The future of Greece’s rural communities is closely linked to the opportunities available to the people who live and work there. Creating pathways for younger generations, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the agrifood sector will be central to the discussion that Effie Lazaridou, Chief Executive Officer of New Agriculture New Generation (New Agri), will join at the 5th Delphi Economic Forum Toronto on October 19, 2026, at the Omni King Edward Hotel.
Ms. Lazaridou will participate in the panel “Reversing Rural Population Decline in Greece: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Communities,” focusing on rural regeneration and the transformation of Greece’s agrifood sector into a more resilient, competitive, and dynamic ecosystem that creates career opportunities for younger generations.
Bringing practical experience in rural development
Established in 2018 through an initiative and founding grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), and maintaining a strategic partnership with Rutgers University in the United States, New Agriculture New Generation supports farmers, young professionals, and rural businesses through education, entrepreneurship support, knowledge transfer, and innovation.
This experience provides a practical perspective on the panel’s central question: how to create the conditions for people to stay, work, and build their futures in rural Greece. During 2018–2024, the organization reached more than 33,000 beneficiaries and agrifood professionals, supported over 250 small, family-owned, and start-up businesses, and generated an estimated €46.6 million in economic impact, according to independent assessments by BDO and Deloitte.
Exploring new opportunities for local development
Building on its nationwide experience, New Agriculture New Generation is exploring opportunities to expand its initiatives supporting sustainable local development in Tripoli and the wider Arcadia region, Sparta and Laconia, Epirus, Kastoria and the wider Western Macedonia region, and Crete. Particular areas of focus include livestock farming, olive cultivation, and small-scale food processing.
These regions combine significant agricultural resources, distinctive local products, and strong cultural identities with opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. At the same time, they face structural challenges shared by much of rural Greece, including depopulation, the departure of younger generations, and the need for new approaches to economic development.
The organization aims to explore targeted initiatives that strengthen local agrifood value chains, equip young people with relevant skills, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and encourage innovative approaches to regional development.
Central to this approach is the belief that revitalizing rural Greece requires more than agricultural production capacity. It also requires investment in people, knowledge, leadership skills, an entrepreneurial culture, and innovative thinking to create sustainable livelihoods.
Strengthening ties with the Greek-Canadian community
The Delphi Economic Forum Toronto also offers an opportunity for New Agriculture New Generation to introduce its mission and work to the Greek-Canadian community, whose historic connections with Greece and its regions remain an important bridge between the two countries.
The organization recognizes the potential of the Greek diaspora to contribute to Greece’s sustainable development through knowledge exchange, professional networks, strategic partnerships, and support for initiatives that create tangible social and economic value. For regions such as Arcadia, Laconia, Epirus, and Crete, stronger connections between local communities and Greeks abroad can open new pathways for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and regional revitalization.
Through its presence in Toronto, New Agriculture New Generation seeks to explore cooperation with organizations, institutions, businesses, and members of the Greek-Canadian community who share its vision for a prosperous and sustainable rural Greece. In this context, it also welcomes the opportunity to explore a potential partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Canada to advance shared objectives in promoting innovation and sustainable agricultural practices in Greece.
