Free, certified training in green skills for young people in the agrifood sector

The first 60 young participants have already completed the courses of the first training cycle. Are you ready to join the second cycle and enter the world of green skills?

New Agriculture New Generation announces the opening of applications for the Green Skills Training – 2nd Cycle, the first open training activity of the BE Future READY programme (Bridge to Employment: Future READY). Implemented by New Agriculture New Generation in partnership with ActionAid and with the support of the Citi Foundation, the programme aims to serve as a meaningful bridge to sustainable employment for more than 500 young people across Greece.

The Green Skills Training programme

The programme consists of four training cycles, each lasting 60 hours, with the aim of engaging a total of 240 participants. Training is provided entirely free of charge and leads to certification by ACTA.

The programme runs from July 2026 to December 2027. All courses are delivered online through CULTIVATE, the learning platform of New Agriculture New Generation.

Programme curriculum

The course modules have been carefully designed by drawing on New Agriculture New Generation’s extensive experience in delivering training programmes and business acceleration initiatives in the agrifood sector. The curriculum was also informed by a dedicated survey of prospective beneficiaries, which helped identify the topics that matter most to them.

The thematic modules include:

• Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture

• Sustainable Business Models: Marketing and Business Model Canvas

• Water Management and Efficient Resource Use

• Climate Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change

• Renewable Energy Sources and Sustainability

• Organic Farming

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection

• Sustainable Consumer Choices in Food Systems

• Carbon Farming

• Introduction to Circularity in Agriculture

• Green Technologies and Digitalisation

• Green Certifications, Traceability and ESG in the Agrifood Sector

The training material has been developed by experienced and specialised agronomists and trainers from New Agriculture New Generation. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the sector, sustainable practices and modern technologies.

Who can apply?

The programme is aimed at young people aged 15–24 who want to develop skills or strengthen their professional readiness for the agrifood sector.

Priority will be given to:

• Unemployed and underemployed young people

• Young people from rural and semi-urban areas

• Women in the agrifood sector

• Young people from low-income households

• Young people with a migrant or refugee background

Why participate?

The green transition is creating new skills needs and employment opportunities. Businesses are increasingly looking for young professionals who understand sustainability, organic farming, carbon farming and new technologies.

Through Green Skills Training, you can:

• Gain free, certified knowledge

• Strengthen your CV

• Learn online with full flexibility

• Become part of a network of more than 500 young people

• Take a meaningful step towards the agrifood sector and real employment opportunities

How to apply

Applications are open from 22 September until the first 60 applications are received, on a first-come, first-served basis, or no later than 25 October 2026.

If applications for the current cycle exceed 60, additional eligible applicants will be able to attend the courses in a subsequent cycle, which will open early next year (2027).

Apply now via the APPLICATION FORM.

For detailed information, announcements and FAQs, visit www.befutureready.gr.

Efi Lazaridou, Chief Executive Officer of New Agriculture New Generation, spoke to Naftemporiki TV – IN BUSINESS about the social impact, methodology and results of the Social Farming 360 programme.

The interview highlighted the role of social farming as a tool for education, empowerment and support for the reintegration of people living in agricultural correctional facilities. The programme was completed in June 2026 after two years of implementation, combining agricultural training, employment support and psychosocial care.

The programme’s starting point

Asked what Social Farming 360 is, when it began and what its core objective was, Ms Lazaridou explained that it was a holistic social farming initiative implemented in facilities with agricultural production.

As she noted:

“It was an effort to transform agricultural production within agricultural correctional facilities. In essence, it is an effort to support people’s reintegration into society on the next day, once they have completed their sentence.”

The intervention focused on helping participants acquire knowledge and practical skills related to agriculture and food production, while also providing support on employment and mental-health-related issues. The programme was selected for funding by Citi Foundation through an international call and was implemented between 2024 and 2026.

Agriculture, employment and reintegration

The discussion placed particular emphasis on the importance of supporting people who often remain invisible to society, as well as on the potential to link reintegration with a sector that needs human resources.

When asked how this type of training can meaningfully contribute to participants’ next steps, Ms Lazaridou underlined:

“We do not only give attention to people who are often invisible inside prisons; we also give them the tools to reintegrate. At the same time, these are people who can become active in the agricultural sector, a sector that needs workforce.”

As she explained, social farming can serve as a setting for socialisation, skills development and the creation of genuine employment prospects for vulnerable social groups.

The scale of the initiative

Asked about the number of facilities and participants involved, Efi Lazaridou stated that the programme reached a total of six facilities with agricultural production: four agricultural correctional facilities and two closed facilities.

