Νέα Γεωργία Νέα Γενιά

The grafting of queen cells 2026 is set to begin | Phase B of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, Conservation and Improvement of Honey Bee Genetic Material | Queen Rearing in Practice.”

The program aims at the practical application of queen rearing techniques and the preservation of the valuable endemic genetic material of honey bees.

Within the framework of the initiative, nine trained queen rearers will carry out queen cell grafting at the apiaries of participating beekeepers, presenting the process in detail and offering on-site guidance and hands-on support to address questions. Each participating beekeeper will have the opportunity to receive up to 30 queen cells free of charge, sourced from selected genetic material, and to become familiar—step by step—with the queen rearing process alongside trained local queen rearers.

The program is implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis and is addressed to beekeepers in Central Greece, excluding Evia. Participants are offered specialized field-based training and free queen cells derived from the genetic material of the beneficiary beekeeper.

The grafting activities of the program will take place from February to May 2026, and participation is free of charge.
The program’s core objective is to strengthen biodiversity and support beekeeping in Central Greece through the improvement and conservation of local genetic material, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the resilience of bee colonies.

The primary goal of the program is to reinforce beekeeping in Central Greece and enhance the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production, as bees are among the most important pollinators of plants.

At the same time, the long-term objective of the initiative is the large-scale production of selected genetic material across the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate aim of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

The program is co-funded by Nea Georgia Nea Genia, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.
The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and is implemented in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific supervision of the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture.

Learn more about the program and submit your application via the following link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/10620/

Myths & Facts about Water in Agriculture

The importance of water in modern agriculture

On the occasion of World Water Day, the importance of one of the most critical natural resources for the future of the agri-food sector is brought to the forefront: water.

Agriculture is one of the key sectors where the efficient management of water resources can significantly contribute to the sustainability of production. At the same time, misconceptions around water use in agriculture continue to persist, often not reflecting today’s reality.

Modern practices and sustainable management

In practice, modern agricultural practices, the use of data and the integration of technological tools enable more precise and efficient use of water. Solutions such as drip irrigation, field sensors and monitoring systems help reduce water consumption, while protecting soil quality and enhancing productivity.

The transition to a more efficient and sustainable agri-food model is no longer a future goal, but a process already underway. Understanding the real data and adopting modern practices are key conditions for the responsible management of water in agriculture.

Every drop counts.

Efi Lazaridou Addresses the Interparty Parliamentary Committee on Strengthening Greece’s Primary Sector

March 4, 2026 – Address to the Interparty Parliamentary Committee

On March 4, 2026, a session of the Interparty Parliamentary Committee was held with the objective of examining key challenges and formulating proposals to strengthen the primary sector in light of contemporary challenges and international developments.

During the session, Efi Lazaridou, CEO of New Agriculture New Generation, delivered a statement focusing on agricultural education as a key pillar for sustainable rural development.

The Role of Agricultural Education Today

As highlighted in the address, agricultural knowledge today extends far beyond production. It encompasses entrepreneurship, technology adoption, sustainable practices, regulatory compliance, collaboration, and risk management.

At the same time, a significant gap in agricultural education in Greece continues to act as a barrier to modernization and competitiveness. Indicatively, 9 out of 10 farm managers lack formal agricultural training, while even among younger generations, the percentage of those with comprehensive agricultural education remains extremely low.

Three Key Areas of Intervention

The address focused on three core areas of intervention considered essential for strengthening the sector:

Knowledge transfer networks and farmer-to-farmer learning

Particular emphasis was placed on Demonstration Farm Networks and farmer-to-farmer learning as effective mechanisms for disseminating practical knowledge at scale.

Although these tools are already included in Greece’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, they have yet to be fully implemented at the national level. At the same time, New Agriculture New Generation is already applying these methodologies through pilot initiatives with measurable impact.

Strengthening processing and cottage industry activity

The address also highlighted the need to support producers in developing processing and cottage industry activities through:

  • lifelong learning initiatives
  • tailored advisory services
  • stronger connections with markets and specialized professionals

A key priority identified is the establishment of a comprehensive support mechanism—a “one-stop shop”—to guide producers from concept to market.

