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Author: george

The 12 participants of the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” program

Posted on by george

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:

Business Name Products Location
Amygdaleonas Paionias – Anastasia Vezyrogloy Almonds Imathia
KRINELLIA ORGANICS – Vasiliki Kouloudi Aromatic plants Lesvos
STALIA – Katerina Bougatsou Olive oil Attica
ELLIVE – Manolis Zacharioudakis Olive oil – Capsule dietary supplement Evia
Bee Naturalles – Georgios Athanasiadis Honey Evia
Charalampos Vlachavas Honey Larissa
giam – Dimitrios Papacharalampous Traditional products and spreads Larissa
Agricultural Cooperative of Melivoia Chestnuts “Athanati” Chestnuts Larissa
Dimitris Karachalios Table olives – Olive oil Arcadia
Panagiotis Kalogeropoulos Honey Arcadia
Tegaia – Giorgos Kyriakoulis Apple chips Arcadia
Konstantinos Sokratopoulos Livestock products Arcadia

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.

5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Kavala on “Digital Transformation and Precision Agriculture”

Posted on by george

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.

4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Thessaloniki: “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Eliminating Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging”

Posted on by george

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.

Social Farming 360° Continues for a 2nd Year, Aiming to Create Reintegration Opportunities for Inmates

Posted on by george

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.

Sarkatzi Farm: The cottage industry innovating at the foothills of Mount Vermio and paving the way for young farmers

Posted on by george

At the foothills of Mount Vermio, in the semi-mountainous village of Trilofos, Imathia, Sarkatzi Farm was “born” five years ago. It was in 2019 when Theodoros Sarkatzis, a graduate of the Department of Public Relations and Communication, decided to return to the land and replant his family’s 40-year-old estates with nut trees.

Together with his wife, Anastasia Tsili, they chose to focus on the production, processing, and marketing of almonds and hazelnuts, emphasizing product quality while also paving the way for new farmers in the primary and agri-food sectors. The range of products produced on the farm is constantly expanding and now includes spreads, cereal bars, powders, pralines, spoon sweets, and more.

Starting from cultivation all the way to product packaging, the family-run cottage industry has shown consistent growth. It currently offers 20 product codes, with sales increasing by 60% compared to last year—a development that prompted the next step in their expansion. With the goal of increasing both production and their customer base, Sarkatzi Farm, which spans approximately 3,000 square meters, is investing in a new, modern processing facility on a privately owned 120-square-meter property in Trilofos. The new unit is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. For this investment, the cottage industry has submitted a funding application through the NSRF program for processing and is now awaiting final results.

Speaking to Liberal.gr, Ms. Anastasia Tsili said the new facility will house the workshop, storage areas, and offices of the cottage industry. “Our facility is being upgraded and will be fully vertically integrated once the new unit is operational. The aim is to grow our customer base (both wholesale and retail) and increase our production. Consumer demand is already growing, with our products gaining traction among consumers,” Ms. Tsili stated.

Emphasis on Quality

Discussing the products, she noted that the idea of processing and producing healthy food came about when she was searching for highly nutritious foods for her child—and that’s when she discovered nut butters. “Our farm’s nut production kept increasing. At the time, my husband Theodoros Sarkatzis, who leads cultivation and harvesting, and I were debating whether to sell the raw product to traders or begin processing it ourselves. My interest in healthy foods like nut butters for my child led us to the idea of producing spreads based on the nuts we already grew,” Ms. Tsili explained to Liberal.gr. They started with six flavors and now offer 20 product codes, including raw nuts.

The nuts cultivated at Sarkatzi Farm are mainly almonds and hazelnuts, with walnuts also being developed. The nuts are used to produce spreads with up to three ingredients, cereal bars, almond powder, pralines, spoon sweets, and almond oil. “What sets our products apart from the competition is that they contain no additives such as preservatives, sugar, salt, or added oils. Ingredient combinations are made using honey, which we source from small local producers. They contain 100% natural ingredients and have a one-year shelf life,” Ms. Tsili emphasized, noting that the cottage industry invests in high-quality, pure raw materials—a key differentiator in the sector. She added that four of their 11 spread codes have received awards for best taste in competitions.

Expansion into More Retail Outlets

The cottage industry’s products are currently available on store shelves in Veria, Naousa, and Thessaloniki, with the majority of sales coming from their online store (e-shop). Given the steady rise in sales and the upcoming completion of the new processing unit, Sarkatzi Farm aims—through its participation in food exhibitions—to expand into more retail points in the domestic market and, in the long term, to enter international markets.

