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 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/

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]

On February 3, 2026, the 2nd training cycle of the innovative CULTIVATING HOPE – HARVESTING CHANGE PROJECT (CH-HC) officially begins. The program is a comprehensive professional integration initiative designed for people experiencing homelessness in Greece.

The program is implemented by PRAKSIS in collaboration with New Agriculture New Generation, with the support of the Citi Foundation, as part of the international Global Innovation Challenge initiative. Its goal is to strengthen the social and economic inclusion of vulnerable groups through education and improved employability.

CH-HC leverages the agri-food sector as a pathway to reintegration, offering practical skills, structured support, and professional guidance within a safe and empowering learning environment.

What the Program Offers

Participants will benefit from a comprehensive support framework that includes:

• Development of professional skills

• Personalized counseling and support

• Hands-on training in real-life conditions, through vegetable gardens and internships

• Theoretical seminars delivered by specialized professionals

• Strengthening employability in the agri-food, agrotourism, and tourism sectors

• Support for entrepreneurship

The program is completely free of charge and aims to create meaningful opportunities for a new professional pathway, while fostering skills, confidence, and future prospects.

Who Can Participate

The program is addressed to individuals facing housing insecurity or homelessness who wish to acquire professional skills and actively enter the labor market.

Applications & Information

Application form:
https://forms.gle/5mRj7w1TLJoUMa17A

Information: Ioanna Tabaki, +30 698 586 6432, [email protected]

The 3rd training session of the Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program was successfully completed and took place in Chios from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 18, 2026. The thematic focus was “Emotional Intelligence & Leadership,” with trainer Vangelis Sideris, Business Training & Development.

The Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, through a founding donation by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and operates under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The program’s Technical and Strategic Advisor is Rutgers University (USA).
The sponsor of the 3rd training session was the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association.

Focus on Emotional Intelligence and Modern Leadership

During the training session, participants explored in depth the importance of emotional intelligence as a key pillar of effective leadership. Through experiential exercises, professional case studies, and group activities, they developed skills in self-awareness, empathy, relationship management and decision-making, strengthening their role as modern leaders in the agrifood sector.

The opening of the training session was welcomed by the President of the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association, Mr. Giorgos Toumbos, who emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and the new generation of professionals in the sector.

Inspiration from Entrepreneurial Practice

A highlight of the program was the presentation by Argyro Koutsouradi, a beneficiary of New Agriculture New Generation and founder of Myrovolos Organics, who shared her personal journey, challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship. Her story highlighted the connection between innovation and local production, as well as the value of Chios mastic.

Educational Visit to the Chios Mastic Factory

On the second day of the training session, an educational visit took place at the Chios Mastic Factory, where participants had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the production process and utilization of an iconic Greek product. The tour was conducted by the General Director of the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association, Mr. Ilias Smyrnioudis, who presented the Association’s business model, growth strategy and international presence.

New Agriculture New Generation warmly thanks the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association for its valuable support and hospitality on the island of Chios.

Supporters of the remaining training sessions of the program are: the Association of Imathia’s Agricultural Cooperatives, the Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS, COMPO EXPERT Hellas and Lidl Hellas.

The sponsor of the program is NBIS.

The “Cultivating the Resilience of Greek Farmers” program concluded on December 23, 2025, with an online closing event that brought together participants from across Greece.

The program offered participants a comprehensive experience in education and professional development, with 301 participants, a duration of 2 months and 20 hours of training.

Structure and Thematic Pillars

The program included 3 thematic pillars and 6 educational modules, designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers:

• Regenerative Agriculture: Sustainable practices and upgraded production methods
• Business Development: Business Model Canvas, Marketing, Sales & Export Strategy, Basic Accounting Principles
• Food Innovation: New technologies, processes, and products

Results and Impact

The program received excellent evaluations from participants:

• 100% gained new knowledge on sustainable farming practices and agrifood value chains
• 100% stated that the course was worth the time they invested
• 84% plan to implement changes in their business or organization
• The overall rating for recommending the program to others was 9.5/10

What Participants Said

“A fantastic source of new information on familiar topics I only knew partially. Many new perspectives and better targeting for smarter achievement of goals.”

