Food Valley Ambassador from Greece

Name:                          Melina Pallidi (female)
Nationality:                  Greek
Year of birth:               1981

Education and work experience:
• MSc Food Safety, Wageningen UR
• Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens

Knowledge of languages:
Greek (mother tongue), English, Italian and Spanish (elementary)

Some pro's of Greece:
• Open to imports
• Big, young, educated workforce
• Purchase of land, incorporation and acquisition of companies is feasible
• Government is significantly reducing bureaucracy
• Good quality and taste of local agro-products
• Opportunity for companies to sell products to the Balkans

Personal note:
After studying Food Science and Technology at the Agricultural University of Athens, I wanted to expand my knowledge in this field so I decided to follow an MSc program. I preferred to do it abroad rather than in my home country. I wanted a chance to experience different ways of thinking and working, and to do so in a multicultural environment. Wageningen University’s high level of education, the many opportunities it offers, and its programs caught my attention. I knew this was what I wanted, and here I am!

I arrived in the Netherlands a year and a half ago to follow the Food Safety MSc. Before I was done, I got the opportunity to do a one-year internship through the Food Valley ambassador program. I strongly believe the program will provide me with valuable work experience, help me improve my skills and competences, and give me the impulse I need at the start of my career.