Philip Morris is to launch trial cultivation of organic basma tobacco in Greece, Deputy Agriculture and Foods Minister, Alexandros Kontos, said on Tuesday.

"If this endeavor bears fruit, it will give new prospects and a new outlet for Greek tobacco, sharply raise the commercial value of the product, and offer effective protection for the health of tobacco producers and the environment," Kontos said in a statement.

He reported that it had been agreed SEKE SA of Greece would monitor the trial, also handling purchase of the tobacco from contractual producers, and processing before export. Agrocert will undertake quality assurance.

The US multinational has launched similar trials in six other countries. The Greek pilot scheme is the first in a European Union country.

Source: Athens News Agency

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