Developing leadership skills in the agri-food sector

Special emphasis was placed on the need to cultivate leadership skills among agri-food professionals.

The goal is to foster a new generation of producers who:

  • combine knowledge with practical skills
  • understand the sector at both micro and macro levels
  • drive innovation and collaboration
  • actively contribute to the transformation of the sector

In this context, strengthening soft skills, networking, and access to high-level institutional and business environments is considered essential.

The Four Proposals

The four proposals presented during the intervention are as follows:

First – National skills targets: Establish modern, measurable targets based on real socio-economic impact rather than simple participation in programs, with consistent annual monitoring.

Second – Immediate implementation of AKIS provisions: Activate Demonstration Farm Networks and farmer-to-farmer learning networks across the country, with regional specialization based on local production priorities.

Third – Creation of a one-stop shop support system: Provide structured advisory and guidance services for producers entering processing and cottage industry, ensuring access to business knowledge and tailored consulting.

Fourth – Ambitious collective initiatives and leadership development programs: Strengthen professionals who can assume leadership roles in the agricultural sector through high-impact training and networking initiatives.

Concluding Remarks

As emphasized in the address, agri-food is a matter of national importance, as it directly relates to food production, rural sustainability, and regional cohesion.

New Agriculture New Generation remains committed to contributing actively to this national effort through applied education, knowledge transfer networks, and the strengthening of agri-food entrepreneurship across Greece.

The grafting of queen cells 2026 is set to begin | Phase B of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, Conservation and Improvement of Honey Bee Genetic Material | Queen Rearing in Practice.”

The program aims at the practical application of queen rearing techniques and the preservation of the valuable endemic genetic material of honey bees.

Within the framework of the initiative, nine trained queen rearers will carry out queen cell grafting at the apiaries of participating beekeepers, presenting the process in detail and offering on-site guidance and hands-on support to address questions. Each participating beekeeper will have the opportunity to receive up to 30 queen cells free of charge, sourced from selected genetic material, and to become familiar—step by step—with the queen rearing process alongside trained local queen rearers.

The program is implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis and is addressed to beekeepers in Central Greece, excluding Evia. Participants are offered specialized field-based training and free queen cells derived from the genetic material of the beneficiary beekeeper.

The grafting activities of the program will take place from February to May 2026, and participation is free of charge.
The program’s core objective is to strengthen biodiversity and support beekeeping in Central Greece through the improvement and conservation of local genetic material, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the resilience of bee colonies.

The primary goal of the program is to reinforce beekeeping in Central Greece and enhance the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production, as bees are among the most important pollinators of plants.

At the same time, the long-term objective of the initiative is the large-scale production of selected genetic material across the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate aim of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

The program is co-funded by Nea Georgia Nea Genia, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.
The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and is implemented in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific supervision of the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture.

Learn more about the program and submit your application via the following link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/10620/

The grafting of queen cells 2026 is set to begin | Phase B of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, Conservation and Improvement of Honey Bee Genetic Material | Queen Rearing in Practice.”

The program aims at the practical application of queen rearing techniques and the preservation of the valuable endemic genetic material of honey bees.

Within the framework of the initiative, nine trained queen rearers will carry out queen cell grafting at the apiaries of participating beekeepers, presenting the process in detail and offering on-site guidance and hands-on support to address questions. Each participating beekeeper will have the opportunity to receive up to 30 queen cells free of charge, sourced from selected genetic material, and to become familiar—step by step—with the queen rearing process alongside trained local queen rearers.

The program is implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis and is addressed to beekeepers in Central Greece, excluding Evia. Participants are offered specialized field-based training and free queen cells derived from the genetic material of the beneficiary beekeeper.

The grafting activities of the program will take place from February to May 2026, and participation is free of charge.
The program’s core objective is to strengthen biodiversity and support beekeeping in Central Greece through the improvement and conservation of local genetic material, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the resilience of bee colonies.

The primary goal of the program is to reinforce beekeeping in Central Greece and enhance the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production, as bees are among the most important pollinators of plants.

