Category: News

The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the extension of the successful program “Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product – Knowledge transfer and innovation network in Chios”, the first Knowledge and Innovation Transfer Network in Chios, until March 2026. This extension further strengthens efforts to ensure the sustainability, protection, and promotion of mastiha cultivation on the island.

To date, more than 250 mastiha producers have participated in the first organized network for knowledge and innovation transfer concerning mastiha cultivation in Chios. They have received training from specialized scientists, as well as from a group of 24 specially trained mastiha producers (farmer-to-farmer training) on technical subjects and cultivation practices.

The devastating impact of the floods that hit the island in September 2024 highlighted the need to extend the program and strengthen the support provided to local producers.

The extension of the program was made possible thanks to the support of The Hellenic Initiative (THI). THI is the only global nonprofit organization that unites Greeks around the world through philanthropy, investing in Greece’s future. Since its establishment, THI has raised more than $38 million and has become the largest organization of the Greek Diaspora globally. Its core mission is to promote sustainable development and entrepreneurship in Greece, which is why it supports the continuation of this program’s activities.

The “Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product” program has already been recognized as a European best practice by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG Agri) of the European Commission and has received an award at the Bravo Sustainability Awards. The program continues its dynamic course, aiming to transfer knowledge, strengthen producers, and create a sustainable future for one of Greece’s most iconic products.

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

The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), The Hellenic Initiative and the Chios Mastiha Growers Association.

More information: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/mastichodentra-diasfalizontas-to-mellon-enos-ethnikou-proiontos/

The essential role of the organization New Agriculture New Generation in supporting Greek agrifood is highlighted by the Independent Socioeconomic Impact and Performance Evaluation Reports conducted by BDO and Deloitte for the period 2018–2024.

Six Years of Tangible Support to the Agrifood Sector

From 2018 to 2024, the organization’s actions had a direct and indirect positive impact on over 31,000 beneficiaries and professionals in the agrifood sector, with a satisfaction rate reaching 86%. It is noteworthy that in 2024, 44% of participants in its programs were women, actively promoting female participation and empowerment in the agrifood sector.

Multiplier Value for the Greek Economy

The estimated total contribution of the organization to the Greek economy for the period 2018–2023 reaches 40 million euros, of which:

• €21.4 million came from the organization’s direct activities.

• €18.6 million were generated by the initiatives and actions of the beneficiaries themselves.

In 2023, for every €1 invested by the organization, €5.35 of value was generated in the real economy.

Measurable Social and Economic Impact

During the period 2018–2023:

• 63% of beneficiaries introduced new production and technical processes.

• 80% improved their production and technical capacities.

• 37% of entrepreneurial or self-employed beneficiaries improved their efficiency and increased their profit margins.

• 25% invested in the development of new products.

• 64% of unemployed beneficiaries now have stable employment or started their own business.

• 36% of entrepreneurial or self-employed beneficiaries reduced their environmental footprint (2020–2023).

• The organization’s activities indirectly support 135 jobs annually.

• 486 new jobs were created by the businesses of the beneficiaries.

For a quick overview of our results, watch the videographic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7poqOuD6xQ&t=2s

Founding Donor of New Agriculture New Generation is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which remains the main supporter of the organization, actively funding most of its programs.

Strategic and technical partner: Rutgers University

New Agriculture New Generation continues to work with consistency and transparency in supporting the sector by designing and implementing targeted actions and initiatives.

For more information, visit: https://newagri.org/

New Agriculture New Generation announces the opening of applications for the new cycle of Agrifood Leadership, the first and only leadership program exclusively dedicated to the agrifood sector in Greece. Now in its third consecutive year, the program targets dynamic and active professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs in the sector who aspire to become the future leaders of agrifood in Greece.

The program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Its technical and strategic advisor is Rutgers University, USA.

Agrifood Leadership 2025-2026 offers a unique educational experience, combining seven in-person training activities across different regions of Greece and Brussels, along with three online workshops. Through this “road trip of knowledge,” participants will complete a total of 102 hours of training focused on experiential learning, innovation, and practical application. The program centers on the development of leadership and communication skills, such as strategic thinking, team management, negotiation, public speaking, storytelling, marketing, and modern organizational methods — providing essential tools for today’s job market and entrepreneurship.

