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Category: Lines of Action

6th TrophyTροφή Meet-Up in Florina

Posted on by panagiotis

The 6th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, titled: “Innovative Technologies for Increasing Productivity in Agriculture,” will take place on Thursday, May 15 at the Auditorium of the School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia – Florina.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation has been organizing TrophyΤροφή since 2019, with the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It has collaborated with most universities, research institutes, multinational companies, and VCs.

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

Program:

Main Topic: Innovative Technologies for Increasing Productivity in Agriculture

17:00–17:15 | Welcome Remarks:
Fokion Papathanasiou, Chair, Department of Agriculture, UoWM
Athanasios Taskas, Deputy Regional Governor of Florina
Valina Rosa, President, Florina Chamber of Commerce
Nikos Tsironis, Business Support Consultant, Florina Chamber of Commerce

17:15–17:25 | Presentation of TrophyΤροφή 2025 & Day’s Agenda

17:25–17:35 | Introductory Talk: Innovative applications for a modern and sustainable agriculture,
Stefanos Testempasis, Assistant Professor, UoWM

17:35–18:05 | 1st Panel Discussion: “The Digital Transformation of Crop Protection and Cultivation”

Participants:
Moderator: Filippos Bantzis, Assistant Professor, UoWM
Dr. Evangelos Karagiannis, Assistant Professor, UoWM
Stefanos Testempasis, Assistant Professor, UoWM
Dr. Giannis Tsakiris, Technical Director, Agrocell
Dimitris Vakamis, Founder, AgroQ

18:05–18:10 | Q&A

18:10–18:20 | Introductory Talk: Green Transition in Agri-food: Improving the Carbon Balance,
Vasileios Ampas, Assistant Professor, UoWM

18:20–18:50 | 2nd Panel Discussion: “Carbon Footprint of Agriculture”

Participants:
Moderator: Vasileios Ampas, Assistant Professor, UoWM
Eleni Kasapidou, Associate Professor, UoWM
Giorgos Galanis, Research Associate, i-BEC
Vasilis Mylonas, Agronomist, Kir-Yianni Estate
Ilias Platis, Market Development Manager, FarmB Digital Agriculture

18:50–18:55 | Q&A

18:55–19:10 | Break

19:15–20:00 | Idea Generation Workshop

20:00–20:30 | Idea Presentations & Closing

5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Kavala

Posted on by panagiotis
The 5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, with the theme: “Digital Transformation and Precision Agriculture”, will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Kavala Chamber of Commerce.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation has been organizing TrophyΤρόφη since 2019, with the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It has collaborated with most universities, research institutions, multinational companies, and VCs.

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

Detailed Program:

Main Theme: Digital Transformation and Precision Agriculture

17:00-17:05 | Opening Remarks:
Stavros Papadopoulos / Akis Karamavros,
Ioannis Paliokas

17:05-17:10 | Welcome Addresses:

  • Maria Michalopoulou, Professor – Member of the Administrative Council, Democritus University of Thrace (D.U.Th.)

  • Theodoros Markopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor of Kavala

  • Souzy Mavrommati, Director, Kavala Chamber of Commerce

17:10-17:15 | Presentation of Trophy-Trofi 2025 & Day’s Program

17:15-17:20 | Presentation of Enterprise Europe Network

17:20–17:30 | 1st Thematic Session (Introductory Presentation):
“Digital Transformation in the Agri-Food Sector”

Giorgos Giordamlis, Chairman of the Board, Prisma Electronics S.A.

17:30–18:00 | 1st Panel Discussion:
Participants:

  • Ioannis Paliokas, Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (Moderator)

  • Kyriakos Panitsidis, Assistant Professor, University of Western Macedonia

  • Giorgos Giordamlis, Chairman of the Board, Prisma Electronics S.A.

