ABSTRACT
Greek agriculture is currently faced with a rapidly changing international environment and the challenges of the 21st century. The viability, competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector, as well as the maintenance of a vigorous social fabric in rural areas is at stake, whereas consumers' claims for quality and safe food products has to be guaranteed. The increasing importance of environmental needs and countryside stewardship and management will offer new development opportunities for rural Greece. Emphasis and priority should be given to infrastructural improvements affecting the productivity of agricultural activities. Similarly, non-agricultural activities such as protection of rural heritage, tourism, restoration of the landscape should be promoted in rural areas. Greek agriculture should take advantage of the opportunities associated with the anticipated enlargement toward the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The prospect of opportunities for the agribusiness sector, however, presupposes the enhancement of the Greek agricultural sector's competitive position in domestic and foreign markets.
