Facts and Figures

The agricultural sector in Greece remains a very important sector of economic activity and employment for Greece. The primary sector employs 12.6% of total labour force in Greece, amounting to some 500,000 people (2011). Agriculture contributes roughly 4% of GDP. Exports of agricultural products account for one third of total exports in Greece. Main categories of exported products are fruits, vegetables and olive oil while main imports include meat and dairy products.

Organic farming has grown dramatically over the last years constituting an important priority in the sustainable development of the sector in Greece.

Overall, the food and drinks industry is a vital component of the economy, since it has become a dynamic, competitive and export-oriented sector.

Invest in Greece: Food & Beverage

Did you know:

• Agriculture contributes 4% of the national GDP, almost the double of the European average.
• Approximately 70% of the Greek land cannot be cultivated because of poor soil or because it is covered by forests.
• Greece adopted a system of farming cooperatives as early as 1915.
• According to a survey conducted by the Panhellenic Exporters Association and the Exports Research Centre (KEEM), Greece is the number one supplier of 35 farm products exported to 14 countries.
  
• Between 2000 and 2007 organic farming in Greece increased by 885%, the highest change percentage in the EU.