Messolongi does not only boast Greece’s largest natural fish farm and world-famous sea salt but some of the country’s top quality olive groves producing outstanding olive-based products.
Lekythos, a family-owned and operated collective of local olive growers have been making Greeks proud by producing world-class olive oil and olive products and most importantly contributing to the crisis-stricken local economy. Lekythos’ expertise dates back at least four generations, cultivating olives with traditional, natural farming methods and without the use of fertilisers.
Homer St’s Greek Australian Gina Lionatos is partnering with Lekythos to offer people an opportunity to become honorary Greek olive-farmers as well as some relief to independent Greek olive growers.
“It was a friend from withing the industry put me in touch with them (Lekythos), a well known olive farming family in Messolongi generation upon generation,”she tells Neos Kosmos.
“Their idea was wonderful and I instantly loved the concept of how someone who lives so far away from Greece could still be involved, have almost a tangible experience and a thing to their name in Greece, something they can really be a part of even from a distance.”
As a passionate Greek Australian that’s something that appealed to her right away; giving back to the local community.
“Depending on the level of adoption, you will be receiving produce from the grove which you are contributing to,” Lionatos explains.
“While helping local farmers revive and create new olive yards in the area, contributing to a mini economy you get an open invitation into the warm hospitality of Lekythos in Messolongi, to visit your adopted tree.”
With this collaboration, both Lekythos and Lionatos wish to see this project grow organically through word of mouth and recommendation and to become a bridge for Greek Australians and Philhellenes to stay connected to Greece.
“A very limited number of spots are available for the 2017 program, because we wanted to make sure that everyone that signs up will have an amazing experience,” she says.
“We aspire to add more trees in Messolongi and extend the project to more countries.”
To find out more go to www.homerst.com.au/products/adopt-a-greek-olive-tree
For International orders (outside of Australia), please email info@homerst.com.au