuvenate Greece's primary sector. He pointed out the significant role of supporting young farmers and strengthening cooperatives as essential strategies to address longstanding structural problems within Greek agriculture.

Karamanlis opened his speech acknowledging the significance of Xanthi, referring to it as a cradle of Greek cooperativism and pointing out its historical ties to figures like Alexandros Baltatzis, the founder of PASEGES, who initiated a widespread network of cooperatives and agricultural businesses from that region. His remarks set a context for the importance of regional localities in fostering cooperative movements.

Expressing optimism, the former Prime Minister stated that the conference would generate viable ideas and proposals aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector. He urged for decisive actions to support not just current farmers but also to pave the way for future generations, recognizing the critical juncture the agricultural sector is facing amid contemporary challenges.