A series of half-hour shows produced by ERT for 2024-2025.

The idea, as the title of the show suggests, aims to present all the links in the production chain of a product, from the stage of seed selection to the final product that will be placed on the retail shelf.

The orientation is to highlight the primary sector and the processing industry, which deals with agricultural and livestock products throughout the Greek territory as much as possible.
The goal of the show is to give the viewer-consumer the opportunity to learn about these products through the personal stories of all those involved in the processes of production, processing, packaging, and marketing.
The impetus for the proposal to implement the show was the realization that the overwhelming majority of us consume a variety of products without knowing how they are produced, what nutritional benefits they offer, and how they are preserved before consumption.

As a short one (kontoula; refers to the traditional song "Kontoula lemonia"), it has been the heart and soul of one of the most famous traditional chants in our folk music.

Its rich blossoms fill the air with a wonderful scent in spring, and its dark-green leaves beautify the courtyards of the Greek countryside. The juice of its fruit enhances the flavor of food and salads, refreshes us on hot summer days, and balances the strong taste of alcoholic drinks. Meanwhile, its skin is used to make a delicious spoon sweet.

The lemon tree, a key member of the citrus family alongside oranges and mandarins, has deep roots in Greek tradition and plays a significant economic role. However, in recent years, its production has been on the decline.

The show "Farm-Fresh, Straight to Your Shelf", recognizing the importance of lemon trees to Greece's agricultural sector, visited two of the main lemon-growing regions in the country: Argolida and Corinthia.

There, we learned about the varieties grown in Greece, as well as ongoing efforts to preserve Greek varieties and develop new ones that are more resilient and better suited to changing climatic conditions. We also saw how lemon plants are propagated in nurseries, the role of soil in tree resilience and productivity, and the sensitivity of lemon trees to cold temperatures.

Experienced agronomists and producers shared their expertise on the cultivation techniques needed for lemon trees, as well as the common diseases and pests that affect them. We also discussed the importance of restructuring varieties and infrastructure projects for irrigation.

At a local packing plant, we observed the process of collecting, washing, sorting, and packaging lemons before they are sent to store shelves. We also touched on the disparity between producer and consumer prices, which left both parties feeling dissatisfied.

Before leaving, we were informed about the excellent organoleptic qualities of lemons and received tips on how to select and store them to extend their shelf life.