Finally, referring to the cottage industry’s collaboration with the organization New Agriculture New Generation, Ms. Tsili described it as a “godsend” for Sarkatzi Farm, offering knowledge and solutions across various agri-food sectors and in the production process. “We cultivate our land with love and respect for the environment, always following the guidance of our expert agronomists,” Ms. Tsili concluded.

Source: liberal.gr

Eleni Plachoura – Vasilis Ritas (NOMAD Honey): The Greek organic honey energy gel loved by Americans and Germans

Posted on by george

The story of two civil and mechanical engineers who turned to beekeeping and created the first product of its kind in the world. What one of the co-founders of this innovative company shares with us.

Mother Nature generously offers her gifts and simultaneously presents business opportunities for those who can make the most of them. Eleni Plachoura and Vasilis Ritas are two engineers who didn’t hesitate to take up a new professional venture when they decided to engage in beekeeping by founding the company NOMAD Honey.

Through it, they produce and market organic honey and other bee products that come from their beehives located in the Vikos Gorge.

NOMAD Honey has even created and patented the world’s first organic honey energy gel made only with natural ingredients, approved by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI). Their products are exported to Germany and the U.S.

“We met as engineers. We were working as a civil engineer and a mechanical engineer. We had no connection to beekeeping. It came into our lives by chance in 2014. But we decided that we wanted to get serious and professional about it. In 2015, we attended the School of Beekeeping and Sericulture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where we gained valuable knowledge and tools to practice organic beekeeping with proper methods. We developed our bee colonies and since then, we’ve maintained mountainous apiaries in the Vikos–Aoos Geopark and other mountain areas. Our brand name, NOMAD Honey, was inspired by the nature of our work — nomadic beekeeping,” says Eleni Plachoura (Civil Engineer – Beekeeper), co-founder of the innovative company, in her interview with newmoney, explaining their personal story and how this career switch came to be.

“In 2018, we built a state-of-the-art organic honey packaging facility in Katsikas, Ioannina, in our own 700m² premises. That same year, we created the world’s first natural, organic honey-based energy gel — gentle on the stomach and intestines of athletes — called Bear Strength NOMAD Natural Boost Honey Gel. We built its production line at our facility and patented our idea through the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization. We’ve even conducted a clinical study on its effects. The entire investment was self-funded, driven by passion, vision, and dedication — to such an extent that we were blinded to the challenges of launching a new business.”

The Greek beekeeper then elaborates on the company’s development, its operations today, its sales, exports, and product range:

“Since then, we’ve been producing and selling top-quality organic mountain honey varieties. All the honey we produce has been awarded for its quality and taste at international food competitions over the past six years. We have also developed and now sell a line of six energy gels, each with a different composition and effect, designed for sports, outdoor activities, or for anyone needing an energy boost during the day. Our products are available at our physical store at our facility in Ioannina, through our online store www.nomad-honey.gr, in delicatessen and sports stores in Greece, and are currently exported to the U.S. and Germany. Our company produces, processes, packages, conducts research with external partners, innovates, and distributes its products worldwide.”

Regarding NOMAD Honey’s new projects and future business steps, Eleni Plachoura tells newmoney:

“Our most recent news is that we’ve set up a production line for raw, organic energy and protein bars, which will be launched in the market in a few days. Our overall focus is on real, energy-packed food. We have many ideas for the future, but we take it one step at a time.”

In closing, Ms. Plachoura describes the company’s collaboration with New Agriculture New Generation:

“Our collaboration with New Agriculture New Generation happened during the COVID-19 period. At a time of general isolation, the Zoom seminars with all the organization’s partners were a window of connection to the outside world. The entire educational component was very interesting, as it helped us frame our business through an entrepreneurial lens, even though we were already on the market having taken our own path, unaware of many business rules. In 2021, we won first prize in the organization’s accelerator program for our business plan, among all participating companies. It’s worth noting that our relationship and communication with New Agriculture New Generation continues to this day, and there is mutual appreciation.”

Source: newmoney.gr

Giorgos Meleneclis (Menikio): The organic dairy products from Drama that are in high demand abroad

Posted on by george

From the vertically integrated livestock unit of the Municipality of Prosotsani, supermarkets, delicatessens, and foreign markets both within and outside of Europe are being supplied, with new partnerships in Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

The genuine, traditional dairy products originating from rural Greece—products that appear in the eyes of urban residents as an “invaluable natural treasure”—seem to be steadily gaining ground in consumer preferences abroad as well.

