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Author: george

Change in the Composition of the General Assembly of New Agriculture New Generation

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With deep appreciation and gratitude, the organization New Agriculture New Generation bids farewell to Mr. George Kofinakos, who completes his term as a member of the organization’s General Assembly, as he assumes his new role as President of the Hellenic Innovation and Infrastructure Fund.

Mr. Kofinakos, with a long and successful career in the financial sector and extensive experience in leading major financial institutions, has been a valuable partner and supporter of our work.

His contribution, insightful input, and faith in our vision for the transformation and strengthening of the agrifood sector have been instrumental in the organization’s progress and development.

New Agriculture New Generation sincerely thanks him for his valuable service and wishes him every success in his new position.

At the same time, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Markos Komondouros, a distinguished professional with many years of experience in the financial and business sector, will assume his position in the General Assembly. His expertise and strategic perspective are expected to further strengthen the organization’s mission and impact.

Our organization continues its mission with determination, remaining steadfast in its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the support of the new generation in the agricultural sector.

8th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Corinth on “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Eliminating Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging”

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The 8th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, on the theme “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Eliminating Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging”, was successfully completed with active participation. The event took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Corinth Chamber of Commerce.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative of the New Agriculture New Generation organization, implemented since 2019 through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering project 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 operating in agritech, food technology, and agrologistics, with products and services that use innovative technologies, even at early stages of development (pre-seed).

The 8th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was organized with DS Smith as the main sponsor and the support of the Corinth Chamber of Commerce. The event began with greetings from Mr. Panagiotis Louziotis, President of the Corinth Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Nikolaos Stavrelis, Mayor of Corinth, Mr. Theodosios Roussos, Sales Manager at DS Smith, along with a presentation of DS Smith Case Studies, highlighting best practices and innovations in food packaging. Greetings were also delivered by Mr. Spyridon Zacharias, Deputy Regional Governor for Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Affairs of the Peloponnese Region.

The first discussion panel, titled “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship”, featured Mr. Nikos Papavasileiou, Manager of the Kiatou Cooperative Union I.K.E., Mr. Markos Leggas, Executive Director of European Programs & Innovation and Vice President of Agribator – Peloponnese Innovation & Agritech Center, Ms. Anastasia Bravou, Agronomist at Bravos Grapes Stimagas S.A., and Mr. Konstantinos Xydis, Salad Farm Xydis K. – Kolopastas D. – Nezis K. O.E. The panel was moderated by Mr. Fanis Kourembes, Agronomist and Board Member of the Hellenic Chamber of Geotechnical Sciences, and concluded with a short Q&A session.

The second panel, “Sustainable Packaging in Practice: Scientific Knowledge with Horizontal Market Application”, included Mr. Ioannis Lagoyannis, Director of SAEK Corinth – Nemea Agricultural School, Mr. Dimitris Tsamparlis, Owner of “Genuine Flavors,” and Mr. Vasilis Mandrekas, CEO of Mandrekas Dairy S.A. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Anastasios Kampolis, Chemist at CheMa Laboratories.

In the final part of the program, participants of the Meet-Up took part in an idea-generation workshop, where they developed and presented innovative proposals. Following a vote, the best idea and winning team were announced.

TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and provides a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and promotion of innovative ideas that contribute to the transition to a circular bioeconomy.

With a Great Turnout and Excellent Discussions, the Final Event of the “Open Olive Oil Academy” Program Took Place

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With remarkable participation and outstanding presentations, the Final Event of the “Open Olive Oil Academy” program was held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the facilities of the Agricultural Cooperative “Union of Messinia” in Kalamata.

The event marked the successful completion of the program, which aimed to help olive growers in Messinia adopt modern olive-growing practices to improve their production processes and enhance their competitiveness and extroversion.

The program was implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and funding from the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, with the support of Bayer, BASF, and PJ Condelis SA, in collaboration with the Union of Messinia. The program was also held under the auspices of the Region of Peloponnese.

The event was opened with a greeting by Ms. Effie Lazaridou, CEO of New Agriculture New Generation, followed by Mr. Konstantinos Tsoronis, Head of Agri-Food Actions at the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation.