Participation was voluntary, and engagement was particularly positive. More than 1,000 participants received training in agriculture and food-production topics, while more than 300 people received psychosocial and employment support.

The training covered contemporary agricultural practices, with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable and regenerative approaches. Activities included the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, such as oregano and thyme, the development of vegetable gardens, and plant propagation.

“It was important to transfer knowledge to participants on new practices that relate to regenerative agriculture and more environmentally sustainable approaches,” Ms Lazaridou noted.

A collaboration with meaningful impact

The implementation of Social Farming 360 was based on the collaboration of public and social-sector organisations. New Agriculture New Generation was responsible for agricultural training; ActionAid Hellas supported the employment empowerment component; and Pyles Eleftherias provided psychosocial support services.

The contribution of the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the management teams of the facilities, and the agronomists and staff working in them was also crucial.

The interview also referred to the programme’s short documentary, in which participants share personal experiences of taking part in the initiative. Ms Lazaridou stressed that the testimonies were recorded authentically, without intervention in the content of those who chose to speak.

When asked about what might follow after the programme’s completion, Efi Lazaridou expressed her hope that the experience of Social Farming 360 could serve as a foundation for the continuation and expansion of similar initiatives.

“It would be highly desirable to see an initiative like this—one that has been designed, implemented, measured and proven useful—embraced by the State and applied in other facilities as a practice with continuity.”

Agricultural training, psychosocial support and career guidance are, as she explained, crucial components in supporting reintegration and creating new prospects.

“We are talking about skills, psychological support and employment support. These give people the opportunity to dream and hope for a different future.”

Learn more about the programme’s social impact and watch the documentary, featuring testimonials from programme beneficiaries.

Watch the full interview on the organisation’s YouTube channel.

When scientific knowledge and long-standing academic experience are accompanied by a genuine interest in people and in the future of the agrifood sector, a message can carry particular weight.

With this perspective, Professor Robert M. Goodman, University Professor and Executive Dean Emeritus at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, addressed the graduates of the Agrifood Leadership Programme 2025–2026 of New Agriculture New Generation at the programme’s closing event in the summer of 2026.

His active involvement in the collaboration between Rutgers University and New Agriculture New Generation, combined with his significant academic, scientific and leadership experience, gave particular value to his message. As a University Professor and Executive Dean Emeritus, Professor Goodman brings a perspective that connects scientific research, education, innovation and the real needs of agrifood communities.

As he noted, agriculture should not be viewed as a collection of separate activities. Food production, nutrition, culinary traditions and rural landscapes are interconnected parts of a broader ecosystem—one that supports jobs, decent livelihoods, resilience and a significant share of Greece’s economic and cultural wealth.

The ambition of the Agrifood Leadership Programme goes beyond preparing better farmers, processors, financiers, manufacturers, marketing professionals or export managers. Its goal is to cultivate leaders who can understand systems, connect people and sectors, and recognise the opportunities that emerge through collaboration.

To illustrate this ecosystem-based approach, Professor Goodman referred to the development of new disease-resistant hazelnut varieties, which enabled the sustainable revival of hazelnut cultivation in New Jersey through the coordinated contribution of many disciplines and professionals across the sector.

In closing, he encouraged graduates to look beyond individual roles and conventional solutions. By remaining open to unexpected partnerships, often-overlooked resources and new forms of value, they can help build a more resilient, innovative and interconnected agrifood ecosystem in Greece.

As Professor Goodman concludes:

“Don’t be so focused on what you are looking for that you fail to see what you have found.”

Watch his full message.

The Agrifood Leadership Programme of New Agriculture New Generation was developed under the scientific guidance of Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA.

Applications for the new Agrifood Leadership 2026–2027 cycle are open until 20 September 2026.

Learn more about the programme and submit your application.

Applications for the pioneering leadership-development programme for agrifood professionals, implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, will remain open until 20 September. Agrifood Leadership combines theoretical training on contemporary topics with experiential learning focused on the agrifood production ecosystem.

For the first time, the programme has received EIT Food accreditation. At the same time, the new Alumni Community is being launched, activating a vibrant network of programme graduates.

The new programme cycle will run from November 2026 to June 2027.

The programme is aimed at people who wish to strengthen their knowledge and skills, broaden their professional horizons, and develop modern leadership tools to address the challenges of the agrifood sector. Through a comprehensive learning experience, participants engage with executives, businesses and organisations helping shape the future of the sector.

