KYTHERIAN LAND – Our Land, Our Food
Greece
supported by MedINA
Kytherian Land: Building a shared vision and collective action about food
Panoramic view of Kythera Island
Credit: Kostas Koroneos
About
KYTHERIAN LAND – Our Land, Our Food brings together the four agricultural cooperatives of the island, farmers, producers, agronomists, local organisations and active citizens to strengthen Kythera’s food system. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange and targeted pilot actions, the Lab aims to improve coordination, support local food production, increase the visibility of Kytherian products and promote stronger links with local businesses and public authorities, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for the island.
Where & What?
Region of Attica (Piraeus, Islands) / Municipality of Kythera
Island, remote region
Social Exclusion Typology NUTS3 – Cluster 4
Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development
2nd km of the Livadi-Kalamos Provincial Road
Livadi, Kythera 801 00 – Greece
Learn more below
Territory context and inclusion challenges
Territory profile
Kythera is a remote Greek island with dispersed villages, a strong local identity and a long agricultural tradition. Olive cultivation, beekeeping and wild harvesting are important to the island’s rural economy, alongside seasonal tourism and small local businesses. The agricultural sector is under pressure from low profitability, rising production costs and limited generational renewal, contributing to the gradual abandonment of agricultural activities.
Farmers and producers also face fragmented landholdings, high transport costs, limited access to advisory services and increasing exposure to climate crisis-related impacts, including extensive summer drought periods, extreme heat and wildfires. The island is further affected by seasonality, limited connectivity, and fewer employment and training opportunities for younger residents. Despite these constraints, active agricultural cooperatives, strong community networks and active citizenship, local knowledge, renowned high-quality products (thyme, olive oil, honey, salt, rusks, etc.), and a growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices provide a valuable foundation for locally-led cooperation and future rural development.
Top inclusion challenges
Gradual abandonment of agricultural activity – Declining engagement due to limited incentives, income prospects and interest among younger generations.
Absence of local agricultural support services – No permanent Agricultural Development Office and limited regular access to agronomists and veterinarians.
Insufficient professional marketing and promotion of local products – Limited market access, weak branding and low product recognition.
Lack of cooperation and a collective strategy among local cooperatives – Fragmented initiatives, limited coordination and no shared narrative.
Climate crisis and limited capacity for adaptation – Escalating dry spells, reduced yields and insufficient knowledge and capacity for adaptation.
Local assets/strengths
Rich food heritage rooted in traditional knowledge.
Well-established cooperatives and active producer networks.
Proven experience in local engagement and community-led initiatives.
Strong interest in participating in the Lab, supported by existing organisations.
Lab approach – How we work locally
Who leads the Lab?
MedINA convenes and coordinates the Lab, through the INSPIRE project team and in close cooperation with the Lab’s working group.
How does the Lab operate?
The Lab has a physical base at the premises of the Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA) and operates through regular in-person meetings, workshops and capacity-building sessions, with hybrid participation available where appropriate. Activities are organised around identified local needs, selected pilot solutions and priorities agreed with Lab members and local stakeholders. Participants contribute to refining priorities, developing implementation roadmaps and advancing agreed actions. A dedicated Viber group enables ongoing communication, coordination, information-sharing and reminders, while local media and community channels share the Lab’s activities and key outcomes with the wider public.
Co-creation steps used locally
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Identification of local needs and barriers through stakeholder discussions.
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Organisation of warm-up events to strengthen dialogue and cooperation around the concept of Smart Villages and the development of participatory actions.
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Engagement with target groups and local supporters in defining priority challenges.
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Selection of practical pilot solutions addressing priority needs in Kythera’s agricultural sector.
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Co-development of solution implementation roadmaps through user-innovation and capacity building workshops.
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Dissemination of actions and results through the local and social media.
How we ensure participation of target/vulnerable groups
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Identification of local needs and barriers through stakeholder discussions.
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Flexible participation through in-person and hybrid meetings, as well as one-to-one discussions where needed.
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Representation of target groups in workshops, decision-making processes and the Lab’s coordination structure.
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Regular communication and facilitation to build trust and encourage continued participation.
Pilot initiatives and activities
Kytherian Land: Building a Common Agricultural Narrative and Collective Vision
Kythera’s agricultural sector faces fragmented initiatives, limited coordination, low visibility of local products and no formal mechanism for collective promotion and advocacy.
What will be done: The Lab will develop a common agricultural narrative for Kythera and promote the island’s high-quality products through targeted visibility and outreach activities (e.g. a producer and product map, QR-code tools and shared promotional materials). It will also explore new forms of cooperation and collective representation, while strengthening links between producers, businesses and local stakeholders.
Main beneficiaries: Local farmers and producers; agricultural cooperatives; young farmers and entrepreneurs; agronomists and agricultural advisory services; local food businesses; hotels, restaurants and tourism operators; local authorities and public institutions; residents and visitors of Kythera.
Status: planned
Timing: September 2026 – June 2027
Stay tuned through the INSPIRE website for more updates.
Stakeholders and partnerships
MedINA – convenes and coordinates the Lab through the INSPIRE project, supporting its overall direction, activities and stakeholder engagement.
Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development – supports local coordination, outreach and engagement with the island’s communities and stakeholders.
Agricultural cooperatives of Kythera (Agricultural Beekeeping Cooperative of Kythera, Agricultural Olive Cooperative of Potamos, Agricultural Olive Cooperative of Livadi, Association of Professional Fishermen of Kythera) – local organisations representing the island’s farmers and producers. They coordinate production, support collective marketing and contribute to strengthening the local agricultural economy.
Professionals with expertise in agriculture and food systems – agronomists, veterinarians, food technologists, environmental scientists and other specialists who provide technical knowledge and scientific support related to productivity, sustainability and product quality.
Individual farmers and producers – individuals involved in farming, livestock breeding, beekeeping and food production, contributing directly to Kythera’s economy and agri-food identity.
Local associations and groups – community organisations, cultural associations and informal groups that support local initiatives, social cohesion and rural development.
Active citizens – residents of Kythera who participate voluntarily in community-led actions and collaborative initiatives that contribute to local resilience and sustainability.
Resources and downloads
Board game “Build your Smart Village!”, to introduce the concept of Smart Villages to the community.
News from KYTHERIAN LAND – Our Land, Our Food
“Build your Smart Village!” – Bringing the Smart Villages concept closer to Kythera and Konitsa through an interactive game
MedINA created an innovative board game, titled “Build your Smart Village!”, to introduce the concept of Smart Villages in a simple, creative, and engaging way (7 October 2025). Learn more here and also here.
INSPIRE project activities at the traditional Sunday food market of Potamos, Kythera
Credit: MedINA
The INSPIRE project in Konitsa and Kythera: Engaging local communities on Smart Villages
Warm-up events in Konitsa and Kythera introduced the Smart Village Labs, explored local needs and priorities and presented INSPIRE’s upcoming participatory and capacity-building activities(12 January 2026). Learn more here and also here.
Warm-up event in Kythera
Credit: MedINA
Two places, one model: Participatory Smart Village Labs for the future of Konitsa and Kythera
Smart Village Labs have been created in Konitsa and Kythera, bringing local communities and stakeholders together in developing locally tailored solutions for inclusive rural development (31 March 2026). Learn more here and also here.
Beekeeping in Kythera
Credit: Kostas Koroneos
Get involved!
Join the collective effort to shape a shared vision and take action for Kythera’s food future!
Contact persons:
Athina Koutsouki, Project Manager – Sustainable Food Systems, athina@med-ina.org
Organisation: MedINA (Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos)
MedINA’s social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube
