If you are a fan of farmers’ markets, then you have surely seen small blackboards with white chalk writing: “Cherries from Agias,” “Melivoia chestnuts,” “Apples from Agias,” “Pears from Agias” Without a doubt, the proud producer behind the stand will assure you that you won’t find anything more delicious anywhere in the world and not without reason!
Behind all the delicious and fresh fruits that we easily find and enjoy, there are groups of producers, cooperatives, and professional farmers, both new and seasoned, who work hard to supply the major urban centers. In this case, the cliché of a “blessed land” is turned on its head because the true blessing of Agia lies in its hardworking people, who cultivate the land despite numerous obstacles and difficulties such as hail, severe drought, a shortage of labor, and low prices for their produce.
What fruits does the Thessalian plain produce?
Agia apples are particularly significant, accounting for 30% of production with export activity, followed by apricots at 9%, peaches at 7%, and cherries at 6%. Often, producers set up kiosks along the main road to sell their products to visitors of the wider area. “Our family has been growing cherries for more than 35 years and selling them at farmers’ markets. This year, because we didn’t have a proper winter, our production was reduced. The heatwave has altered our harvest schedule, and we come to the fields in the afternoons to avoid the heat. Now, we are harvesting the last of the crop, and we must hurry because we’ve been warned of hail the day after tomorrow,” explains Vasiliki Drolia, a cherry producer from Agia.
The chestnuts of Melivoia and Karitsa on their way to PDO status
Chestnut production and distribution in the area have roots in antiquity, linked to the city of Kasthanaia near Skliro. The city was a center for chestnut cultivation and trade. Today, chestnut groves are spread across Kissavos and Mavrovouni, with production increasing due to the renewal of the groves. The intensification of cultivation, the biological control of diseases, and the experience of the farmers maintain high-quality standards.
The chestnuts of Melivoia are renowned for their exceptional quality, shiny appearance, large size, and unique flavor. “In recent years, the Agricultural Cooperative of Melivoia, in collaboration with the Municipality of Agia, has initiated efforts to have the chestnuts recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product to increase their recognition in both the domestic and European markets,” explains the president, Vaggelis Kraniotis.
Agia Apples seek Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status
Around 1950, the first apples began to be cultivated in Agia, starting with the well-known firikia variety. Other varieties, such as Delicia and Renetta, followed. From 1980 onwards, more resilient and marketable varieties like Imperial, Royal, Double Red, Wellspur, Red Chief, Starkimson, the yellow varieties Golden, Jona Golden, Smoothy, and the green Granny Smith varieties were added. Today, Starkrimson and Redchief have become dominant, along with the summer Jersey Mac, the yellow Golden apples, and the rising power of Granny Smith.