The distance from Drama to… Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, the capitals of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia respectively, is obviously vast. But that didn’t stop the locals from “discovering” them through international trade networks, much like several European countries had earlier. The next goal: entering the American market…

In the shadow of Mount Menikio, on the plain of the Municipality of Prosotsani, the Agricultural Livestock Industrial Cooperative of Prosotsani Menikio (Menikio) develops its activity, expressing the shared vision of a group of local people for the creation of a model farm. In this fertile plain, the Cooperative’s livestock unit, animal feed storage facility, and dairy plant are located. Surrounding the facilities is a fenced pasture where “…the animals graze freely in a protected environment, depending on the season and weather conditions, without being exposed to any danger,” as described by the company’s head, Giorgos Meleneclis—a graduate of the Department of Agriculture (specializing in Food Science and Technology) at the School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Environment of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

He explains to newmoney:
“Menikio supplies the Greek market daily with high-quality dairy products made exclusively from Goat and Sheep Milk, including our flagship product, Fresh Goat Milk, as well as Yogurt, Kefir, Goat Cheese and Feta, Ayran, and Butter. In addition to milk from its own livestock unit, Menikio sources milk from more than 100 producers from Drama, Serres, and Thessaloniki.

In international markets, the Organic product line is enjoying great success and growth, both in Europe—with partnerships in the UK, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—and beyond, with recent collaborations in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.”

The company distributes its products through partner supermarket chains in Northern Greek cities (e.g. Masoutis, My Market, Market In, Sklavenitis), and in Athens through organic food stores and delicatessens (such as “Biologiko Chorio”).

Menikio’s exports already account for 30% of its turnover and continue to grow. The company produces 20 product codes and employs 50 workers.
Its sales exceed €2 million, with a projected increase of 12%-15% for 2024, while a new investment in the expansion of its facilities is expected to double its annual production to 1 million tons.

Plans include the launch of an innovative product: the first organic ice cream made from goat kefir, which is set to launch in Spring 2025. Additionally, the company exports animal feed, mostly cultivated in Cyprus.

“Support for Livestock Farmers”
Menikio’s facilities include a fully vertically integrated livestock unit, dairy plant, warehouses, farmland, and a fenced grazing area of 90 acres.
“The Cooperative’s people ensure that the feeding schedule, quantity, and timing are strictly defined and consistent, thus creating the ideal conditions for the production of high and consistent quality organic milk.

This organization is what allows Menikio to continually expand its production activities in the organic products sector. At the Cooperative’s dairy plant, high-quality, certified organic dairy products are produced, following all hygiene and safety protocols in line with HACCP and ISO 22000 standards,” adds Mr. Meleneclis, continuing:

“Our priority is quality Goat Milk, which we aim to emphasize, supporting local livestock farmers and their work, with the goal of further developing and strengthening the milk production zone. All of this is naturally reflected in the final product and its quality. Our ongoing goal is to produce innovative dairy products of high quality, taste, and nutritional value. Our desire to develop innovative organic products is also reflected in the recent launch of our newest product, Organic Ice Cream made from Goat Milk and Kefir—a product that marks our entry into the frozen foods market and has already been met with great success at food exhibitions in Greece and abroad.”

In closing, Giorgos Meleneclis speaks about the impact of Menikio’s collaboration with the organization New Agriculture New Generation:

“As a small-to-medium enterprise, it’s very important for us to have the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like New Agriculture New Generation. The work and initiatives they carry out in partnership with businesses are of the utmost importance for our development and networking. Through the ‘Agroanelixi’ competition, we managed to create our Goat Kefir Ice Cream with the help and guidance of the organization’s team. On our end, we will continue to participate wherever possible and support the organization’s work in the best possible way.

Source: newmoney.gr

Rural Economy and Agricultural Policy at the Center of the 6th Educational Module of Agrifood Leadership 2024–2025 in Chania

Posted on by george

The 6th educational module of the pioneering Agrifood Leadership 2024–2025 program was successfully completed, taking place from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Chania. The focus of this module was on the theme “Rural Economy and Agricultural Policy,” with instructor Mr. Stathis Klonaris, Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA).

Agrifood Leadership 2024–2025 is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), and under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The technical and strategic advisor of the program is Rutgers University (USA). Sponsor of the 6th educational module was Balantinos Dairy.

During the training, participants had the opportunity to enrich their knowledge through educational activities, field visits, and networking actions, enhancing their leadership skills in the agrifood sector.

On Saturday, participants delved into the structure of rural economy through Mr. Klonaris’ training, which focused on the rural economy of Greece and Europe. He analyzed the key principles and prospects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the 2023–2027 period. Mr. Klonaris highlighted the role of the European Union in shaping agricultural strategy and offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the agricultural sector. The session took place in the impressive hall of the new Archaeological Museum of Chania. We warmly thank Dr. Eleni Papadopoulou, Director of the Archaeological Museum, for providing the space and for the warm hospitality.