Greetings were also delivered by Mr. Giannis Pazios, Director of the Union of Messinia; Mr. Periklis Mantas, Member of Parliament for Messinia (New Democracy); Mr. Stathis Anastasopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor of Messinia; Mr. Vasilis Koutrafouris, Deputy Mayor of Kalamata; and Mr. Vangelis Xygoros, President of the Messinia Chamber of Commerce.

Two panel discussions followed, focusing on key issues of high importance for the olive sector, with the participation of distinguished scientists, institutional representatives, and industry professionals.

The first panel, titled “Addressing Contaminants in Olive Cultivation,” was moderated by Dr. Dimitris Voloudakis, General Director of Programs at New Agriculture New Generation. Speakers included Dr. Nikoleta-Kleio Denaxa, Assistant Professor of Arboriculture and Olive Cultivation at the Agricultural University of Athens; Dr. Konstantinos Dimopoulos, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and member of the Scientific Committee 4E; and Mr. Ioannis Iliadis, President of the Panmessinian Association of Olive Mill Owners. A special intervention was made by Mr. Giorgos Mitrakos, General Director of SEVITEL (Association of Greek Olive Oil Standardization Industries).

The second panel, titled “Challenges & Opportunities in the Olive Sector,” was moderated by journalist Mr. Themis Kanellopoulos (BEST TV). Speakers included Mr. Thanasis Langouranis, Agronomist, MSc, Head of the Monitoring Unit for Pillar I Interventions at the Special Service for the Implementation of Direct Support and Sectoral Interventions, Ministry of Rural Development and Food; Mr. Kostas Peimanidis, Director of Business Development at AGROVIM S.A. and member of the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA); and Mr. Giorgos Katsoulis, President of the Association of Agricultural and Cooperative Organizations and Enterprises of Greece (SASOEE).

This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Efstathia Georgakopoulou, Head of the Directorate of Agricultural Economy & Veterinary Services of the Regional Unit of Messinia, on the Olive Register and its potential for recording and rationally managing the olive sector.

The event concluded with the presentation of the program’s outcomes and key findings, confirming the significant contribution of the “Open Olive Oil Academy” to strengthening producers and promoting knowledge and innovation in Messinia.

Throughout the program, participants completed 54 hours of training, through six two-day in-person classes held in Kalamata.

The first training cycle (June 20 – July 5, 2025) focused on issues of olive grove establishment and management, olive tree physiology, cultivation practices, and plant protection in relation to climate change. The second cycle (September 5 – October 11, 2025) covered topics such as economic concepts, soil management, quality certifications, olive oil processing, as well as olive tourism and olive oil tasting.

In parallel, a webinar was held on the topic “Access to the U.S. Market: What the Consumer Looks For,” presented by Dr. Tasos Kyriakides, Assistant Professor at the Yale School of Public Health and researcher at the Yale Center for Analytical Sciences (YCAS).

Through the program, olive growers in Messinia gained valuable knowledge about modern olive cultivation and strengthened their ability to improve the efficiency of their olive groves and the quality of their products.

In her statement, Ms. Effie Lazaridou noted:

“The Open Olive Oil Academy emerged as an idea a few years ago when we realized that, as an organization supporting the agri-food sector for over seven years, we had to do something specifically for olive growing — a highly dynamic field with a millennia-old tradition in Greece, which perhaps today faces more challenges than we would like to admit. Climate change, intense competition, the evolving production and trade landscape, and perhaps a small delay in adopting new practices and technologies — all bring us to the point where we must claim even more dynamically the position our symbolic product deserves in global markets.”

The “Open Olive Oil Academy” by New Agriculture New Generation addresses a crucial sector of Greek agriculture and significantly contributes to improving its productivity and competitiveness. This was the second successful edition of the program, following its earlier implementation in North Kynouria.

The organization aims to continue the program in other regions of Greece in the future.

“Open Olive Oil Academy – Messinia” | Final Event in Kalamata with speeches on key topics in olive cultivation

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With a content-rich Final Event, the program “Open Olive Oil Academy – Messinia” comes to a close on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 18:00, at the facilities of the Agricultural Cooperative “Union of Messinia” (Thouria near Praktiker, E.O. Kalamata – Tripoli, Kalamata 24100).

