The project concerns the formulation of a long-term plan for the improvement and rationalization of the process of cultivation, processing and commercial exploitation of mastic with benefits for all parties involved (mastic producers and the local community, Chios Mastic Producers Association, etc.). More specifically, the project includes: a) the precise identification of the activities that constitute the value chain of mastic production and commercial exploitation, as well as the interconnections between them, b) the investigation of the opportunities that exist for improving the operation of each stage of the value chain, and c) the implementation of appropriate interventions and actions in this direction, with the aim of enhancing its competitive advantage.

The project produced a study on “Mapping the Value Chain of Mastic Cultivation, Production and Marketing” and the “Guide to Mastic Cultivation, Harvesting and Cleaning”, which is based on the codification of the available knowledge and identification of best practices through 17 in-depth interviews and a workshop with mastic producers. In addition, the upgrading of the mastic purity measurement system was carried out, utilizing a multi-color photogrammetry setup of mastic samples and image analysis with appropriate software that allows for quantitative quality assessment.