  • Eugenia Filosoglou, President of the Philippi Trade Association

  • Dimitrios Kourtides, Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace

  • Georgios Papakostas, Professor – Head of the Department of Informatics, Democritus University of Thrace

18:00–18:05 | Q&A

18:05–18:15 | 2nd Thematic Session (Introductory Presentation):
“Precision Agriculture Technologies”

  • Ioannis Kostavellis, Assistant Professor, International Hellenic University (Moderator)

  • Despina Bloukou, Public Health Expert & Forester M.Sc. – Drone Operator, Bloukos General Disinfection

  • Ilias Platis, Market Development Manager, FarmB Digital Agriculture S.A.

  • Dimitris Aidonis, Professor – Chair, Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University

  • Dimitrios Kolovos, Finance Operations Manager, Bluechain Tech

18:45-19:00 | Break

19:00-19:45 | Idea Generation Workshop

19:45-20:15 | Idea Presentations

20:15-20:30 | Voting, Awards & Closing

4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Thessaloniki

Posted on by panagiotis

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

New Agriculture New Generation has been organizing TrophyΤροφή since 2019, with founding support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Over the years, it has collaborated with leading universities, research institutions, multinational companies, and VCs.

The 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up is co-organized with the American Farm School, Perrotis College, and the American College of Thessaloniki, and is held under the auspices of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TCCI) and the Region of Central Macedonia. The Meet-Up is sponsored by DS Smith.

Main Theme: “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Eliminating Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging”

17:00-17:15 | Welcome Remarks:

  • Nikos Tzollas, Deputy Regional Governor for Digital Governance, Region of Central Macedonia

  • Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou, Dean, Perrotis College

  • Panagiotis Menexopoulos, General Secretary of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH) – CEO, Afoi Menexopouloi SA

17:15-17:25 | Presentation of TrophyTrofi 2025 & Day’s Program

17:25-17:35 | Presentation: “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging”
Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director, DS Smith Hellas

17:35-18:05 | 1st Panel Discussion: “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship”

Participants:

  • Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou, Dean, Perrotis College

  • Nikos Tzollas, Deputy Regional Governor for Digital Governance, Region of Central Macedonia

  • Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director, DS Smith Hellas

Moderator:
Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation

18:05-18:20 | Break

18:20-18:35 | Fireside Chat: “Carbon Farming & Resilient Food Systems”

Speakers:

  • Stella Psarropoulou, Alexandria Innovation Zone

  • Grigoris Chatzikostas, General Partner, Loggerhead Ventures

  • Akis Karamavros, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Associate, New Agriculture New Generation

18:35-19:05 | 2nd Panel Discussion: “Sustainable Food Supply Chains: The Role of Knowledge in Shaping Modern Business Models”

Participants:

  • Dr. Sofia Lalous, Head of Environmental Science Department, Perrotis College

  • Dimos Moutsaras, Head of Supply Chain, Lidl Hellas

  • Panagiotis Menexopoulos, General Secretary of EBETH – CEO, Afoi Menexopouloi SA

Moderator:
Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation

19:05-19:15 | Break

19:15-19:20 | Presentation: “From Business Idea to Action”
Nikolas Chourvouliadis, Director, The Entrepreneurship Hub, ACT – American College of Thessaloniki

19:20-20:00 | Idea Generation Workshop

20:00-20:30 | Idea Presentations & Closing

Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product – Knowledge transfer and innovation network in Chios

Posted on by superadmin

The program follows the successful action “Mastic Trees: Modern Techniques of Propagation and Cultivation”, implemented from October 2021 to May 2023 in Chios. This program aims to create the first organized network for knowledge and innovation transfer for mastic cultivation on the island of Chios, from producer to producer (peer to peer).