The event marks the successful completion of the program, which was implemented with the goal of helping olive growers in Messinia adopt modern olive cultivation practices, in order to improve their production processes and enhance their competitiveness and extroversion.

The program was co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), as well as by the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, with the support of Bayer, BASF, and PJ Condelis S.A. and implemented in collaboration with the Union of Messinia. The program was held under the auspices of the Region of Peloponnese.

The event will be attended by representatives of local government and institutional bodies, representatives of New Agriculture New Generation and of the organizations and companies supporting the program, as well as participants of the program.

The event will feature two discussion panels:

First Discussion Panel: “Addressing Contaminants in Olive Cultivation”

Moderator: Dr. Dimitris Voloudakis – General Director of Programs, New Agriculture New Generation

Speakers:

– Ms. Nikoleta-Kleio Denaxa – Assistant Professor of Arboriculture – Olive Growing, Laboratory of Arboriculture, Agricultural University of Athens

– Mr. Konstantinos Dimopoulos – Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry & Food Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & Member of the Scientific Committee of 4E (Scientific Society of Olive Encyclopedists)

– Mr. Ioannis Iliadis – President of the Pan-Messinian Association of Olive Mill Owners

Second Discussion Panel: “Challenges & Opportunities in the Olive Sector”

Moderator: Themis Kanellopoulos – Journalist, Best TV Kalamata

Speakers:

– Mr. Thanasis Langouranis – Agronomist, AUA, MSc, Head of the Unit for Monitoring Pillar I Interventions, Special Service for the Implementation of Direct Payments and Sectoral Interventions, General Secretariat for Union Resources and Infrastructure – Ministry of Rural Development & Food

– Mr. Giorgos Katsoulis – President, Association of Agricultural and Cooperative Organizations and Enterprises of Greece (SASOEE)

– Mr. Kostas Peimanidis – Director of Business Development at AGROVIM S.A. & Member of the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA)

A presentation on the Olive Register will follow, delivered by Ms. Efstathia Georgakopoulou – Head of the Department of Rural Economy & Veterinary Services of Messinia.

The event will conclude with a brief presentation of the results and key findings that emerged from the completion of the program.

We invite all olive growers, stakeholders, and friends of olive cultivation to attend the event and share with us the outcomes and future prospects of the program.

The Program

Throughout the program, participants completed 54 hours of training across six two-day sessions, conducted in person in Kalamata.

The first cycle (June 20 – July 5, 2025) focused on topics such as olive grove establishment and preparation, olive physiology, cultivation practices, and plant protection in the context of climate change.

The second cycle (September 5 – October 11, 2025) covered economic concepts, soil management, new trends and certification systems, olive oil quality and processing, tasting, agritourism, and the development of visitable olive groves.

Through the program, olive growers gained comprehensive knowledge of modern practices, enhancing the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of their products.

The “Open Olive Oil Academy” by New Agriculture New Generation addresses a crucial sector of the Greek agricultural economy and makes a significant contribution to improving its performance and competitiveness. This is the second successful implementation of the program, following the previous one in North Kynouria. The organization aims to extend the program to other regions of Greece in the future.

The Socioeconomic Impact of New Agriculture New Generation: A Steady Contribution to the Transformation of the Agrifood Sector

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The essential role of the organization New Agriculture New Generation in supporting Greek agrifood is highlighted by the Independent Socioeconomic Impact and Performance Evaluation Reports conducted by BDO and Deloitte for the period 2018–2024.

Six Years of Tangible Support to the Agrifood Sector

From 2018 to 2024, the organization’s actions had a direct and indirect positive impact on over 31,000 beneficiaries and professionals in the agrifood sector, with a satisfaction rate reaching 86%. It is noteworthy that in 2024, 44% of participants in its programs were women, actively promoting female participation and empowerment in the agrifood sector.

Multiplier Value for the Greek Economy

The estimated total contribution of the organization to the Greek economy for the period 2018–2023 reaches 40 million euros, of which:

  • €21.4 million came from the organization’s direct activities.