“Technically excellent, very good materials from the instructors and their presentations. Well-documented and thorough answers to questions.”

“I had the opportunity to follow this educational process and learned many interesting things. Some methods I had heard of from older generations, but now they are technologically and scientifically upgraded.”

“It was a very interesting seminar that opens new horizons for the next step in the agri-food sector. You learn things in a proper and reliable way that will help you move forward.”

“Everything was excellent, a continuous opportunity to enrich valuable knowledge on key topics and detailed analyses. We are all truly grateful.”

Continuing to Cultivate the Future

Through “Cultivating the Resilience of Greek Farmers”, participants gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advance in the green transition and innovation in the agrifood sector.

The program was implemented by New Agriculture New Generation in collaboration with EIT Food – GROW.

Dear colleagues of the agrifood sector,
Dear friends,

2025 was a year during which the Greek agrifood sector faced enormous challenges. Despite its relatively encouraging trajectory in recent years, the year that has passed was unfortunately marked by scandals, biosecurity crises and mobilizations—partly due to the despair many of our producers have fallen into. At the same time, it is worth noting that farmers across Europe are also mobilizing, mainly because of the European Union’s inability to agree on a meaningful transformation strategy for the future.

However, turning our focus to what lies within our own reach, we choose to maintain our optimism. Greek agrifood must once again move onto fertile ground and within this context, as New Agriculture New Generation, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside the country’s creative and healthy forces in this direction.

Despite the impacts of the climate crisis—and at times precisely because of them—significant opportunities are emerging for new productive possibilities, as well as for high-quality, differentiated Greek products. However, bold decisions are required to lead to the full transformation and modernization of Greek agricultural production and the agrifood sector more broadly.

If we support Greek agrifood, the benefits generated are multiplied. Even an increase of one or two percentage points in its contribution to GDP would mean an improved trade balance, a stronger regional economy, a more vibrant rural landscape and visible results in social cohesion, demographics, food security and many other critical issues that even touch upon our national security.

Our wish, therefore, is that the challenges of 2025 become an opportunity, so that in 2026 we may view the sector through a new lens and that all those who serve agri-food—institutions, businesses, civil society and producers—do whatever is necessary to turn the page, moving forward decisively with the strategies that will genuinely support the sector and the country.

Health, Prosperity and Progress.

Effie Lazaridou
Chief Executive Officer
New Agriculture New Generation

The 2nd training module of the Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program was successfully completed, taking place in Ioannina from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025. The module focused on the thematic area “Leadership and Communication” and was delivered by Lia Sourla, Senior Trainer & Business Consultant.

The Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and operates under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The Rutgers University (USA) serves as the program’s Technical and Strategic Advisor. The supporter of the 2nd training module was the Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS.

Focus on Leadership and Communication

During the training module, participants had the opportunity to explore the crucial role of communication in effective leadership. Through interactive exercises and practical examples, they developed skills that enhance collaboration, clarity, public speaking and their ability to influence as modern leaders in the agrifood sector.

Educational Visit to the Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS

A key component of the program was the educational visit to the facilities of the Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS. There, participants had the opportunity to engage in discussion with Ioannis Patounas, an alumnus of the Agrifood Leadership program and Director of Research, Development & Operations Management at PINDOS. The discussion focused on issues related to the cooperative’s operations, logistics, as well as its strategic vision and future development.

A Growing Community of Leaders

The training module further strengthened team cohesion, contributing to the creation and evolution of a dynamic community of young professionals in the agrifood sector. A community that has been systematically built over the past three years and confirms the power of the Agrifood Leadership program to foster lasting relationships, collaborations and knowledge networks.

Supporters of the remaining training modules of the program are: Consortium of Cooperatives and Producer Groups of Imathia Prefecture, Chios Mastiha Growers Association, COMPO EXPERT Hellas, and Lidl Hellas.