At the same time, the program offers meaningful networking opportunities with leading professionals and organizations in the Greek and international agrifood ecosystem, along with certification from ACTA – a spin-off of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Graduates automatically join a vibrant and ever-growing network of professionals, enhancing their career path and industry connections.

Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle are now open! The number of available places is limited, and final participant selection will be based on evaluations and interviews.

Apply now at https://agrifoodleadership.generationag.org

Don’t miss the chance to become part of the new generation of leaders who will shape the future of agrifood in Greece!

New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and in collaboration with the Municipality of North Kynouria and the Chamber of Arcadia, presents the Practical Guide to Olive Cultivation—a modern, user-friendly and free support tool for all olive growers.

The Guide was created as part of the Open Olive Oil Academy, which was implemented in 2024 in the region of North Kynouria, aiming to strengthen the olive sector by transferring know-how and training professionals in the area.

What does the Guide include?
The Practical Guide to Olive Cultivation contains essential theoretical information and, most importantly, practical advice on olive tree cultivation and olive oil production, aiming to improve the quality and yield of crops. It was compiled by an interdisciplinary team of experts and can be immediately used by any professional in the field. It aims to boost olive production by combining experiential and scientific knowledge.

How to get it?
The Guide is available for free (in Greek) and can be downloaded digitally through the organization’s website HERE.

With emotion and in a particularly warm atmosphere, the Agrifood Leadership program for the 2024–2025 period came to an end, following the completion of its 8th educational activity, which took place in Athens from Thursday, June 12 to Saturday, June 14, 2025. The participants attended intensive training seminars and undertook study visits, as the program reached its final phase, officially concluded with the certificate award ceremony.

The Agrifood Leadership program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The technical and strategic advisor of the program is Rutgers University (USA), while the program is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

During the three-day activity, participants attended a specialized seminar titled: “Social Media and Personal Branding – The Leader’s Perspective,” which was held on Thursday, June 12 at the facilities of New Agriculture New Generation.

On Friday, June 13, they visited Piraeus Bank, where they had a working meeting with executives from the Agricultural Banking Department, focusing on programs that support the agrifood sector. This was followed by a visit to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, where they met with the Special Service for the Management of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy.

The three-day event culminated on Saturday at the Agricultural University of Athens, in the hall of the Agricultural Museum. The day began with a speech by Ms. Effie Lazariou, CEO of New Agriculture New Generation, who presented the organization’s vision and role in strengthening the new generation of agrifood professionals. She stated:
“The Agrifood Leadership program is of strategic importance to our organization, as we aim to create a vibrant community of leaders in the agrifood sector who will drive its transformation and adaptation to modern conditions. I want to assure all of you who have successfully completed the program that we will continue to stand by your side, supporting your efforts.”

This was followed by a content-rich masterclass on “Storytelling” by Ms. Magda Peistikou, Editor-in-Chief of Food Service magazine, which highlighted the power of storytelling as a tool for strategic communication.

The keynote speaker of the day was Mr. Alexandros Kouris, Founder and Owner of NISSOS Beer and member of the General Assembly of New Agriculture New Generation. Through a captivating talk, he explained how failure can prove valuable in entrepreneurship and in generating new ideas and innovative practices.

A short greeting was also delivered by Ms. Salome Papaspyrou Rao, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, representing Rutgers University, which contributes as a technical and strategic advisor, bringing expertise from its corresponding program in New Jersey, running for nearly three decades.

During the event, a dedicated platform was also presented, developed to network all graduates of the Agrifood Leadership program. The goal is for all alumni to be able to collaborate, initiate projects, and participate in future actions.

In the closing segment of the event, Dr. Dimitris Voloudakis, General Programs Director of New Agriculture New Generation and Program Implementation Lead, spoke about the strategic development of the program and its future goals.