  • €18.6 million were generated by the initiatives and actions of the beneficiaries themselves.

In 2023, for every €1 invested by the organization, €5.35 of value was generated in the real economy.

Measurable Social and Economic Impact

During the period 2018–2023:

  • 63% of beneficiaries introduced new production and technical processes.

  • 80% improved their production and technical capacities.

  • 37% of entrepreneurial or self-employed beneficiaries improved their efficiency and increased their profit margins.

  • 25% invested in the development of new products.

  • 64% of unemployed beneficiaries now have stable employment or started their own business.

  • 36% of entrepreneurial or self-employed beneficiaries reduced their environmental footprint (2020–2023).

  • The organization’s activities indirectly support 135 jobs annually.

  • 486 new jobs were created by the businesses of the beneficiaries.

For a quick overview of our results, watch the videographic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5TsQdvooB0

Founding Donor of New Agriculture New Generation is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which remains the main supporter of the organization, actively funding most of its programs.

Strategic and technical partner: Rutgers University

New Agriculture New Generation continues to work with consistency and transparency in supporting the sector by designing and implementing targeted actions and initiatives.

George Lignos: The Greek scientist who turned honey blue

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With the dynamic and enthusiastic “It’s alive,” an innovative idea is introduced: fresh spirulina that turns honey blue. The story brings to mind Archimedes’ famous “Eureka!” moment. That must be how inventor George Lignos, a chemical engineer passionate about process design and optimization, felt. With the support of cutting-edge technology, he succeeded in creating and operating a sustainable urban spirulina cultivation system that produces fresh product daily—an achievement that certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.

Spirulina is a cyanobacterium, a microorganism to which Earth owes its oxygenation. Cyanobacteria were the first to provide oxygen, paving the way for other microorganisms to thrive. Spirulina has a long history as a superfood, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It stands out for its high content of phycocyanin, a plant-based protein with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its first recorded use dates back to the 16th century, and more recently, it was used as a dietary supplement by NASA astronauts during space missions. Today, new research continues to confirm many of its potential health benefits and therapeutic properties.

As a supplement, spirulina is typically found in powder, capsule, or tablet form and is often added to protein bars, smoothies, juices, pasta, and other foods. At this point, “It’s Alive” is changing the game by introducing spirulina as a food in its fresh and frozen forms, available in heart-shaped servings—a unique innovation combining freshness, functionality, and aesthetics while fully preserving its nutritional value.

Biotechnology in the Service of Nutrition

The story of It’s Alive began in December 2018, when a small team of visionaries ran their first experiments producing fresh spirulina in a small photobioreactor. Driven by persistence and innovation, they developed their own photobioreactors, continually refining production technologies and processes. Their participation in the EGG startup accelerator in 2019 was a turning point, providing their first funding for lab equipment. After years of research and nine generations of experimentation, they built the first industrial-scale photobioreactor, achieving a significant reduction in production costs.

By 2021, incorporating modern IoT technologies, they optimized the production process and began sharing their initial results. Nutritional analysis results boosted their confidence, leading to the first taste party, where friends and acquaintances had the chance to sample fresh and freshly frozen spirulina. Encouraged by positive feedback, they took the next step, establishing It’s Alive as a pioneer in fresh spirulina production. In 2022, the company won the Trophy-Trophy Challenge by New Agriculture New Generation.

Today, It’s Alive is an award-winning, innovative company producing in the heart of Athens, with a mission to provide consumers with high-quality fresh spirulina. Led by George Lignos and a team of expert scientists who share the same vision, the company combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to create unique, nutrient-rich products. It’s Alive’s philosophy is rooted in science and proximity to the consumer, focusing on urban farming, ensuring fresh spirulina reaches customers quickly and at peak quality.

Eyeing International Markets

Recently, the entire It’s Alive team has been working intensively to prepare for their first major export: blue honey to the U.S., in collaboration with Laconic Foods under the private label Cyano. Exporting is never easy for Greek startups, especially in the field of biotechnology, where Greece still lacks the expertise to support such ventures.