The program is divided into two implementation phases:

  1. The first phase involves selecting 20 mastic producers from the 24 Mastic Villages of Chios who already have relevant experience in cultivation. These selected producers will be trained to educate other producers in their area through seminars and workshops. The selected producers will serve as reference points in their region.
  2. In the second phase, all interested mastic producers in Chios can participate in receiving knowledge about mastic cultivation from the trained producers of the first phase. This phase involves knowledge exchange and problem-solving facilitated by the New Agriculture New Generation, the Chios Mastic Growers Association and the Laboratory of Floriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The program aims to enhance mastic cultivation techniques and create a sustainable network of knowledge transfer among mastic producers in Chios. It is co-funded by the New Agriculture New Generation and the Chios Mastic Growers Association and supported by The Hellenic Initiative. Founding Donor of New Agriculture New Generation is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

Target Audience

  • Participants in the first phase: Mastic producers aged 18-45 (or 46-55 if necessary), members of the primary cooperatives of the Chios Mastic Growers Association, willing to participate in the training program and transfer their knowledge to other producers in their region.
  • Participants in the second phase: All interested mastic producers in Chios.

Program of Studies

The program includes topics such as propagation of mastic trees, fertilization, biodiversity, pest control, harvesting techniques, and integrated mastic cultivation practices.

3rd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Katerini

Posted on by panagiotis

The third TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, themed “Smart and Sustainable Food Supply Chains,” will take place on Thursday, March 27, at the Main Auditorium of the Department of Supply Chain Management at DI.PA.E. in Katerini. The organization “New Agriculture New Generation” has been organizing TrophyΤροφή since 2019, with the founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It has collaborated with most universities, research institutions, multinational companies, and VCs.

The 3rd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up is implemented in collaboration with the Department of Supply Chain Management (Katerini) – DI.PA.E and is held under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia.

Program of the 3rd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up

17:00-17:05 | Welcome Remarks

-Dimitrios Triantafyllou, Professor, DI.PA.E.

-Maria Tsakiri, Business Advisory Support Officer, E.V.E.TH. – CMO Tsakiris Family

17:05-17:10 | Presentation: TrophyΤροφή 2025 & Day’s Program

17:10-17:20 | Presentation: Dimitrios Palantzián, Department of Technology Transfer & Innovation, DI.PA.E.

17:20-17:30 | Presentation: Ilias Georgakoudis, Scientific Collaborator, DI.PA.E.

17:30-18:00 | 1st Panel Discussion: “Innovation in Food Standardization and Packaging”

-Dimitrios Folinas, Professor, DI.PA.E.

-Ioannis Kostavelis, Associate Professor, DI.PA.E.

-Company Representative (TBC)

Moderator: Dimitrios Triantafyllou, Professor, DI.PA.E.

18:00-18:10 | Fireside Chat

-Anastasia Bomba, Central Wholesale Market of Thessaloniki

-Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation

18:10-18:20| Break

18:20-18:30 | Presentation: Naoum Tsolakis, Associate Professor, DI.PA.E.

18:30-19:00 | 2nd Panel Discussion: “Reverse Supply Chains for the Utilization of Food By-products”

-Evangelos Lioutas, Associate Professor, DI.PA.E.

-Panagiotis Karagiannakis, Associate Professor, DI.PA.E.

-Antonis Amanios, CEO, Joice Foods

Moderator: Naoum Tsolakis, Associate Professor, DI.PA.E.

19:00-19:50 | Idea Generation Workshop

19:50-20:30 | Idea Presentations & Closing

2nd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Athens

Posted on by panagiotis

The second TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, with the main theme: “Sustainable Food Systems – From Production to Consumption and Waste Utilization,” will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Agricultural University of Athens. The organization New Agriculture New Generation has been organizing the TrophyΤροφή since 2019, with the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It has collaborated with most universities, research institutions, multinational companies, and VCs.

It is organized in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens and supported by the Goodys – Everest Group of Companies.