The final part of the event included the certificate award ceremony in a celebratory atmosphere. The participants themselves had the opportunity to speak and share — in the most experiential way — their journey in the program, promising that they will meet again!

In total, the program included 7 three-day educational visits to leading companies in Greece’s agrifood sector, 1 educational visit to Brussels, and over 90 hours of intensive, specially designed training sessions.

The application period for the 2025–2026 cycle of the program is expected to open soon.

Strategic support from a global leader in the agrifood sector

New Agriculture New Generation collaborates with Rutgers University–New Brunswick, one of the world’s leading public research institutions, with the aim of enhancing innovation, applied knowledge and sustainable development in Greece’s agrifood sector.

“All of us at Rutgers are proud of our role as a strategic and technical advisor. But it is the leadership and the people of New Agriculture New Generation — whose work and accomplishments over the past five years truly deserve recognition and attention.”
– Dr. Robert M. Goodman, Rutgers University

Our collaboration with Rutgers University began with a shared belief in the power of knowledge, research, and their application in the real world. In 2018, the New Agriculture New Generation initiative was born from a partnership between Rutgers, the Agricultural University of Athens, and the American Farm School, with the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The vision was clear: to establish a modern organization acting as a catalyst for change in the Greek agrifood sector.

In October 2020, the initiative evolved into a non-profit civil company based in Greece, dedicated to the systemic support of the Greek agrifood ecosystem. At this new stage, Rutgers remained a key strategic and technical advisor, offering its deep expertise and valuable international perspective. Our network of partners, supporters and donors expanded, reinforcing our commitment to long-term sustainability.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is the flagship campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, which boasts a history of over 250 years. It consistently ranks among the top 60 universities globally, is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is home to world-renowned faculty across 12 schools specializing in agriculture, natural sciences, entrepreneurship and more.

As a strategic and technical advisor, Rutgers supports the implementation of New Agriculture New Generation’s initiatives at both a strategic and operational level, leveraging its longstanding experience in the agrifood sector and its academic excellence.

This collaboration is not merely a partnership with a university — it is a dynamic pillar of knowledge and innovation that continuously empowers New Agriculture New Generation’s vision for a sustainable, outward-looking and modern primary sector. A sector that is driven by its people — the new generation of producers and entrepreneurs — and international alliances that bring the world closer to Greek land.

Meet our strategic partners!

The 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, on the theme “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Elimination of Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging,” was successfully held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Agro Expo, Ierapetra.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019 through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering project investing in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups active in agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics, with products and services using innovative technologies, even at early development stages (preseed).

The Meet-Up began with an introduction to the role of TrophyΤροφή 2025 in the agri-food innovation ecosystem. This was followed by a presentation titled “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas.

The first discussion panel followed on the topic “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship,” featuring Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas, Mr. Konstantinos Vassakis, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Science and Technology, Hellenic Mediterranean University, and Ms. Marina Pitropaki, Producer. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

The second discussion panel focused on “Sustainability in Agricultural Production and Optimal Resource Management: From Research to Application.” Participants included Mr. Giorgos Kladakis, President of the Agricultural Cooperative of Vegetable Producers of Arvi, Mr. Georgios Koumbouris, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in olive cultivation, and Mr. Nektarios Kourgialas, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in irrigation and water resource management. The moderator was again Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

In the final part of the program, Meet-Up participants took part in an idea-generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present innovative proposals, with the best idea being awarded after a vote.

The sponsor of the 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS SMITH. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Crete and the Department of Management Science & Technology of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.

TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and offers a unique experience of knowledge exchange, networking, and promotion of innovative ideas.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the program “Open Olive Oil Academy – Messinia”, which aims to upgrade the skills of olive growers in order to improve their production processes and enhance their competitiveness and extroversion.

The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), by the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, supported by Bayer, BASF, and PJ Condelis SA and implemented in partnership with the Union of Messinia.

The “Open Olive Oil Academy – Messinia” is addressed to olive growers, either professional or part-time, who are active in the Regional Unit of Messinia. The seminars will also be open to professionals from the entire olive and olive oil value chain, including olive mill owners, processors, traders, etc.