Agrifood Leadership includes a series of experiential three-day educational study visits to different regions of Greece and Brussels, as well as online training sessions, offering more than 120 hours of learning, workshops and networking activities in total. Participants will have the opportunity to visit decision-making centres, businesses and organisations within the agrifood ecosystem; take part in leadership role-play exercises; and connect with a dynamic network of professionals in Greece and abroad.

The learning experience is designed around experiential learning, collaborative work and practical application, enabling participants to immediately use the tools and skills they acquire.

The programme is being successfully implemented for the fourth consecutive year, under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and with the support of leading companies in the sector. This year, for the first time, the programme has received accreditation from the leading European organisation EIT Food, as well as support from GROW.

The programme is supported by Lidl, PINDOS, the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, BIOSOLIDS, and the Cooperative Consortium of Producers of Imathia Prefecture as Educational Activities Sponsors. The Hellenic Food Industries Association (SEVT) participates as a collaborating organisation.

Programme graduates now form an active alumni community that collaborates, shares good practices and co-creates initiatives with a positive impact on the Greek agrifood sector, further strengthening the programme’s value and momentum.

Through the Alumni Community, activities are implemented to support members’ continuous development, networking and professional advancement, with the participation of distinguished executives and businesses. In this context, in 2027 a masterclass will be delivered by Theodoros Matakiadis, Head of Global Disruptive Innovation Portfolio at Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seeds. In addition, Deloitte specialists will provide tailored advisory support to up to five entrepreneurs/businesses from the alumni community, based on their specific needs and stage of development.

Those wishing to participate in the new Agrifood Leadership cycle and become part of a dynamic community of agrifood professionals may submit their application until 20 September.

Applications are submitted online through the programme website: https://agrifoodleadership.newagri.org.

Places are limited, and the final selection of participants will be made following an assessment and interview process. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early for the opportunity to secure a place in a programme that combines an international outlook, high-quality training and European quality accreditation.

For more information about Agrifood Leadership and the new programme cycle, interested parties may visit https://agrifoodleadership.newagri.org/ or contact the Programme Manager, Michalis Karagiannis, at [email protected].

Watch a short video on the programme’s history.

Job Description

We are looking for an Associate for our Athens office to join the Development department and actively contribute to the development of strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives that make a difference.

If you’re someone with excellent communication skills, an outgoing personality, creative thinking, and a passion for networking, then you might be the person we’re looking for.

In this role, you will:

✨ Develop and strengthen relationships with companies, nonprofit organizations, donors, and strategic partners.

✨ Seek out new funding and growth opportunities.

✨ Participate in drafting and preparing proposals that support the organization’s work and goals.

✨ You’ll collaborate with the Communications department on initiatives related to corporate partnerships and projects of mutual interest.

If you’re inspired to build relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to a project with a meaningful social impact, we’d love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with existing and potential funders, companies, and partners
• Identify and approach new potential funders with the goal of expanding the network of partners in Greece and abroad
• Participating in meetings, presentations, events, and networking activities to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Preparation of funding proposals, presentations, and informational materials in Greek and English
• Identify funding opportunities from companies, non-profit organizations, and European or international programs
• Maintain regular communication and follow-up with funders and partners, and support donor engagement and stewardship activities
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of fundraising and crowdfunding campaigns
• Collaborate with various teams within the organization to prepare new funding proposals.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department to create written materials and presentations and to support the organization’s events

Candidate Profile

• 1–2 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, business development or a related role.
• Ability to identify new opportunities, an outgoing personality, and comfort in actively approaching and building relationships with potential donors and partners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in giving presentations and strong written and verbal communication skills in Greek and English
• Creativity in developing new campaigns and partnerships.
• Initiative, consistency, and organizational skills, with the ability to follow up effectively
• Team spirit and willingness to collaborate with different groups and subjects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing/Communication, Economics, International/European Studies, or a related field.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with corporate partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and/or European funding programs.
• Comfort in using digital tools and platforms for fundraising, crowdfunding, presentations and project management (e.g. Canva, Monday).
• Interest in the sectors of agri-food, entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact.

Provided

• Private health insurance.
• Possibility of working remotely.
• Competitive salary package with yearly gross salary ranging from €19.000 to €22.000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Additional benefits related to the nature of the position.
• Opportunities for professional development, networking and acquiring new knowledge.
• Structured, collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Participation in an organization with a significant social and developmental footprint.

Note: The selected candidate must be available to start work immediately.

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs and a cover letter by 15/9/2026 to the following e-mails:

[email protected]

[email protected]

The Organization may complete the selection process before the application deadline if the suitable candidate is identified.

The alumni community shaping the future of agrifood