| | | Greek Ministry of Agriculture Identifies Logistics - and SOLE - as Critical Components of Future Strategies and Missions
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In a bold opening address to the attendees at the 17th International Logistics Congress, Mr. Lampros Lampropoulos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), announced the Minister's intention to work closely with SOLE - The International Society of Logistics (through District Greece and its members) to promote the scientific management and practice of logistics in all of the Ministry's missions. |
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Secretary Lampropoulos cited various examples of the Ministry's need for logistics within those directorates that report directly to him: Fishery, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Production, Agriculture Applications and Research, Land Reclamation Works and Agricultural Structures, Plant Production, Development and Protection of Forests and Natural Environment, Administrative Support, and Financial Support and Auditing. He stressed the importance being placed on logistics education and training throughout their Agency. In addition to working with the Congress organizers (the 17th Congress was held under the auspices of the Ministry), a separate day of training before the start of the Congress was organized by SOLE District Greece for selected MOA managers and employees. |
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In closing, Mr. Lampropoulos challenged the Greek logistics community (both individuals and companies) to work with the Ministry to join together in promoting the need for and application of logistics in agriculture at a major trade fair to be held, February 2002, in Thessaloniki. The partnership between the MOA and SOLE District Greece forged this year will serve as a springboard for many exciting joint initiatives in the future. |
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The complete text of Secretary General Lampropoulos's remarks follows: |
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| . | Chairman and Dear Friends: |
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| . | It is an honor for me and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to be here at the 17th International Logistics Congress. Now, someone who lives in Greece, and knows Greek reality, might be wondering - "What is the Ministry of Agriculture doing in this Congress, given the fact that our Ministry is known for not following the principles of scientific management?" I hope that the answer I'll give will need no further analysis. The answer is that the MOA needs logistics. I would like to attend all of your Congress in order to learn more about the theoretical basis of logistics, but this is difficult for me. I'll try to give you some examples in order to indicate how necessary logistics is in our sector. |
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| . | The first example has to do with the M.A. FAO and our Ministry - we have undertaken a project to train farmers in the Balkans. The second example has to do with the cooperation of the Greek and Turkish authorities to perform surveillance and monitor the coasts in Asia Minor in order to detect animal diseases. As you understand, this is a difficult project, which demands coordination of executives, of material, of medicines, and of transport. Third, as you know, Greece has lots of small islands, and they are characterized as decentralized areas by the European Union. The Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of procurement and operations of these local societies, especially at critical times. |
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| . | I won't further tire you out. I believe these three examples and one more that I'll mention depict our concern, anxiety, and problems in the Ministry. They also express our hope and expectation that contemporary logistics theories and tools will be used. My last example refers to the forest protection system in Greece. According to this, there are mechanisms of executives, material, and transport means which are not at all efficient. However, I believe that logistics can and will be applied in the MOA so that we can do something better. According to a government decision, the MOA is re-organizing itself. Logistics will be a part of the new scheme. Moreover, 400 new employment posts have been approved for candidates with postgraduate studies in fields related to logistics. The public sector and our Ministry do not have the luxury any more of ignoring logistics. |
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| . | I am particularly interested in the logistics theoretical background, and in some questions in particular. Is logistics more necessary in a globalized economy or not? Is logistics more appropriate for a specific type of society organization? Is logistics the result of our contemporary economy? I can't give answers to these questions - but I hope that your Congress will. Because practical solutions provided by conferences are useful, but we -- politicians and decision-makers, also -- need the relevant theoretical documentation. |
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| . | In February, the MOA is organizing the second biggest fair in Thessaloniki - "Agrotica." In view of this, I would like to ask for the cooperation between the logistics companies and the MOA in order to promote logistics in agriculture. We need this cooperation. In fact, we will "monopolize" your cooperation for some time ... because we need it. |
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| . | May you have a successful Congress. The Ministry of Agriculture will always be by your side. |
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| . | Given on October 19 at the 17th International Logistics Congress - original: Greek; translation by the Congress organization. |
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In order to learn more about the Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture and its missions, visit the Ministry website at www.minagric.gr |
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Paper version in SOLEtech , December 2001 issue. |
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last update: December 17, 2001 |
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