Seminars will be delivered by expert scientists from New Agriculture New Generation, as well as external collaborators such as market professionals and consultants with recognized expertise in production, standardization, packaging and marketing, as well as university academics and professors.

The program consists of 54 training hours, delivered over six (6) two-day sessions and will take place in person at the facilities of the Agricultural Cooperative “Union of Messinia” in Kalamata. The first cycle runs from June 20 to July 5, 2025, and the second from September 12 to October 11, 2025.

The training cycle includes courses on modern olive grove cultivation practices, olive physiology, olive oil quality, climate change adaptation, and more.

Applications can be submitted until June 19, 2025, here.

The program is a continuation of the successful “Open Olive Cultivation Academy” of the Municipality of North Kynouria, implemented in 2024, and will significantly contribute to the overall upgrade of the olive sector in Messinia, thereby supporting both the local and national economy in a vital productive sector for our country.

For more information, visit the link: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/open-olive-farming-academy/.

The event titled “Strategies for the Modern Farmer” was successfully held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Cultural Center of Servia. It was co-organized by the Municipality of Servia and the organization New Agriculture New Generation.

The event was aimed at farmers, livestock breeders and professionals in the primary sector, with the goal of empowering local producers through modern tools, funding opportunities and practical development strategies.

The audience had the opportunity to attend a series of substantial presentations and talks, beginning with the presentation of the results from the “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future 2024” program in the Municipality of Servia, shared through the experiences of local producers themselves. The program was implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

This was followed by an informative session on available financial tools by executives of the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB), as well as representatives from cooperative and private banks. A particularly engaging presentation was delivered on branding in agrifood, focusing on the connection of products to their place of origin and the enhancement of local added value.

The discussion then moved on to the main aspects of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and modern precision farming practices. The event concluded with a fruitful discussion on cooperative models, as a means to strengthen producers’ negotiating power and access new markets.

Public interest was high, with the participation of professionals from the wider region. The questions and comments that followed the presentations highlighted the meaningful dialogue and willingness for collaboration and innovation. The event concluded in a way that reaffirmed the importance of supporting the agricultural community with knowledge, tools, and a forward-looking perspective.

The 6th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, themed “Innovative Technologies for Increasing Agricultural Productivity,” was successfully held with strong attendance on Thursday, May 15th at the Amphitheater of the School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia in Florina.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019, through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering endeavor that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups in the fields of agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics. These startups offer products and services utilizing innovative technologies, even at early development stages (pre-seed).

The 6th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up began with opening speeches by Mr. Fokion Papathanasiou, President of the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, Mr. Athanasios Taskas, Deputy Regional Governor of Florina, Ms. Valina Roza, President of the Florina Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Nikos Tsironis, Business Advisory Support Officer at the Florina Chamber of Commerce.

The first keynote presentation titled “Innovative Applications for Modern and Sustainable Agriculture” was delivered by Mr. Stefanos Testempasis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia.

This was followed by the first panel discussion on the topic “The Digital Transformation of Crop Protection and Cultivation,” moderated by Mr. Filippos Bantis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia. Panelists included Dr. Evangelos Karagiannis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia, Mr. Stefanos Testempasis, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia, Dr. Yiannis Tsakiris, Technical Director at Agrocell, and Mr. Dimitris Vakamis, Founder of AgroQ.

The second panel focused on the topic “Agriculture’s Carbon Footprint.” Panel participants included Mr. Vasileios Ampas, Assistant Professor at the University of Western Macedonia (moderator), Ms. Eleni Kasapidou, Associate Professor at the University of Western Macedonia, Ms. Eva Sarigiannidou, Research Associate at i–BEC, Mr. Vasilis Mylonas, Agronomist at Kir-Yianni Estate, and Mr. Ilias Platis, Market Development Manager at FarmB Digital Agriculture.

In the final part of the program, participants took part in an idea generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals. A vote followed, and the best idea was awarded.

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

TrophyΤροφή 2025 emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in the agri-food sector and offers a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and the promotion of innovative ideas.