Urban Spirulina Farming

Production takes place in closed photobioreactors, which are designed and built in-house to ensure high efficiency and excellent quality. The process is fully sustainable, with zero waste and the use of green energy. Solar heating and passive cooling reduce the environmental footprint, making It’s Alive a model in the field of sustainable food production.

How Does Honey Turn Blue?

The honey’s transformation into blue is achieved by adding fresh spirulina extract, whose striking blue hue comes from phycocyanin, a natural pigment. Under bright light, the miel et ciel (French for “honey and sky”) fluoresces red—evidence that the extract is still fresh. The It’s Alive team has filed a patent application, as they managed to create a product in which the extract both enhances the color and nutrition of the honey, while the honey itself preserves the extract at room temperature. However, this effect does not occur with all varieties of Greek honey. An extensive research process was carried out to select the ideal variety for optimum results and stable quality.

The addition of spirulina extract not only gives honey a unique appearance but also enhances its nutritional value, turning it into a biofunctional food that combines aesthetics with functionality.

The “It’s Alive” Product Line

It’s Alive offers fresh spirulina in various forms, tailored to consumer needs and preferences:

  • Frozen heart-shaped spirulina servings, ideal for smoothies, salads, or side dishes.

  • Fresh spirulina paste, available in different flavors: for the ultimate freshness experience.

  • Miel et Ciel: a one-of-a-kind product that blends honey with active spirulina extract, offering a nutritious combination with a distinctive color and taste.

Source: flamis.gr

Social Farming 360° – Regenerative Agriculture enters the country’s correctional facilities, promoting knowledge, sustainability and social inclusion.

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Through targeted training programs implemented in six institutions (Agia Chania, Tiryntha Argolida, Kassaveteia Volos, Kassandra Chalkidiki, Eleonas Thebes – Women’s Agricultural Department, and KATK), participants are trained in:

  • sustainable cultivation practices

  • soil care and fertility enhancement

  • promotion and protection of biodiversity

With Social Farming 360°, the land becomes a tool for education, reintegration and development, building bridges toward a more sustainable and inclusive society.

The Social Farming 360° program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, with the support of the Citi Foundation, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Anti-Crime Policy of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, and with the participation of ActionAid Hellas and Freedom Gate.

Extension of Applications for Agrifood Leadership until September 22

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Agrifood Leadership, the first specialized leadership program in the agrifood sector in Greece, returns for the third year, offering 15 young professionals the opportunity to embark on a unique road trip of knowledge.

Participants will acquire modern skills, enhance their personal and professional development, and prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow in the agrifood sector.

New application deadline: September 22, 2025
Apply now at: agrifoodleadership.generationag.org

The program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), with Rutgers University (USA) as Technical and Strategic Advisor, and under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

Greek agrifood has tremendous export potential, and a leader must think “globally.”

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The agrifood sector in Greece is at a critical crossroads, facing new challenges and technological opportunities that are radically reshaping the landscape. The Agrifood Leadership program, implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, was created to equip professionals in the sector with the leadership skills and knowledge required to play a leading role in this new era of agrifood.

Sotiris Katselos, Communications Director at New Agriculture New Generation, explains how through innovative experiential training, strong partnerships, and specialized guidance, the program is cultivating a new generation of leaders who harness technology, innovation, and global markets to drive the transformation the sector needs.

Through this interview, we discover how Agrifood Leadership supports startups and professionals by integrating modern practices and building the necessary network to accelerate agrifood innovation in Greece.

startupper.gr: What is the main goal of the Agrifood Leadership program, and why do you believe it is essential for the Greek agrifood chain?

Sotiris Katselos: The Agrifood Leadership program is an innovative initiative, unique both in Greece and Europe. It offers specialized knowledge through experiential techniques, targeted leadership training, and access to strategic agrifood expertise.

It should be noted that this is the third year we are implementing the program, thanks to the support of our Founding Donor, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), under the academic guidance of Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA, and under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

Agrifood Leadership provides the skills that will help agrifood executives take strategic initiatives, capitalize on their knowledge and the opportunities provided by modern technology, and ultimately be able to make the right decisions to respond to today’s challenges.

