Video

Hi, I'm Gerasimos Karantinos and I grow organic kiwi's, oranges and other citrus fruits in Greece. I am the founder and president of BioNet West Hellas, an association of organic growers in western Greece. Most of our growers are located in the provinces of Aetolia-Acarnania on the north side of the Gulf of Corinth and Achaea and Ilia on the south side. Like most of Greece, western Greece is a mountainous region, but it enjoys an abundance of rivers, lakes and other wetlands. I hope you enjoy our fruit!

The area is known for a typical Mediterranean climate - with hot summers and mild winters - which makes it ideal for the cultivation of citrus fruit. In its different soil types and micro-climates, other crops such as olive, kiwi, tomatoes, melon and, of course, Greek honey and wine are grown with equal success. We employ seven trained agronomists who assist our growers with organic practices.

Most of our growers operate small farms of between 5 and 25 hectares. Many of them changed to organic agriculture methods in the 1990’s when BioNet West Hellas was founded. Since citrus fruit is an important export crop, packing and shipping facilities were established in the port town of Patra, less than an hour away from the associated growers. The region is interspersed with rugged mountain ranges and extended natural forests which provide shelter for several species of rare birds and mammals.

About taste and quality:
"Our oranges, after collection, are washed with pure water only and dried with air. We don't spray any chemicals on them so they are safe to eat including the peel! You can definitely use them for baby food, if you like."