At the same time, the long-term objective of the initiative is the large-scale production of selected genetic material across the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate aim of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

The program is co-funded by Nea Georgia Nea Genia, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.
The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and is implemented in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific supervision of the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture.

Learn more about the program and submit your application via the following link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/10620/

The grafting of queen cells 2026 is set to begin | Phase B of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, Conservation and Improvement of Honey Bee Genetic Material | Queen Rearing in Practice.”

The program aims at the practical application of queen rearing techniques and the preservation of the valuable endemic genetic material of honey bees.

Within the framework of the initiative, nine trained queen rearers will carry out queen cell grafting at the apiaries of participating beekeepers, presenting the process in detail and offering on-site guidance and hands-on support to address questions. Each participating beekeeper will have the opportunity to receive up to 30 queen cells free of charge, sourced from selected genetic material, and to become familiar—step by step—with the queen rearing process alongside trained local queen rearers.

The program is implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis and is addressed to beekeepers in Central Greece, excluding Evia. Participants are offered specialized field-based training and free queen cells derived from the genetic material of the beneficiary beekeeper.

The grafting activities of the program will take place from February to May 2026, and participation is free of charge.
The program’s core objective is to strengthen biodiversity and support beekeeping in Central Greece through the improvement and conservation of local genetic material, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the resilience of bee colonies.

The primary goal of the program is to reinforce beekeeping in Central Greece and enhance the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production, as bees are among the most important pollinators of plants.

At the same time, the long-term objective of the initiative is the large-scale production of selected genetic material across the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate aim of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

The program is co-funded by Nea Georgia Nea Genia, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.
The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and is implemented in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific supervision of the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture.

Learn more about the program and submit your application via the following link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/10620/

The grafting of queen cells 2026 is set to begin | Phase B of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, Conservation and Improvement of Honey Bee Genetic Material | Queen Rearing in Practice.”

The program aims at the practical application of queen rearing techniques and the preservation of the valuable endemic genetic material of honey bees.

Within the framework of the initiative, nine trained queen rearers will carry out queen cell grafting at the apiaries of participating beekeepers, presenting the process in detail and offering on-site guidance and hands-on support to address questions. Each participating beekeeper will have the opportunity to receive up to 30 queen cells free of charge, sourced from selected genetic material, and to become familiar—step by step—with the queen rearing process alongside trained local queen rearers.

The program is implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis and is addressed to beekeepers in Central Greece, excluding Evia. Participants are offered specialized field-based training and free queen cells derived from the genetic material of the beneficiary beekeeper.

The grafting activities of the program will take place from February to May 2026, and participation is free of charge.
The program’s core objective is to strengthen biodiversity and support beekeeping in Central Greece through the improvement and conservation of local genetic material, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the resilience of bee colonies.

The primary goal of the program is to reinforce beekeeping in Central Greece and enhance the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production, as bees are among the most important pollinators of plants.

At the same time, the long-term objective of the initiative is the large-scale production of selected genetic material across the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate aim of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

The program is co-funded by Nea Georgia Nea Genia, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.
The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and is implemented in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific supervision of the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture.

Learn more about the program and submit your application via the following link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/10620/

Start of Classes for the Program “Mastic Trees: Securing the Future of a National Product” for 2026

The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the start of classes for the program “Mastic Trees: Securing the Future of a National Product” on January 30, 2026.

The program aims to continuously strengthen the sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of mastic cultivation on the island of Chios. Its educational activities include a series of specialized courses designed to cover critical areas relevant to mastic producers.

To date, more than 250 mastic producers have participated in the first organized knowledge and innovation transfer network for mastic cultivation on Chios, receiving training from specialized scientists as well as from a team of 24 specially trained mastic producers (farmer-to-farmer training) on technical topics and cultivation practices. The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

The devastating impact of the September 2024 floods on mastic cultivation on the island highlighted the need to expand the program and strengthen support for mastic producers. The program’s expansion was made possible with the support of the internationally recognized organization The Hellenic Initiative (THI).

