The Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER (HAO-DEMETER) is the successor organization of the National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF) and was established in 2011 in Greece. Its purpose is to carry out research, promote innovation and technology, disseminate knowledge in all sectors of the agri-food chain, ensuring the quality of agricultural products along with the implementation of good practices in agriculture. HAO-DEMETER will participate in the project with 2 of its Institutes, the Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture (IOSV)- Department of Vitis and the Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (IBPGR).
The Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture (IOSV)- Department of Vitis, based in Lykovrissi – Athens. The Department of Vitis constitutes the national grapevine conservation centre with significant experience and expertise in the planning and implementation of research programmes and activities aiming to address important issues in Greek viticulture and better manage greek grapevine cultivation. Moreover, the Department of Vitis, is involved in the collection, phenotypic and molecular characterization and valorization of national grapevine genetic resources.
The Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (IBPGR), based in Thermi-Thessaloniki, among the others research activities, produces and transfers knowledge regarding plant genetic resources and plant pathology. Individual research objectives are genetics and enhancement of disease resistance against pathogens through conventional and modern molecular and genomic methods, the development of innovative molecular tools for the early diagnosis and validation of infections, as well the precision farming towards an integrated management of pathogens. Through an extensive network of collaborations, IBPGR has participated in numerous research projects. Over the last decade, the Institute has participated in 10 European programs under FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020.