We must understand that the agrifood sector stands at a crucial crossroads: on one hand, there are threats such as climate change and international competition; on the other, there are unique opportunities arising from technological advances and the opening of new markets.

In this context, the adoption of leadership skills by sector executives becomes a critical success factor, as it supports the development of effective strategies for adaptation, survival, and growth in this demanding environment.

startupper.gr: What is the structure and main thematic areas of the program, and how is experiential learning supported through field visits and workshops?

Sotiris Katselos: The structure of the program can confidently be described as innovative and effective.

The core of the program consists of seven experiential three-day sessions hosted at leading agrifood businesses and institutions. These include training, systematic networking activities, field visits to decision-making centers, and major agrifood companies, both in Greece and in Brussels.

At the same time, participants attend synchronous and asynchronous online trainings.

The courses cover a wide range of critical topics such as leadership (e.g., team management, personal communication), agricultural economics and policy (both Greek and EU), as well as marketing, exports, and digital marketing.

Overall, participants receive more than 120 hours of live and asynchronous training from professionals and expert instructors. During the three-day sessions, they also take part in practical workshops to cultivate their skills.

startupper.gr: Which categories of professionals is the program aimed at? Is there special consideration for women in the agrifood sector?

Sotiris Katselos: The program is aimed at executives, entrepreneurs, farm owners, members of cooperatives and producer groups, agribanking professionals, and even public sector executives.

We are looking for people with an active and exploratory mindset, who are willing to capitalize on the knowledge and connections they will gain. That’s why selection is based on interviews and evaluation by a special committee.

We actively promote and encourage women’s participation. Out of the 31 graduates so far, 13 are women, and our goal is to increase this number further. Let me add that some of these women “leaders” have already made dynamic use of the program and are planning or have launched very interesting ventures.

startupper.gr: What is the role of partnerships with major businesses and institutions, and how do they strengthen the program? What are the most important results or impacts you have observed from previous editions of the program?

Sotiris Katselos: It’s clear that the program would not have succeeded without the support of key companies, cooperatives, and institutions within the agrifood ecosystem. Participants come into direct contact with executives, production systems, and valuable practical knowledge that help them develop a deep understanding of the challenges across the entire production chain.

Additionally, through visits to Greek and European institutions, they gain insight into how agricultural policy decisions are made, both nationally and at the EU level, forming the holistic perspective necessary to apply their skills effectively.

Participants themselves highlight, in their evaluations, the value of interacting with these businesses and institutions and the way they capitalize on the knowledge acquired. Finally, it is worth noting that many companies that support the program also encourage their executives to enroll, which we believe is a testament to its high quality.

startupper.gr: How does the program support the development of skills related to technology, innovation, and climate resilience in the agricultural sector?

Sotiris Katselos: A leader—male or female—must innovate and embrace new technologies (smart farming, big data, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, etc.). That’s why our program invests in developing the mindset that seeks to understand and integrate technology.

Moreover, many of the experiential visits take place at businesses using cutting-edge technology, so participants can see firsthand how high-tech solutions make a difference. It’s no coincidence that two of our graduates have already launched an innovative agrifood marketplace, while another participant is preparing to start a very promising startup.

startupper.gr: In what ways does Agrifood Leadership empower the new generation of leaders to address the challenges of sustainable development and global markets?

Sotiris Katselos: Excellent question. We cannot talk about leadership in agrifood without acknowledging the challenges of climate change and the urgent need, nationally and globally, for sustainable practices. This is not just a “nice-to-have” consideration—it’s a critical survival factor.

Our program provides extensive training on climate change and sustainable practices. Through company visits, participants also see sustainability in practice.

As for global markets, Greek agrifood has immense export potential, and a leader must think “globally.” That’s why we provide training in exports and facilitate networking with multinational companies as well as European institutions.

startupper.gr: What happens after participants graduate? Is there a support network or platform for alumni, and how do you see the program contributing to the overall upgrading of agrifood production and promotion of innovative practices in Greece?

Sotiris Katselos: It’s very important to emphasize that the program does not “end” with graduation. We are building a living alumni community that collaborates, shares useful knowledge and insights, and has access to further training opportunities.

