5th generation farmer from Kastoria, Greece, is awarded best organic farmer (male) of the European Organic Awards 2023
*** Applications for the EU Organics Awards 2024 are open, visit our website for more info and apply by 12 May! ***
On 25 September 2023, the second edition of EU Organic Awards took place in Brussels, Belgium. 8 awards have been granted to inspiring individuals from all over Europe to celebrate their passion and dedication to organic farming. Mr. Thomas Moschos was awarded ‘Best Organic Farmer (Male)’.
For 5 generations, the Moschos family has been running a sheep farm in Kastoria, in the northwestern region of Greece. Thomas Moschos witnessed how industrial farming affected animals and soil health. After specializing in organic farming at the university, he applied theory in practice and decided to go fully organic. Together with his brother, Thomas raises now a flock of 1200 sheep organically and runs the farm by the principle “better quality, less input, less stress”.
Thomas does not put any fertilisers into the soil. Instead, he uses precision agriculture systems. With the help of a digital map on the phone, he can spread manure effectively so that all the fields are enriched properly. A humidity sensor, in turn, helps him measure the amount of water the soil needs.
Apart from applying new farming methods, the Moschos farm has another distinguished feature – it lies in close proximity to the dairy factory. It means no long-distance transportation that could affect the freshness of the milk, and thus highest quality at the factory. Thanks to an advantageous location, Thomas also saves a lot of energy. As milk remains at the proper temperature level for the processing, it does not need reheating. Moschos farm sells locally 85% of his production, so customers enjoy the finest quality of local, organic dairy products.
“We are sure of our production because we leave nature do its work” says Thomas Moschos.
Moschos family farm is a perfect example of how passion for farming passes through generations, with each family member bringing in new ideas to improve animal welfare and maintain biodiversity in the region.
Want to learn more about the other winners of the EU Organic Awards 2023?
Read our dedicated article.
The annual European Organic Awards reward the most excellent and innovative actors in the organic value chain. Jointly organized by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, they aim to stimulate organic production by sharing the inspiring stories of actors who achieved excellence in this field. Organic production combines the best environmental and climate practices and enhances biodiversity and the health of soil and plants. Its fundamental role has also been recognized by the EU, which identified organic production as playing a key role in the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy and the Biodiversity strategy.
Want to be the next winner of the EU Organic Awards? Applications for the 2024 edition are open until 12 May! Read more on our website and apply today!