Program of the 2nd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up:

17:00-17:05 | Remarks

17:05-17:10 | Presentation of TrophyTrophy 2025 & Day Program

17:10-17:40 | Panel Discussion: “Reducing Food Waste Across the Entire Supply Chain”
Participants:

• Ryneta Mitsi, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director, Goody’s-Everest Group
• Konstantia-Aikaterini Lazaridi, Professor, Harokopio University
• Moderator: Dia Chorafa, “Alliance for the Reduction of Food Waste”

17:40-17:55 | Fireside Chat: “Circular Economy and the Use of By-products”
Participants:

• Alexis Pantziaros, CEO & Co-founder, Coffeeco Upcycle
• Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship Development Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation

17:55-18:10 | Break

18:10-18:25 | Fireside Chat: “Enhancing Innovation in Agri-food and Supporting Entrepreneurship”
Participants:

• Konstantinos Mountzouris, Professor, Director of the Physiology, Nutrition & Dietetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Production Science and CEO of the startup FeedIt
• Katerina Papadouli, Head of Technology Transfer Office, G.P.A.

18:25-19:10 | Idea Generation Workshop

19:10-20:00 | Idea Presentations & Closing

1st TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up in Thessaloniki

Posted on by george

1st Trophy Meet-Up 2025

The first Trophy Meet-Up, titled “Circular Economy in Agri-Food: Utilization of By-Products and Resource Reuse,” will take place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Center for Research Results Dissemination (KE.D.E.A.).

The organization New Agriculture New Generation has been organizing TrophyΤροφή since 2019, collaborating with most universities, research institutions, multinational companies, and VCs.

The event is co-organized with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Interdisciplinary Agri-Food Center of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (KEAGRO), and the Walk AUTh Innovation Accelerator.

It is supported by the Environmental Management Office of the University of Macedonia and is held under the auspices of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH), the Region of Central Macedonia, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki.

Program of the 1st Trophy Meet-Up

16:45-17:10 | Opening Remarks:

  • Charalambos Feidas, Rector, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)
  • Kyriakos Yakinthos, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)
  • Nikolaos Tzolas, Deputy Regional Governor for Digital Governance, Central Macedonia Region (P.K.M.)
  • Maria Tsakiri, Head of Business Advisory Support, Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (E.V.E.T.H.)
  • Effi Theodoraki, Deputy Mayor for Education and Lifelong Learning, Municipality of Thessaloniki

17:10-17:20 | Presentation of TrophyΤροφή 2025 & Daily Program

17:20-17:35 | Presentation of the Virtual Enterprise LoopLab: Experimental High School of UOM – Periklis Chatzinakos, Head of the Environmental Management Office, UOM

17:35-17:40 | Presentation of KEAGRO-AUTh: Ourania Menkisoglou-Spyroudi, Emeritus Professor of AUTh, President of KEAGRO-AUTh

17:40-17:45 | Presentation of Walk: Nikos Theodorakis, Professor, Scientific Director of Walk

17:45-18:15 | Presentation: Circular Economy in Agri-Food, Thomas Kotsopoulos, Professor at AUTh, President of the Department of Agriculture

Participants:

  • Aikaterini Karamanoli, Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)
  • Ioannis Yantsis, Associate Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)
  • Anthoula Karanasiou, Scientific Collaborator, IDEP – CERTH
  • Stefanos Kamperis, CEO, Staramaki

Moderator: Akis Karamavros, Entrepreneurship Development Associate, New Agriculture New Generation

18:45-19:15 | 2nd Panel Discussion: “Sustainable Resource Management in Food Processing – Trends and Challenges”

Participants:

  • Athanasia Goula, Professor AUTh
  • Thanasis Bletsas, Sustainability Manager, MAKVEL – EURIMAC
  • Ioanna Melikidou, R&D Manager, KONVA
  • Fani Matzouridou, Associate Professor AUTh

Moderator: Ioannis Mourtzinos, Associate Professor AUTh

19:00-19:15 | Break

19:15-19:30 | Presentation: Sustainability in Agri-Food and Entrepreneurship

Gregoris Chatzikostas, General Partner, Loggerhead Ventures

19:30-20:00 | Idea Generation Workshop

20:00-20:30 | Idea Presentations & Closing

AgroAnelixi 2025 – Farmers of the Future

Posted on by superadmin

The program is aimed at farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, cooperatives, producer groups, and small-scale food businesses seeking to improve existing or develop new, high-quality, competitive agrifood products.