We are also creating a digital platform where leaders can connect instantly with each other, collaborate if they wish, and pool their skills for future projects. For example, someone may seek a partner in a specific geographic area, or require certain skills that another alumnus possesses.

Regarding your second point, this is the program’s strategic goal: to create a “critical mass” of agrifood professionals capable of transforming the sector through innovation, strategy, and bolder, more outward-looking practices.

startupper.gr: What are the challenges the agrifood sector is facing today, and how can the Agrifood Leadership program help overcome them?

Sotiris Katselos: As I mentioned earlier, the sector is truly at a “critical crossroads.” Greek agrifood faces a range of serious challenges: climate change, fragmented farmland, an aging farming population, low adoption of technological innovations, and outdated production practices, to name a few.

On the other hand, Greece has rich biodiversity, a unique Mediterranean climate, and high-quality products with strong identity (PDO/PGI, traditional foods, Mediterranean diet), which are competitive advantages in global markets. The adoption of new technologies and business strategies can unlock enormous growth potential.

That is precisely why we need professionals who not only understand these challenges and opportunities but also actively identify what must be done and changed. In other words, we need leaders across the ecosystem—people who work methodically, collaborate, and bring a new mindset. This is exactly what the Agrifood Leadership program cultivates.

startupper.gr: Could you give us a broader picture of New Agriculture New Generation as an organization? What milestones have you achieved so far, what tangible results do you see from your programs, and what is the response from companies and the wider agrifood and business community?

Sotiris Katselos: Since our organization was founded in 2018, through an initiative and founding grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of the “Recharging the Youth” program, we have supported more than 31,000 beneficiaries (farmers, producers, livestock breeders, small-scale processors, researchers, graduates, executives, professionals) and other entrepreneurs in the sector.

We have implemented over 130 training and entrepreneurship programs, supported more than 136 small and family-run agrifood businesses, and created 4 cooperatives (3 agricultural and 1 women’s cooperative).

Independent reports show that our economic impact has a multiplier of x5.35, meaning that for every €1 invested in our initiatives, €5.35 is generated in the Greek economy. Our overall economic footprint reaches €40 million.

We have also been recognized twice as a Best Practice in the agrifood sector by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission (DG AGRI), along with a series of other distinctions.

We collaborate closely with many major agrifood companies, cooperatives, and foundations that support the sector. Thanks to these partnerships and supporters, we continue to deliver impactful programs that drive sector transformation. For example, our beekeeping programs, which are vital for apiculture in Greece, our Olive Academy, and the project “Mastic Trees: Safeguarding the future of a national product – Knowledge and Innovation Transfer Network in Chios.” We also support entrepreneurship through the “AgroAnelixi” accelerator, as well as agrifood innovation and startups through the TrophyΤροφή program.

We invite anyone interested to visit our website newagri.org and follow us on social media!

TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas supports agrifood businesses through the program “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future”

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TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas undertakes an important initiative to strengthen Greek local agrifood entrepreneurship as a sponsor of the field visits in the business accelerator “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” of New Agriculture New Generation.

The program is addressed to farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, cooperatives, producer groups and small-scale food processors, who aim to improve existing or develop new, high-quality, competitive agrifood products. Businesses that complete the program become more resilient and competitive, thus supporting the local production ecosystem.

The participating businesses attend specialized training workshops, where they acquire practical entrepreneurial knowledge and guidance for creating new, differentiated, and competitive products. They also receive personalized consulting support from experienced market professionals, tailored to their specific needs, without any financial burden.

During the field visits, representatives of New Agriculture New Generation and TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas visit the production units of the participants, with the aim of providing customized training support that responds to the particular needs of each business. Through this process, participants strengthen their knowledge and skills in key areas, ensuring they have the necessary tools to produce high-quality and safe food.

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

The program has already supported 100 agrifood businesses across Greece and has contributed to the development and distribution of 90 new products in the Greek and international markets. Businesses that have benefited from their participation become more sustainable and competitive, while strengthening local economies and value chains, thus contributing to the regional development of the country.

The program lasts 6 months and a total of 12 businesses from across Greece are supported.

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