Author: superadmin

Our beneficiaries

Meet Gogo Passa and Nikos Afendras, beneficiaries of the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”.

Based in the heart of Greece, in Northern Evia, Gogo and Nikos have been involved in beekeeping for quite a few years now. In 2023, aiming to evolve their family business and improve both products and processes, they decided to participate in the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, which was implemented for the 4th consecutive year by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”.

Gogo and Nikos made the big decision to change their lives and turn to beekeeping due to their love for nature and specifically for bees. However, unfortunately, after the major wildfires that occurred in the area in 2021, they lost a large part of their beehives, and thus, among other things, sought the contribution and support of the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”.

From Idea to Action

The beekeeping family business “PhaMelaki” was created in 2015 by Gogo and Nikos, who proudly state that they are first-generation beekeepers.

As Gogo aptly puts it, “What drives us and has always driven us is the passion for bees, family, and the environment.”

The family, now a business under the name “PhaMelaki”, manages approximately 200 beehives. Gogo continues, saying, “We practice nomadic beekeeping, collecting honey, polyfloral bee pollen, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly, while following proper beekeeping practices for the production of our products.”

Additionally, at “PhaMelaki,” their goal is to engage with the local community and highlight the importance of bees and pollination to the planet, at every opportunity.

Participation in the “Agroanelixi 2022” accelerator

In 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, “New Agriculture New Generation” implemented the successful program for accelerating agri-food businesses “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, through which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, artisans, cooperatives, and producer groups from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.

Both Gogo and Nikos felt that their participation in the program was able to provide them with many tools, especially after the devastating fires of 2021.

“With the bees that were saved, we continue the tradition of beekeeping, collecting new products from the regenerating forest, while also taking care of the sustainability and welfare of our bees in the new ecosystem. In this effort, the organization has been with us from the beginning,” says Nikos.

Finally, concluding, Gogo adds, “Through our participation in the program, we would like to highlight the unique varieties of honey from our region, create new products and experiences, and be able to share these stories with consumers. This is always our goal.”

Gogo Passa participated in the fourth cycle of the Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future program.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

Implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future are DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our beneficiaries

Who is Argyro Koutsouradi, a beneficiary of the “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future” program of the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”?

Argyro represents a new generation of farmers who, with determination, establish their own organic farm in the field of aromatic plants and herbs. Her enterprise, Myrovolos Organics, is located in Chios and is engaged in the cultivation of 15 different types of aromatic and medicinal plants, successfully combining tradition with modern technology.

From the village of Chalkeios in Chios, Argyro, despite the lack of family connection to agriculture, decided to study Agriculture at the Democritus University of Thrace. There, her contact with aromatic and medicinal plants fascinated her, guiding her towards specializing in this particular field. “For me, the primary sector constitutes a process of rejuvenation of nature and the earth,” she says characteristically.

From idea to action

A family business of aromatic plants in Chios

Argyro’s love for her homeland of Chios, her desire to protect nature and plants, as well as the need to create something in her local community, led her to establish Myrovolos Organics in October 2015. “I started with a few family acres. However, compatriots of mine living abroad or in other cities in Greece believed in my efforts and granted me some of their land. I warmly thank them for this! Their support helped me significantly in the beginning,” she says.

Myrovolos Organics is an innovative unit for the production, processing, and standardization of aromatic plants in Chios. The unique climate and soil of the island, combined with the certified organic practices of the enterprise, produce high-quality herbs with rich flavor and essential oils.

“The aromatic plants we cultivate are varied. Sage, lemon verbena, lavender, thyme, oregano, peppermint, chamomile, and rosemary are some of them. In addition, we produce two extremely popular products, pickles from rock samphire and capers,” says Argyro with joy. These two products seem to be the best-sellers of the enterprise, as they are rare to find in other parts of Greece. “The truth is that I love what I do very much,” concludes Argyro, “as it combines my two great loves, the protection of nature and my homeland, beloved Chios.”

Participation in the “Agroanelixi 2022” accelerator

“New Agriculture New Generation” implemented, for the fourth consecutive year in 2023, the successful program of accelerating agri-food enterprises “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, with the help of which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, craftsmen, cooperatives, and groups of producers from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products, based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.

Having already participated in programs and actions of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, she considers the contribution of the organization to be particularly important for the development of her business as well as for the improvement of her products and processes.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Argyro Koutsouradi from Chios received a very significant distinction this year, as she was declared Farmer of the Year in the EU, ranking first in her category for “the most Resilient Project” in the 9th competition of the European Congress of Young Farmers.

Argyro Koutsouradi participated in the fourth cycle of the Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” program.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mentality in the industry and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” are the companies DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our beneficiaries

Meet Nikos Lionis and Maria Barbouni, beneficiaries of the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”.

A family of first-generation livestock farmers and cheesemakers from Rethymno, Crete, Nikos and Maria have been dedicated to the agriculture sector since 2009.

As their goal has been and remains to strengthen the field and create quality products, in 2023 they decided to participate in the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, which was once again implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”.

From idea to action

The family farm was established in 2009 in the village of Agios Andreas. As Nikos states, “Our dedication to animal husbandry started in 2009 when we founded our farm.” He continues, saying, “There, we mainly raise goats and other domestic animals. In 2020, we created the ‘Family Dairy Farm Lionis’, starting the processing of the milk produced by our animals, producing dairy and cheese products with emphasis on tradition and quality.”

Participation in the “Agroanelixi 2022” accelerator

“New Agriculture New Generation” implemented in 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, the successful program of accelerating agri-food businesses “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, through which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, crafts, cooperatives, and producer groups from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products, based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.

Both Nikos and Maria considered their participation in the program crucial for the evolution of their family business and craft, as well as for improving the produced products.

