Author: george

The 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, on the theme “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Elimination of Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging,” was successfully held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Agro Expo, Ierapetra.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019 through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering project investing in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups active in agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics, with products and services using innovative technologies, even at early development stages (preseed).

The Meet-Up began with an introduction to the role of TrophyΤροφή 2025 in the agri-food innovation ecosystem. This was followed by a presentation titled “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas.

The first discussion panel followed on the topic “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship,” featuring Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas, Mr. Konstantinos Vassakis, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Science and Technology, Hellenic Mediterranean University, and Ms. Marina Pitropaki, Producer. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

The second discussion panel focused on “Sustainability in Agricultural Production and Optimal Resource Management: From Research to Application.” Participants included Mr. Giorgos Kladakis, President of the Agricultural Cooperative of Vegetable Producers of Arvi, Mr. Georgios Koumbouris, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in olive cultivation, and Mr. Nektarios Kourgialas, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in irrigation and water resource management. The moderator was again Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

In the final part of the program, Meet-Up participants took part in an idea-generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present innovative proposals, with the best idea being awarded after a vote.

The sponsor of the 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS SMITH. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Crete and the Department of Management Science & Technology of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.

TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and offers a unique experience of knowledge exchange, networking, and promotion of innovative ideas.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the program “Open Olive Oil Academy – Messinia”, which aims to upgrade the skills of olive growers in order to improve their production processes and enhance their competitiveness and extroversion.

The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), by the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, supported by Bayer, BASF, and PJ Condelis SA and implemented in partnership with the Union of Messinia.

The “Open Olive Oil Academy – Messinia” is addressed to olive growers, either professional or part-time, who are active in the Regional Unit of Messinia. The seminars will also be open to professionals from the entire olive and olive oil value chain, including olive mill owners, processors, traders, etc.

Seminars will be delivered by expert scientists from New Agriculture New Generation, as well as external collaborators such as market professionals and consultants with recognized expertise in production, standardization, packaging and marketing, as well as university academics and professors.

The program consists of 54 training hours, delivered over six (6) two-day sessions and will take place in person at the facilities of the Agricultural Cooperative “Union of Messinia” in Kalamata. The first cycle runs from June 20 to July 5, 2025, and the second from September 12 to October 11, 2025.

The training cycle includes courses on modern olive grove cultivation practices, olive physiology, olive oil quality, climate change adaptation, and more.

Applications can be submitted until June 19, 2025, here.

The program is a continuation of the successful “Open Olive Cultivation Academy” of the Municipality of North Kynouria, implemented in 2024, and will significantly contribute to the overall upgrade of the olive sector in Messinia, thereby supporting both the local and national economy in a vital productive sector for our country.

For more information, visit the link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/open-olive-farming-academy/.

The event titled “Strategies for the Modern Farmer” was successfully held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Cultural Center of Servia. It was co-organized by the Municipality of Servia and the organization New Agriculture New Generation.

The event was aimed at farmers, livestock breeders and professionals in the primary sector, with the goal of empowering local producers through modern tools, funding opportunities and practical development strategies.

The audience had the opportunity to attend a series of substantial presentations and talks, beginning with the presentation of the results from the “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future 2024” program in the Municipality of Servia, shared through the experiences of local producers themselves. The program was implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

This was followed by an informative session on available financial tools by executives of the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB), as well as representatives from cooperative and private banks. A particularly engaging presentation was delivered on branding in agrifood, focusing on the connection of products to their place of origin and the enhancement of local added value.

The discussion then moved on to the main aspects of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and modern precision farming practices. The event concluded with a fruitful discussion on cooperative models, as a means to strengthen producers’ negotiating power and access new markets.

Public interest was high, with the participation of professionals from the wider region. The questions and comments that followed the presentations highlighted the meaningful dialogue and willingness for collaboration and innovation. The event concluded in a way that reaffirmed the importance of supporting the agricultural community with knowledge, tools, and a forward-looking perspective.

The 6th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, themed “Innovative Technologies for Increasing Agricultural Productivity,” was successfully held with strong attendance on Thursday, May 15th at the Amphitheater of the School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia in Florina.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019, through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering endeavor that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups in the fields of agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics. These startups offer products and services utilizing innovative technologies, even at early development stages (pre-seed).

The 6th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up began with opening speeches by Mr. Fokion Papathanasiou, President of the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, Mr. Athanasios Taskas, Deputy Regional Governor of Florina, Ms. Valina Roza, President of the Florina Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Nikos Tsironis, Business Advisory Support Officer at the Florina Chamber of Commerce.