The AgrοAnelixi – Farmers of the Future accelerator is implemented by the New Agriculture New Generation organization through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The program operates 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. Of these, four participants will come from Megalopolis and neighboring areas and will receive support from the PPC Group (Public Power Corporation of Greece) and three participants will recieve support from the Municipality of Agia.

Selected businesses will take part in specialized training workshops, where they will gain practical business knowledge and guidance for developing new, differentiated, and competitive products. They will also receive personalized advisory support from experienced market professionals to address their specific needs, all at no financial cost.

So far, the AgrοAnelixi – Farmers of the Future program has supported 85 agrifood businesses across Greece and contributed to the development and launch of 70 new products in both domestic and international markets. Businesses that have benefited from 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 provide chemical analyses of soil and food. Additionally, Specialist Awards will offer free participation in taste awards for program beneficiaries. The sponsor of the on-site visits is TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas.

Social Farming 360: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Agriculture and Social Reintegration

Posted on by superadmin

The organization New Agriculture New Generation is implemented the “Social Farming 360” program, with full support from the Citi Foundation. In close collaboration with the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, and in partnership with ActionAid and Freedom Gate, the program focuses on enhancing food security, developing skills for vulnerable social groups, and promoting the production of social farming products.

Addressing Food Security and Sustainable Farming

Food security is a global challenge, with more than 770 million people suffering from some form of undernourishment. In Greece, the need for sustainable food production is becoming increasingly urgent, especially as agricultural productivity faces significant challenges due to the climate crisis. Social Farming 360 addresses these challenges by supporting sustainable food production in correctional facilities across the country. The program not only promotes sustainability but also offers inmates opportunities for training and employment in agriculture, focusing on olive cultivation, medicinal, and aromatic plants. The project further enhances the expertise of the agronomists working in these facilities.

A Multidimensional, Two-Year Program

With the support of Citi Foundation and in cooperation with the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy, Social Farming 360 is a two-year program that spans multiple layers of intervention. It supports sustainable food production and distribution in four agricultural correctional facilities (Agia Chania, Tiryntha Argolida, Kassavetia Volos, and Kassandra Halkidiki) and two special detention centers (Women’s Detention Facility and Eleonas Thiva Drug Rehabilitation Center). In addition to agricultural training, the program includes the development of soft skills, professional integration, and reintegration through psycho-social education, in collaboration with ActionAid and Freedom Gate.

Transforming Agriculture and Empowering Social Reintegration

Social Farming 360 plays a crucial role in transforming agricultural practices within correctional institutions, providing practical skills to inmates, and actively supporting their reintegration into society. At the same time, it ensures food security within the detention centers and the local communities surrounding them.

Global Support for Local Impact

New Agriculture New Generation is one of 50 organizations worldwide to receive $500,000 donations from the Citi Foundation as part of its first Global Innovation Challenge. This initiative focuses on four critical areas: access to food, food availability, affordability, and community resilience. The Global Innovation Challenge represents a $25 million philanthropic effort to identify and support innovative solutions to social and economic challenges faced by low-income communities worldwide.

They said about the program

  • Aimilios Kyriakou, CEO of Citi Greece, Cyprus, Malta:
    “Safe, healthy, and nutritious food in sufficient quantities is fundamental for everyone’s well-being. It requires constant effort and cooperation at all levels to achieve this goal. The new Citi Foundation initiative, ‘Global Innovation Challenge – Food Security,’ aims to contribute to solving this global issue. We wish great success to the Social Farming 360 program and our volunteers who are eager to support.”
  • Effie Lazaridou, CEO New Agriculture New Generation:
    “We are proud to contribute to the transformation of agricultural activities in correctional facilities and actively support the reintegration of inmates and food security in detention centers and their surrounding communities. The trust of Citi Foundation honors us and motivates us to work even harder in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy towards sustainable food production, especially as the climate crisis significantly affects agricultural productivity.”
  • Dimitra Lygoura, General Secretary for Anti-Crime Policy:
    “The Social Farming 360 program is a valuable opportunity for the reintegration of vulnerable groups into society and for creating a more sustainable and inclusive environment. I congratulate the New Agriculture New Generation organization and Citi Foundation for this initiative, and I am confident that this collaboration will yield positive results on multiple levels.”
  • Makis Drakopoulos, Director of Programs and Institutional Funding at ActionAid:
    “Through this program, based on ActionAid’s expertise in the labor integration of people at risk of social exclusion, we aim to help inmates develop their skills and gain the confidence needed for successful professional reintegration.”
  • Tina Annett Torronen, President of Freedom Gate:
    “With years of experience in implementing psycho-social support programs in correctional facilities, Freedom Gate is proud to contribute to the success of the program by enhancing inmates’ psycho-social framework and reintegration prospects.”