As they say, “With the support of the organization ‘New Agriculture New Generation and participation in training seminars in Rethymno in 2020 and 2022, as well as through the business acceleration program in the agri-food sector ‘Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future 2023’, we improved the quality of life of our animals.” And they continue, saying, “We chose the suitable breed of goats to diversify our products, while improving the feed of our animals for maximum production of quality milk.”

In addition to the above, Nikos and Maria support that through their participation in the programs and actions of the organization, they managed to properly cost their products and, at the same time, to delve into the idea of agrotourism, making both the farm and their dairy unit visitable.

“We hope that our vision will soon be realized, offering people from all over Greece the opportunity to participate in a unique interactive experience of experiential workshops,” they conclude.

Nikos Lionis and Maria Barbouni participated in the fourth cycle of the program for accelerating agri-food businesses “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future”.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

Implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation” through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” are the companies DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our Beneficiaries

Meet Angeliki Drakou and Kostas Papazoglou from Grizo & Prasino.

The story of Angeliki and Kostas, the couple who cultivate organic herbs in Komotini, began in 2012 when they founded their company, then called “Drogi,” as a side business.

Kostas had worked as an agronomist consultant for organic farming, while Angeliki was a lawyer. However, a personal health challenge Angeliki faced made her reconsider her priorities and focus more on the business. This experience led her to decide to leave the legal profession and fully concentrate on organic farming.

The couple loves nature and the herbs they cultivate. Their vitality and dedication are evident in every detail of their business. Through this story, the power of love and dedication to pursuing one’s dreams and creating a life that reflects one’s true values shines through.

From Idea to Action

In 2017, they changed the name of their business to Grizo & Prasino. This name reflects the impact of their own lives and philosophy. It signifies the stability of changes in seasons and the objectivity in recognizing difficulties and opportunities for improvement. Angeliki emphasizes that they do not seek perfection but instead acknowledge their weaknesses and strive for constant improvement.

Their organic herbs are cultivated outside Komotini, in six acres in the Asomatos area. The herbs are grown with personal care, and the leaves are hand-picked, as are the fruits used in blends, such as quinces, apples, citrus fruits, which are also hand-cut.

“Since 2017, we mix 16 different varieties and package only whole leaves and flowers from them, while bottling the flavor and scents of the Thracian land in beautiful 250ml bottles,” Angeliki says.

Participation in the “AgroAnelixi” accelerator

Both Angeliki and Kostas considered that their participation in the “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future” program, implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation,” would be a step that would help their business evolve and open up new horizons for new products and techniques.

Angeliki mentions that “Through the Agroanelixi Program of the New Agriculture New Generation Organization, we correct our mistakes, improve our products, and redefine our business goals to achieve the best quality of life we desire for ourselves and for everyone who drinks Grizo & Prasino.”

Looking to the Future with Steady Steps: The couple has enriched their range with blends, thematic boxes with small collections, and sampler kits. Their goal is to invest in agritourism through Open Farms, which includes field tours, tastings, calendula picking with visitors, and seed planting.

Their next steps include creating syrups from herbs such as valerian or achillea, which can be used by professionals in restaurants and bars or at home for cooking and desserts.

Angeliki Drakou participated in the fourth cycle of the AgriFood Acceleration Program “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future.”

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” are DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our beneficiaries

Meet Zoe Vratskidi and Agkathas Farm Zoe Vratskidi’s life is an inspired example of the power of change and dedication to achieving goals and dreams. With a rich background in agriculture and a professional career that anyone would envy, Zoe could easily have chosen a stable career as a flight attendant, where she had worked for several years. However, her heart led her elsewhere.

In the midst of the crisis, Zoe found the opportunity to return to the village, to nature, and to rural production. Armed with the necessary agricultural knowledge, she and her husband made the decision to permanently settle in Imathia, specifically in the village of Agkathia, and set up there a farm of traditional products, Agkathas Farm, which is even named after the region.

From idea to action

As a farmer, Zoe exceeded all expectations, demonstrating her passion and dedication to producing high-quality and nutritious products.

Her farm covers 115 acres of land. There, she produces and offers to the market high-nutritional-value traditional and diversified fruit products, enriched with nature’s superfoods, without additives and preservatives, straight from the farm to the pots.

Among other products, she produces peach jam with chia seeds, without sugar & with grape juice, apple jam with 100% cold-pressed hemp oil, without sugar & with grape juice, peach compost in grape juice without sugar, either with vanilla or with mastic from Chios, as well as more premium products such as apple chutney with white Greek truffle and peach chutney with linseed and mustard.

Zoe herself sells these products mainly online, as there is the option of shipping with Box Now, while they come from peach and apple orchards that she maintains herself.

Participation in the “AgroAnelixi” accelerator

Zoe feels that her participation in the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” program, implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”, was a significant step that provided her with valuable tools to help her business evolve.

“AgroAnelixi” served as an accelerator for me. It provided me with knowledge about the new CAP, entrepreneurship in agri-food, food safety, product development, sustainability, marketing, trade, and much more, and it gave me the push I needed to achieve my goals,” she says.

Looking to the future with steady steps Beyond the practical aspect, Zoe found in rural life the inner satisfaction and mental balance she needed. Contact with nature and daily work in the field gave her the strength and energy she needed to achieve her goals.

Through the farm she has created, Zoe proves that love for the land and nature can be transformed into a successful entrepreneurial initiative that combines tradition with innovation, offering high-quality and nutritious food to the local community and beyond.

Zoe Vratskidi participated in the fourth cycle of the AgroAnelixi program – “Farmers of the Future”.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable business efforts.

It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Sponsors of the fourth cycle of AgroInnovation – “Farmers of the Future” are DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.