The first keynote presentation titled “Innovative Applications for Modern and Sustainable Agriculture” was delivered by Mr. Stefanos Testempasis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia.

This was followed by the first panel discussion on the topic “The Digital Transformation of Crop Protection and Cultivation,” moderated by Mr. Filippos Bantis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia. Panelists included Dr. Evangelos Karagiannis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia, Mr. Stefanos Testempasis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia, Dr. Yiannis Tsakiris, Technical Director at Agrocell, and Mr. Dimitris Vakamis, Founder of AgroQ.

The second panel focused on the topic “Agriculture’s Carbon Footprint.” Panel participants included Mr. Vasileios Ampas, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia (moderator), Ms. Eleni Kasapidou, Associate Professor at the University of Western Macedonia, Ms. Eva Sarigiannidou, Research Associate at i–BEC, Mr. Vasilis Mylonas, Agronomist at Kir-Yianni Estate, and Mr. Ilias Platis, Market Development Manager at FarmB Digital Agriculture.

In the final part of the program, participants took part in an idea generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals. A vote followed, and the best idea was awarded.

The 6th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was co-organized with the University of Western Macedonia and the Department of Agriculture of the University of Western Macedonia, under the auspices of the Florina Chamber of Commerce and the Region of Western Macedonia.

TrophyΤροφή 2025 emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and offers a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and the promotion of innovative ideas.

With the selection and participation of 12 promising small agrifood businesses, the implementation of the 6th cycle of the successful business acceleration program “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” began a few days ago.

More specifically, following the completion of the evaluation process, the 12 businesses selected to participate in this year’s acceleration program are:

The accelerator “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The program is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

It targets cooperatives, producer groups, farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, and cottage industries who wish to process their production or develop new differentiated products.

With the aim of developing sustainable agrifood businesses and enhancing innovation in the sector, the program runs for five months (May – September 2025) and includes:

Weekly training workshops on the following topics:

• New CAP (Common Agricultural Policy)

• Sustainability in Agri-Food

• Global Food Trends

• Research & Development of New Products

• Food Safety

• Soft Skills

• Business Model Canvas

• Marketing & Digital Marketing

• Sales & Negotiation

• Exports

Additionally, participants receive tailored guidance and consulting support from experienced market professionals.

Out of the 12 selected businesses, 4 come from Megalopolis and surrounding areas and are supported by the PPC Group (Public Power Corporation), while 3 are supported by the Municipality of Agia.

The program is also supported by the American Farm School and Perrotis College, which will provide soil and food chemical analyses. The Specialist Awards offer free participation to the beneficiaries in their namesake tasting awards.

To date, through the AgroAnelixi program, 85 agrifood businesses have been supported, with more than 70 new food products already developed and available in the market. The creation of resilient and competitive agri-food businesses through the program contributes to regional development and the broader support of the Greek economy.

The 5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, themed “Digital Transformation and Precision Agriculture,” was successfully held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Kavala Chamber of Commerce.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019 through a founding donation by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering effort that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek agri-food innovation ecosystem, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups in the fields of agritech, food technology, and agrologistics, offering products and services that apply innovative technologies, even at early development stages (pre-seed).

The 5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up began with opening remarks by Mr. Ioannis Paliokas, Assistant Professor at Democritus University of Thrace (D.U.Th.), Ms. Maria Michalopoulou, Professor and Member of the Administrative Board at D.U.Th., Mr. Theodoros Markopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor of Kavala, and Ms. Souzi Mavrommati, Director of the Kavala Chamber of Commerce.

Two presentations followed. The first was by Ms. Souzi Mavrommati on the Enterprise Europe Network. The second introductory presentation, titled “Digital Transformation in the Agri-Food Sector,” was delivered by Ms. Chrysa Rompidou from Prisma Electronics S.A.

Next was the first panel discussion on “Digital Transformation in the Agri-Food Sector,” with participants: Ms. Chrysa Rompidou, Mr. Dimitrios Kourtidis (Assistant Professor at D.U.Th.), Mr. George Papakostas (Professor and Head of the Department of Informatics at D.U.Th.), and Mr. Ioannis Paliokas, who also moderated the panel.

This was followed by an introductory presentation titled “Precision Agriculture Technologies” by Mr. Ilias Platis, Market Development Manager at FarmB Digital Agriculture S.A.

The second panel discussion focused on “Precision Agriculture Technologies,” with the participation of Ms. Despina Bloukou (Hygienist & Forester M.Sc., Drone Operator – Bloukos General Disinfection), Mr. Ilias Platis (FarmB Digital Agriculture), Mr. Dimitris Aidonis (Professor and Head of the Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University), Mr. Dimitrios Kolovos (Finance Operations Manager, Bluechain Tech), and Mr. Ioannis Kostavellis (Assistant Professor, International Hellenic University), who served as the moderator.

