Kick-off Meeting & International Learning Event
On the 28th May, 2024, the Conference Centre of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania hosted representatives from the 12 partners of Digital Rural met in-person for the first time in the Kick-off meeting of the project. The meeting was a chance for all the partners to meet each other in person for the first time and to hear about the organisations involved in the partnership.
Welcome
Following welcomes and introductions by each partner, every partner had the chance to make a short presentation on their organisation and those taking part in the partnership.
The morning session also covered an in-depth review of the aims and expected outcomes of the Digital Rural project, how it is foreseen that these will be achieved, and the obligations of each partner. Partners also received a presentation on the financial procedures and reporting obligations of the project, before, the session was completed with a review of the communication and dissemination plans and activities to be undertaken.
Site Visits Interregional Learning Event 1
Agricultural Production visit to Terra Creta
In the afternoon, the partners were introduced to local stakeholders who implement good digital practices, in each of the two economic ‘pillars’ of Crete – agriculture and tourism. Firstly, the delegation travelled by coach to the rural headquarters of a highly successful olive oil production and marketing company that employs digital technology extensively to assure high quality and traceability throughout its operations.
Tourism presentation of digital tools to encourage sustainable tourism
Following return to Chania, the second session was held in a café in a historic former boathouse in the Venetian Harbour, where the local stakeholders presented digital tools developed for the Cretan Regional Development Corporation, the Region of Crete and local councils, to support tourism initiatives based in the less-developed interior of the island. The meeting concluded with the conference dinner.