Scientists from all over the world have already begun to arrive at the critical point Souffle Evros participate in its work 10th International Congress of the Black, Caspian and Central Asian Silk Association (BAX).

Topics of the conference to be held from 24 to 27 April 2023 in the hall of the municipality it is “REGESERI 2023 – Revival of sericulture in the 21st century”. The order to organize this particularly important conference in our country was achieved thanks to the efforts of the Association of Friends of Silk “Chrysallid” and its president. George Tsiakiris.

At the same time, activities were planned to enable the delegates to get to know the area as best as possible, as well as their accommodation in the living quarters of Tychoros, Soufli and Didimotihos. At the same time as they get to know the landmarks of the municipality of Souffli, in the context of the feast day of the patron Saint George on Sunday, the delegates will have the opportunity to become part of the religious and cultural culture of the place. .

The conference will be attended by about 50 delegates from 12 countries, in particular from Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cuba and Greece.

Revival of the sericulture network

In the last decade, the world price of raw silk began to rise rapidly, mainly due to the industrialization of China, reaching a level of about 55-60 dollars per kilogram. At the same time, the European silk industry showed renewed interest in countries other than China where silk could be produced. An example of this interest was the 2013 BACSA conference held in Italy with the financial support of the Italian silk industry in cooperation with CREA.

Another sign of interest was the progressive connection with BACSA and Western European countries: Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Great Britain.

However, the revival of the sericulture network in Europe and in the BACSA countries is a particularly ambitious goal that cannot be supported by industry alone. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure public-private partnership and state and public support in order to make the goal realistic. And, of course, long-term investments will be required.

In line with the recent trend towards increased demand for natural fibers from consumers looking for comfortable and sustainable clothing, the price of silk is expected to increase, a phenomenon that could provide more countries with the opportunity to produce it competitively.

In addition to this exciting opportunity, the demand for silk for non-textile purposes is predicted to increase in the future. This will happen as the use of silk protein constituents as a universal polymer for various purposes (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine) will steadily increase.

Sericulture can be an organic farming practice because mulberries are environmentally beneficial in protecting soil from erosion, sequestering carbon dioxide, and preventing desertification in marginal areas. When not intensively cultivated, it requires limited fertilizer and irrigation, rather than pesticides. In line with its goals, BACSA has strengthened communication and knowledge sharing among sericulture countries, providing broad support for many events dedicated to the revival of sericulture. Although this resurgence has not yet become possible on a large scale, there are many signs of possible growth in the future.

In this regard, the organizers of the Congress will be grateful for the contribution to the main theme of the Congress, as well as for country reports, scientific and technical reports in the field of production of silkworms, cocoons and silk, pathology, genetic improvement of breeding and the use of silkworms and mulberries for non-textile purposes, cocoon processing technologies, entrepreneurship and silk trade.

Exhibitions of equipment/tools and sericulture products will also be organized. More information at bacsa-silk.org and soufli.gr