ABSTRACT
The choice of the Prefecture of Trikala (NUTS III) as the Greek study region was based on the criteria specified for the selection of study regions in this work (See Chapter 3). Briefly, Trikala is a predominantly rural area (according to the OECD classification), with a rich variety of farming systems (i.e. extensive—intensive; irrigated and non-irrigated cultivations; crop activities in plains, livestock activities in mountains), and an increasing share of pluriactive farm households. Further, the rich natural environment and biodiversity of this region and the notable achievements of local integrated rural development efforts, which have led to successful forms of rural economic activity (agro-tourism, rural SMEs, activities utilizing the rich local agricultural and rural heritage), have also played a role in the selection of this study region. In this chapter, the multiple functions of agriculture in Trikala and their relationships to environment, territorial development and quality of life are investigated, using the adapted POMMARD model. Simulations of policy changes (scenarios) illustrate the impact of these policies on Trikala’s sustainable development.
