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15.3. Greece

In the sector of sustainable agriculture and waste management, vermicomposting appears as a

innovative practice, combining environmental management with agricultural innovation.
INNOPOLIS's contribution to the "Powerworms:Vermicomposting" project underscores the

significance of integrating vermicomposting within the European context, particularly through
the Greek national legislation and policy frameworks. This initiative seeks to navigate the

complex legal landscape, identifying the synergies and gaps in existing regulations that impact

the adoption and effective implementation of vermicomposting practices.

Central to INNOPOLIS's analysis is the exploration of the Greek legal framework, which

encompasses a broad spectrum of regulations from waste management to environmental
protection, and agricultural practices. Key legislative pieces, such as Law 4685/2020, highlight

Greece's commitment to harmonizing its environmental policies with EU directives and the

Green Deal, fostering a conducive environment for renewable energy projects and sustainable
waste management practices, including vermicomposting. This legal framework provides a

foundation for examining the categorization of vermicompost, the regulatory status of worms
in the composting process, and the relationship between different regulatory domains such as

waste, environmental, and agricultural regulations.

The challenges of incorporating vermicomposting into Greece's existing legal and policy
frameworks are multifaceted. They underscore the need for legislative clarity and adaptability

to embrace innovative waste management solutions. INNOPOLIS's contribution is geared
towards highlighting these challenges while proposing pathways for integrating

vermicomposting more seamlessly into national strategies. This involves a detailed analysis of
the potential legal adjustments required to support vermicomposting, addressing issues such as

the classification of vermicompost under current waste and fertilizer regulations, the legal status

of bio-waste management practices, and the promotion of circular economy principles within
the agricultural sector.

Moreover, INNOPOLIS's engagement with Greek authorities, including the Ministry of
Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, is instrumental in

fostering a dialogue on sustainable waste management practices. This collaborative approach

not only enhances the knowledge base around sustainable agricultural practices but also paves
the way for legislative reforms that align with environmental sustainability goals and the

broader objectives of the "Powerworms: Vermicomposting" project.

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