In the final part of the program, participants took part in an idea-generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals.

The 5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was co-organized with Democritus University of Thrace, supported by the Kavala Chamber of Commerce, and held under the auspices of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and offers a unique experience for knowledge exchange, networking, and promotion of innovative ideas.

The 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, titled “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Eliminating Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging,” successfully took place on Tuesday, May 6, at Perrotis College in Thessaloniki.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative of the New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019, through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering venture that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, showcasing and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups operating in the fields of agritech, food technology and agrologistics. These ventures often use cutting-edge technologies, even at the early (pre-seed) development stage.

The 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Nikos Tzollas, Deputy Regional Governor for Digital Governance of the Region of Central Macedonia, Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou, Dean of Perrotis College, and Mr. Panagiotis Menexopoulos, Secretary General of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), and CEO of Afoi Menexopouloi S.A.

The first panel discussion followed, focusing on “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship.” Participants included Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou (Dean, Perrotis College), Mr. Nikos Tzollas (Deputy Regional Governor, Central Macedonia), and Mr. Orestis Matanakis (Commercial Director, DS Smith Hellas). The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

This was followed by a presentation on “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director at DS Smith Hellas.

The day’s first fireside chat focused on “Carbon Farming & Resilient Food Systems,” with the participation of Ms. Stella Psarropoulou (Alexandria Innovation Zone), Mr. Grigoris Chatzikostas (General Partner, Loggerhead Ventures), and Mr. Akis Karamavros (Entrepreneurship & Innovation Associate, New Agriculture New Generation).

The second panel discussion addressed “Sustainable Food Supply Chains: The Role of Knowledge in Shaping Modern Business Models.” Participants included Dr. Sophia Lalous (Head of Environmental Science Department, Perrotis College), Mr. Dimos Moutsaras (Head of Supply Chain, Lidl Hellas), and Mr. Panagiotis Menexopoulos (Secretary General of TCCI – CEO of Afoi Menexopouloi S.A.). The panel was again moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos.

Next came a presentation titled “From Business Idea to Practice” by Mr. Nikolas Chourvouliadis, Director of The Entrepreneurship Hub, ACT – American College of Thessaloniki.

In the final part of the program, participants engaged in an idea generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals.

The main sponsor of the 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS Smith. The event was co-organized with the American Farm School and Perrotis College, and supported by ACT – American College of Thessaloniki. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agrifood sector and offers a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and the promotion of innovative ideas.

You can find more information and the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups here.

Having trained a total of 560 agronomists and inmates in new cultivation methods so far, the Social Farming 360° program continues this year to support the modernization of agricultural production in 6 correctional facilities across the country. The aim is to enhance inmates’ employability and ultimately facilitate their reintegration into society. The program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, with the support of the Citi Foundation and in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy, the Ministry of Citizen Protection, and the organizations ActionAid Hellas and Gate of Freedom.

More specifically, this pioneering program focuses on strengthening food security through sustainable, environmentally responsible practices at four Rural Correctional Facilities (Agia, Chania; Tiryntha, Argolida; Kassaveteia, Volos; Kassandra, Halkidiki) and two Special Correctional Facilities (Women’s Prison and the Drug Rehabilitation Center for Inmates in Eleonas, Thebes). At the same time, Social Farming 360° prepares inmates for employment in the primary sector and agri-food businesses, thus laying the groundwork for their smooth reintegration into society. Simultaneously, it supports the production of quality food by the correctional facilities, contributing to their food security and the supply of local communities and charitable institutions.

Program Summary During the first annual cycle of training (2024), the program achieved significant milestones:

• Over 560 participants, including inmates and agronomists, completed training programs in Regenerative and Social Agriculture, Olive Cultivation, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Food Safety, and Production;

• Over 340 certification awards were granted to participants by ACTA, the Certification Body of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki;

• More than 140 inmates were trained through ActionAid’s Employment Counseling activities to enhance their employability;

• 105 participants took part in psychosocial sessions implemented by Gate of Freedom.

It is also worth noting that the participants’ response was particularly positive, with many emphasizing the importance of the educational programs in developing new skills and preparing them for future employment.

The Social Farming 360° program has already demonstrated its transformative impact through its combined approach of agricultural education, vocational training, and psychosocial support. It empowers individuals in confinement with the skills and knowledge that contribute to their personal development and reintegration into society.