The main objective of ELGO-DIMITRA is the development and/or support of actions aimed at the modernization and development of the country’s agricultural sector, the improvement of production processes, the enhancement of competitiveness, the certification of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs, the establishment and certification of good agricultural practices and controls in the production and distribution chain of milk and meat in the country.

The individual sectors in which ELGO-DIMITRA is active are: the promotion of innovation, the conduct of research, the dissemination of knowledge, technology and advisory services in all sectors of the agri-food chain, the provision of agricultural vocational education and training, the protection of origin and identity, etc. At the same time, the main mission of the Agency is to provide scientific and technical support to the Ministry of Rural Development Food in the planning and support of the implementation of its policy in the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy, as well as in the formulation of positions on issues under consideration in the Council and other competent bodies of the European Union.

The Institute of Olive tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture (IOSV) belongs to the Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DIMITRA”/ELGO-DIMITRA” (Ministry of Rural Development Food) and has significant experience in research projects (national EU) including LIFE, Interreg IV, Archimed, PIP, EREUNO-KAINOTOMO-DIMIOURGO, ELIDEK, PAA etc. and significant research experience as evidenced by numerous publications on olive, citrus and subtropical crops, etc.

The activities of the Entomology Laboratory of the Institute of Olive Subtropical Plants & Viticulture (Chania) (https://elgo.iosv.gr/chania/entomologia/) are mainly related to applied research studies, developing modern methods or improving existing methods of dealing with insect pests in collaboration with other research/educational institutions.

The survey includes:

• Studies on the biology of insect pests and their beneficial insects on the main crops of Crete (olive, avocado, citrus and vegetables).
• Integrated pest management and biological control.
• Biodiversity studies.
• Practices for the protection of beneficial insect fauna.
• Evaluation of new active ingredients against insect pests in the laboratory and in semi-field and large fields.
• The effect of insecticides on beneficial insects and pollinators.
• Insect rearing for behavioural experiments and insecticide bioassays
• Modernisation of plant protection using technology and automation related to existing and newly introduced insect pests of olive, citrus and avocado crops.

Members of the Entomology laboratory