REGEN LOCAL FOOD FAIR: A TASTE OF REGENERATIVE RHODES
A gentle buzz of conversation, filled the Atrium of Agora Restaurant at Atlantica Imperial Resort on the evening of October 16th 2025. The scents of freshly pressed olive oil, herbs and local wine, lingered in the air as guests gathered for the ReGen Local Food Fair, a celebration of local flavours, craftmanship and community spirit.
The resort joined hands with ten local producers and farmers, the people who help bring the island of Rhodes to life. In support of regenerative agriculture, the fair connected sustainable food production to the world of tourism.
The event was in line with TUI Group's 'Field to Fork Crete & Rhodes' initiative that aims to create sustainable food destinations by assisting farmers with their transition to regenerative agricultural practices and connects their products with the tourism industry.
LOCAL PRODUCERS, BIG IMPACT
Across Rhodes, a community of passionate local producers cultivates and crafts a variety of organic and sustainable products while practicing regenerative agriculture in their process. From microgreens, seasonal fruits, and olive oil to wines born from vineyards passed on through generations, their work reflects a deep respect for the island's land and traditions.
Their large local product list extends to handmade pasta, aromatic herbs, natural cosmetics, traditional 'dolmadakia', (rice stuffed vine leaves with or without meat) and fritters, as well as high-quality dairy products including graviera, halloumi, mizithra, and yogurt. Together, these producers keep the authentic flavours and craftsmanship of Rhodes alive.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE?
At its heart, regenerative agriculture is more than a method, it's a movement. According to the Sustainable Food Destination Organisation (SFDO), Regenerative Agriculture is a holistic approach to managing soils, crops, and local ecosystems based on nature's functions.
Unlike conventional farming, regenerative agriculture works to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, improve water cycles, and isolate carbon. The approach is built on five core principles:
- Minimising soil disturbance by reducing tilling and ploughing
- Keeping soil covered with native vegetation, protects soil from erosion, improves its fertility and increases its water and oxygen quality
- Maintaining living roots in the soil year-round which provides protection and nourishment to beneficial microorganisms
- Increasing plant diversity and avoiding monoculture by rotating crops
- Allowing animals to graze to the normal extent where possible
These practices preserve the island's beauty and create help create a cycle of farming that is sustainable in the long term.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
- Choose local: Look for products made by Rhodian farmers and artisans.
- Learn and share: Discover how regenerative practices protect ecosystems and enhance flavour.
- Connect: Meet the people behind the products, every conversation helps build a stronger community.
- Support sustainable destinations: Stay at properties that invest in local and regenerative initiatives.
WHY DO WE DO IT?
At Atlantica Imperial Resort, supporting regenerative agriculture is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. By promoting local products and the producers' efforts to regenerative agriculture, we not only invest in nutritious food and flavour, but we also help support a practice that helps the earth long term.
The ReGen Local Food Fair served as a reminder that every meal tells a story, from the earth to the producers' hands and finally to our tables. The journey of food is one where the local people and the land are closely related and its time, we give back to both.
