Kozani: Low Expectations for Saffron Production This Year

Saffron producers in Kozani are facing challenges again this year, with expectations for production remaining low. Vasilis Mitsopoulos, president of the Kozani Saffron Producers Cooperative, reported that the harvest, which began on October 25, is expected to be slightly better than the previous three years, but flowering is not satisfactory.

Mr. Mitsopoulos expressed concern about the abandonment of cultivation by many producers in recent years. Climate changes, such as prolonged droughts and lack of rainfall, have a negative impact on plants, weakening the bulbs. The production of one kilogram of saffron requires the collection of 150,000 flowers, a laborious process.

The lack of labor, due to demographic decline and de-lignification, is also a problem. Saffron cultivation offers a supplementary income to the approximately one thousand members of the cooperative, with the price ranging from 2,000-2,200 euros/kg. The sale of the product in standardized packaging in Greece and abroad, as well as saffron beverages, has improved the income of producers. In the near future, a saffron dietary supplement will also be available in pharmacies.

Kozani saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, known for its color, aroma and properties.