LEARN MORE

You can view the program’s fact sheet [here].

You can read the Press Release from the Ministry of Citizen Protection [here in Greek].

Voices from the field, a feature by Citi Foundation on the program.

Promoting Small-Scale Aquaculture Sustainability in Southeast Mediterranean

Posted on by superadmin

The “Promoting Small-Scale Aquaculture Sustainability in Southeast Mediterranean” program was successfully completed with the goal of enhancing sustainability and business development for small-scale aquaculture in the wider Southeast Mediterranean region. Through a comprehensive educational framework, the program aimed to support and empower producers from five countries: Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. The participants were selected through an international competition and had the opportunity to engage in a series of educational activities combining theory with practical application.

The training program included an intensive ten-day workshop held in Greece, where participants were trained on key topics such as innovation, business development, technological trends, and sustainability. By attending educational seminars and visiting model aquaculture units, participants gained new knowledge and skills to improve their businesses. The program also provided 100 hours of personalized consulting from industry experts to ensure the practical implementation of these skills and foster the sustainable development of their enterprises.

The inaugural event for the program was held at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, attracting international attention from the aquaculture sector. The event was opened by prominent figures, including Maria Damanaki, former European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Houssam Hamza from the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and Effie Lazaridou, CEO, NANG.

The speakers emphasized the vital role of small-scale aquaculture in the Mediterranean diet, food security, and environmental footprint reduction. They also highlighted the need for support and modernization in the sector through new technologies and sustainability practices, enabling small businesses to remain competitive in an evolving market.

The program not only contributed to skills development but also strengthened collaborations between research institutions, professionals, and international organizations. Greece’s selection as the central hub for implementing this important initiative underscores the country’s leading role in aquaculture and the promotion of sustainable food production from aquatic ecosystems.

Detailed Benefits

Its goal was to strengthen the sustainable development of small-scale aquaculture producers in the southeastern Mediterranean — namely in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.

More specifically:

  • The participants were selected through an open call based on sustainability criteria.

  • They received training in entrepreneurship, marketing and management.

  • They attended intensive workshops and seminars in Greece on:

    • strategy, innovation and sustainability,

    • technological trends, marketing and sales.

  • They participated in field visits to Greek aquaculture farms, hydroponic units and research laboratories, in order to become familiar with Greek expertise in the sector.

  • They will also receive tailor-made coaching in their home countries to apply what they have learned.

Programme Benefits

For the participants

  • Development of skills in entrepreneurship, management and marketing.

  • Exchange of experiences and best practices with other Mediterranean producers.

  • Exposure to Greek know-how in innovative and sustainable aquaculture.

  • Incentives for new investments, such as:

    • creation of recirculating aquaculture systems,

    • cultivation of new species (e.g. red seabream),

    • development of products such as spirulina and algae,

    • expansion into international markets.

  • Strengthening of collaborations and creation of a regional professional network.

For the sector and the region

  • Reinforcement of sustainable small-scale aquaculture as part of Mediterranean heritage.

  • Contribution to the GFCM 2030 Strategy and the FAO Blue Transformation vision.

  • Support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to:

    • food security and the production of high-protein foods,

    • job creation,

    • income diversification and the empowerment of women.

Watch the programme’s summary video.

Article from FAO

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