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.

It arrived in Crete with seasoned sailors, and at first, it was planted in courtyards for the generous shade it provided. Since the mid-1980s, however, the avocado has been systematically cultivated, particularly in Chania region. That’s where the show ""Farm-Fresh, Straight to your Shelf"" traveled to learn more about the research being conducted on this subtropical plant and the different varieties that thrive in the area. We also visited a nursery to see how avocado propagation is achieved.

Our next stop was the Agricultural Cooperative of Chania, where we learned about the organization’s activities, the avocado's cultivation process, and its specific needs in terms of nutrition, plant protection, and irrigation. We also explored how to identify the different varieties by season.

Out in the field, we observed the harvesting process and discussed the costs involved in setting up and maintaining a plantation, the fruit’s production expenses, and the pricing of the final product. We also touched on issues that trouble producers and mislead consumers—such as cases of product "Hellenization", which also impact Cretan avocados.

After following the freshly harvested produce, we arrived at one of the region’s standardization facilities. There, we watched how the final product is received, sorted, and packaged before heading to store shelves—both in Greece and international markets. Our hosts shared useful tips on how to properly store and ripen avocados at home after purchase, and for the return trip, they even treated us to some delightful mantinades.