On Sunday, participants took part in field educational visits to the Patriotis Winery and the Biolea Olive Mill, where they had the chance to enjoy wine and olive oil tastings and engage in conversations with the companies’ executives, learning more about their philosophy and operations. The day concluded with a visit to Balantinos Dairy, where Mr. Spyros Balandinos, President of the Cheesemakers Association of Chania, guided the group through the facilities and shared his thoughts on the concept of leadership, along with personal experiences and insights from the production sector.

The 6th educational module of Agrifood Leadership offered a complete experience of learning, networking, and inspiration, further enhancing the program’s dynamic as a leadership incubator in the agrifood sector. Starting with the in-depth presentation by Mr. Stathis Klonaris on the Rural Economy and the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, participants gained a substantial understanding of developments at both national and European levels. The module was enriched by visits to exemplary businesses such as Patriotis Winery, Biolea Astrikas Estate, and Balantinos Dairy, providing participants with hands-on exposure to successful entrepreneurial models.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation expresses its sincere thanks to Balantinos Dairy, sponsor of the 6th educational module, for the excellent reception, warm hospitality, impeccable organization, and invaluable support.

Launch of the program ‘Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, preservation, and improvement of bee genetic material | Phase B: Practical Queen Rearing’

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The organization “New Agriculture New Generation” announces the second phase of the training and consulting program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, preservation, and improvement of bee genetic material | Phase B: Practical Queen Rearing” which will be implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis.

The program is co-funded by “New Agriculture New Generation” through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.

The program will be carried out in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific guidance of the Sericulture and Apiculture Laboratory, headed by Assistant Professor Georgios Gkoras.

The purpose of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, preservation, and improvement of bee genetic material | Phase B: Practical Queen Rearing” is the implementation of a significant number of royal cell graftings by a group of 9 specialized beekeepers who were trained during the first phase of the program. These beekeepers have the ability to demonstrate the process, explain it in detail, and answer questions from participating beekeepers.

The goal is to familiarize a large number of beekeepers with the process of producing high-quality queens. In the coming period, the region will be supported with up to 7,500 quality queen cells. Specifically, each beekeeper participating in the program will receive 30 queen cells free of charge, from selected genetic material, and will learn the queen rearing process step-by-step, guided by experienced queen breeders from their region.

The long-term objective of the program is the mass production of selected genetic material across all the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate goal of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies, through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

In this way, beekeeping in Central Greece will be strengthened, and the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production will be enhanced, as bees are among the most important plant pollinators (over 85% of plants related to agriculture rely on them).

Phase B of the graftings will approximately last from April to September 2025.

Those interested can register for participation here.

For more information and to register, interested individuals may contact Ms. Filippa Griva from the Agricultural University of Athens at +30 6970508200 or via email at [email protected], and Ms. Kalliopi Karaboiki, Capacity Building Manager at “New Agriculture New Generation”, at +30 2106917986 or +30 6972096122, or via email at [email protected].

As part of the program, information events will be held. The first two have been scheduled as follows:

  1. Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Events Hall of the Boeotia Chamber of Commerce (1 Koutsopetalou Ave., Livadia)
    Speakers: Georgios Gkoras (Assistant Professor, Sericulture and Apiculture Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens).
    Arrival time: 18:00

  2. Friday, April 11, 2025 – Cultural Center Hall of Lamia (9-11 Leonidou St., Lamia)
    Speakers: Alexandros Gousiaris (beekeeper, trainer).
    Arrival time: 18:00

Launch of the 6th Edition of the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” Agrifood Business Acceleration Program

Posted on by george

For the 6th consecutive year, the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” agrifood business acceleration program is officially launching. The program is designed for farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, cooperatives, producer groups, and small agrifood businesses aiming to improve existing products or develop new, high-quality, and competitive agrifood products.

Applications for participation in the program will be accepted until April 21st via the website www.agroanelixi.gr.

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

The acceleration program, which will last for six months, will select a total of 12 businesses from across Greece. Among these, four participants will come from Megalopolis and surrounding areas, supported by PPC Group, while three participants will be supported by the Municipality of Agia.

Selected businesses will take part in specialized educational workshops, where they will gain practical business knowledge and guidance for developing innovative and competitive products. They will also receive personalized consulting support from experienced market professionals, tailored to their specific needs, at no financial cost.

So far, the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” program has supported 85 agrifood businesses across Greece, contributing to the development and commercialization of 70 new products in both Greek and international markets. Businesses that have participated in the program become more sustainable and competitive, strengthening local economies and value chains and contributing to the regional development of the country.

The American Farm School and Perrotis College will offer soil and food chemical analysis. Additionally, Specialist Awards will provide free participation in tasting awards for program beneficiaries.

Application Submission

Interested individuals can learn more about eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions of the program and submit their online application at www.agroanelixi.gr.

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