While the Greek livestock and feed markets are developing slowly, specific segments are set to see major progress, notably poultry and aqua production. Although Greece is not the largest market, due to shortages and the current prohibitive price of fishmeal, the country’s aqua, poultry, and feed sectors are hungry for high quality protein ingredients. For several years, Greek nutritionists have been searching for solutions to substitute for expensive fishmeal in Mediterranean fish species diets.
In an effort to increase the awareness of U.S. Soy’s nutritional attributes and benefits, USSEC has, over the past two years, implemented a series of industry surveys and technical meetings to disseminate information and educate the local industry on U.S. Soy and its derivative advantages and value.

Due to its importance, the Greek aqua industry was targeted first but the growing and sophisticated poultry industry was also approached during USSEC consultants’ visits. During meetings and at the recent conference organized in Athens, end users demonstrated the greatest interest. Poultry integrators, aqua and swine feed mills, and farms attended the event, representing more than 90 percent of the country’s poultry industry and over 100 percent of sea bream and sea bass production. The success of the recent USSEC activities is encouraging and proves the strengths of promoting U.S. Soy through education and sharing knowledge with nutritionists and feed industry experts in Greece.

The first U.S. soy imports soon arrived in Greece after this year’s harvest. Greek feed industry stakeholders appreciate USSEC’s activities and the potential to build the market for U.S. Soy in the near future. The Greek aqua industry is poised to grow and there is a significant near future opportunity for soy, in addition to current use. Because Greek’s poultry industry is continuing to develop, opportunities there are multiple.