The 2026 courses will focus on the following topics:

  1. Mastic secretion mechanisms

  2. Nutrition of mastic trees

  3. Cooperation and cooperatives

  4. Financial tools for mastic producers

The program will conclude in late March 2026 with a closing event, where the results of the activities will be presented and the benefits for the local agricultural community highlighted.

The program is designed and implemented in collaboration with the Floriculture Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Chios Mastic Producers Association. The scientific team includes experienced university professors, coordinated by Associate Professor Mr. Stefanos Chatzilazarou.

The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) and the Chios Mastic Producers Association.

For more information about the program: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/mastichodentra-diasfalizontas-to-mellon-enos-ethnikou-proiontos/

New Job Opening | Communications Associate

The non-profit organization New Agriculture New Generation works to advance the agrifood sector in Greece by implementing training programs, building advisory networks, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship with a positive social impact.

The organization’s Communications Department is seeking a professional to work at its offices (Athens or Thessaloniki). The ideal candidate will have a background in Marketing and/or Public Relations and a well-rounded understanding of modern communication practices. They should be dynamic, collaborative, and eager to explore new solutions and approaches to addressing the organization’s communication challenges.

The position reports to the Communications Director and contributes to the communication of both the organization as a whole and its individual programs.

Responsibilities

  • Daily implementation of the communications plan in collaboration with the communications team and program teams

  • Copywriting for articles, press releases, and social media

  • Supplying content for the organization’s social media channels

  • Participation in the strategic planning of the organization’s activities

  • Communication and coordination with external partners of the communications department

  • On-site support at events and activities in Athens and in regional locations where programs are implemented

Required Qualifications

  • Degree in Marketing, PR, Communications, Journalism, or Media Studies

  • 1–3 years of experience in a similar role

  • Excellent command of English (written and spoken)

  • Understanding of modern media and communication trends

Desired Qualifications

  • Knowledge of how the non-profit sector operates (through professional or volunteer experience)

  • Knowledge of digital marketing, WordPress, and Mailchimp

What We Offer

  • Private health insurance

  • Opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning

  • Work with positive social impact

  • Friendly and creative work environment

Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and cover letter by February 9, 2026 to the following email addresses:

[email protected]
[email protected]

New Job Opening | Operations Associate

The non-profit organization New Agriculture New Generation works to advance the agrifood sector in Greece by implementing training programs, building advisory networks, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship with a positive social impact.

The Operations Department of the organization is seeking a professional to join its offices in Thessaloniki. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of operations, project management, and reporting, along with a comprehensive understanding of the operational requirements of an organization. They will be characterized by strong organizational skills, attention to detail, a positive collaborative mindset, and a willingness to explore new methods and processes to support the organization’s daily activities.

The selected candidate will report to the Director of Operations and will support and implement the day-to-day functioning of the organization, ensuring the effective management of processes, human and material resources, as well as the smooth implementation of operational policies and standards. The role involves close collaboration with the organization’s departments, contributing to stability, consistency, operational efficiency, and the achievement of strategic and socio-economic objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Support daily operational and administrative tasks across departments

  • Coordinate and support the functioning of the Thessaloniki office

  • Maintain, implement, and update internal procedures and SOPs

  • Coordinate the preparation of internal and external reports

  • Support procurement and contracting processes

  • Organize internal communication, meetings, and follow-ups

  • Organize and maintain documentation and filing systems

  • Support basic HR processes (onboarding, personnel records)

Required Qualifications

  • 1–3 years of professional experience in an operations, administration, or project support role

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

  • Proficiency in office tools (e.g., Google Workspace / MS Office)

  • Eagerness to learn, collaborative spirit, and sense of responsibility

Desired Qualifications

  • –Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)

  • Experience with EU-funded programs (e.g., Horizon, Erasmus+)

  • Understanding of AI tools

  • Understanding of the non-profit sector

  • Basic knowledge of procurement, reporting, or HR processes

What We Offer

  • Private health insurance

  • Hybrid work (remote working days)

  • Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and skill development

  • Ongoing guidance and exposure to organizational and operational processes

  • Structured, collaborative, and supportive working environment

  • Participation in an organization with social and developmental impact

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter by March 1, 2026, to the following email addresses:

[email protected]

[email protected]