PRESS RELEASE FROM THE REGION OF EASTERN MACEDONIA AND THRACE ON THE UTILISATION OF ZEOLITE
HELLENIC REPUBLIC Komotini, 23 June 2014
REGION OF
EASTERN MACEDONIA – THRACE PRESS
OFFICE
Postal Address: 1 G. Kakoulidou Street, 69100 Komotini
Tel: 25313 52150
Email: press.amth@gmail.com
Website: http://www.pamth.gov.gr/
PRESS
RELEASE: PRIORITY GIVEN TO THE EXPLOITATION OF THRACIAN
ZEOLITE The promotion of Greek zeolite is no longer a vision but a reality for the Region of Eastern Macedonia – Thrace. The Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia – Thrace–Thrace, Aris Giannakidis, during a meeting with Professor and strategic adviser Nikos Lygeros on Thursday 12 June, was briefed on the results of zeolite applications in the fields ofagriculture and the environment, and expressed his full support for further promotional initiatives.
Zeolite has multiple uses in agriculture, increasing the fertility of fields for many years. It is a natural mineral whose use as a soil improver in crops can increase yields by between 17 per cent and 66 per cent, and significantly reduce both the use of fertilisers and the use of irrigation water.
Mr N. Lygeros, referring to the practical results of zeolite in the agricultural sector, said: ‘Many regions are now seeing practical results in agriculture following the incorporation and spraying of zeolite, and are now observing the improved quality of their produce. The garlic from Nea Vyssa, which accounts for 70 per cent of national production, have already entered the harvesting phase, and following the application of zeolite, we can all see the difference in their organoleptic properties. The garlic we tasted was nothing like the conventional variety. It is larger, free from mould, with a beautiful white base, a genuine aroma and an unrivalled flavour. We expect similar results with the asparagus as well.’
Furthermore, Mr Lygeros noted that the use of zeolite is particularly beneficial in olive cultivation as it effectively combats the olive fruit fly and improves the quality of the olive oil produced, whilst simultaneously cleansing the fruit of heavy metals, toxins and free radicals. It is already being used on a pilot basis in olive groves in the Makri area.
The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, in support of the pilot implementation of zeolite, is becoming increasingly proactive in its collaboration with the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, which has applied for a licence to explore deposits in the Kirkis area.
To this end, and to ensure the immediate and effective cooperation of all relevant bodies within the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (local and regional authorities, competent departments, scientific bodies) with the aim of utilising zeolite, it was decided to hold a working meeting at the end of July 2014.
From the Press
Office of the Region of Eastern Macedonia – Thrace
, source: http://ellhnikos-zeolithos.blogspot.gr/2014/06/deltio-typou-perifereias-amth-gia-ton-zeolitho.html