Category: News

Having trained a total of 560 agronomists and inmates in new cultivation methods so far, the Social Farming 360° program continues this year to support the modernization of agricultural production in 6 correctional facilities across the country. The aim is to enhance inmates’ employability and ultimately facilitate their reintegration into society. The program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, with the support of the Citi Foundation and in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy, the Ministry of Citizen Protection, and the organizations ActionAid Hellas and Gate of Freedom.

More specifically, this pioneering program focuses on strengthening food security through sustainable, environmentally responsible practices at four Rural Correctional Facilities (Agia, Chania; Tiryntha, Argolida; Kassaveteia, Volos; Kassandra, Halkidiki) and two Special Correctional Facilities (Women’s Prison and the Drug Rehabilitation Center for Inmates in Eleonas, Thebes). At the same time, Social Farming 360° prepares inmates for employment in the primary sector and agri-food businesses, thus laying the groundwork for their smooth reintegration into society. Simultaneously, it supports the production of quality food by the correctional facilities, contributing to their food security and the supply of local communities and charitable institutions.

Program Summary During the first annual cycle of training (2024), the program achieved significant milestones:

• Over 560 participants, including inmates and agronomists, completed training programs in Regenerative and Social Agriculture, Olive Cultivation, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Food Safety, and Production;

• Over 340 certification awards were granted to participants by ACTA, the Certification Body of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki;

• More than 140 inmates were trained through ActionAid’s Employment Counseling activities to enhance their employability;

• 105 participants took part in psychosocial sessions implemented by Gate of Freedom.

It is also worth noting that the participants’ response was particularly positive, with many emphasizing the importance of the educational programs in developing new skills and preparing them for future employment.

The Social Farming 360° program has already demonstrated its transformative impact through its combined approach of agricultural education, vocational training, and psychosocial support. It empowers individuals in confinement with the skills and knowledge that contribute to their personal development and reintegration into society.

A warm and constructive meeting took place at the Ministry of Citizen Protection between the Secretary General of Anti-Crime Policy, Mr. Aris Perris, and the CEO of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, Ms. Efi Laziridou. Also present was Mr. Emilios Kyriakou, CEO and Head of Corporate Banking for Citi in Greece, Malta, and Cyprus, representing the Citi Foundation, along with Ms. Eva Polyzopoulou, General Director of ActionAid Hellas.

The meeting was held within the framework of the Social Farming 360 program, which is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation with the full support and funding of the Citi Foundation, in close collaboration with the General Secretariat of Anti-Crime Policy of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, and with the participation of ActionAid and Freedom Gate.

• Read more in the official press release by the General Secretariat of Anti-Crime Policy HERE

• Read more about the Program HERE

• See the results of the program so far HERE

The 6th educational module of the pioneering Agrifood Leadership 2024–2025 program was successfully completed, taking place from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Chania. The focus of this module was on the theme “Rural Economy and Agricultural Policy,” with instructor Mr. Stathis Klonaris, Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA).

Agrifood Leadership 2024–2025 is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), and under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The technical and strategic advisor of the program is Rutgers University (USA). Sponsor of the 6th educational module was Balantinos Dairy.

During the training, participants had the opportunity to enrich their knowledge through educational activities, field visits, and networking actions, enhancing their leadership skills in the agrifood sector.

On Saturday, participants delved into the structure of rural economy through Mr. Klonaris’ training, which focused on the rural economy of Greece and Europe. He analyzed the key principles and prospects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the 2023–2027 period. Mr. Klonaris highlighted the role of the European Union in shaping agricultural strategy and offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the agricultural sector. The session took place in the impressive hall of the new Archaeological Museum of Chania. We warmly thank Dr. Eleni Papadopoulou, Director of the Archaeological Museum, for providing the space and for the warm hospitality.

On Sunday, participants took part in field educational visits to the Patriotis Winery and the Biolea Olive Mill, where they had the chance to enjoy wine and olive oil tastings and engage in conversations with the companies’ executives, learning more about their philosophy and operations. The day concluded with a visit to Balantinos Dairy, where Mr. Spyros Balandinos, President of the Cheesemakers Association of Chania, guided the group through the facilities and shared his thoughts on the concept of leadership, along with personal experiences and insights from the production sector.

The 6th educational module of Agrifood Leadership offered a complete experience of learning, networking, and inspiration, further enhancing the program’s dynamic as a leadership incubator in the agrifood sector. Starting with the in-depth presentation by Mr. Stathis Klonaris on the Rural Economy and the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, participants gained a substantial understanding of developments at both national and European levels. The module was enriched by visits to exemplary businesses such as Patriotis Winery, Biolea Astrikas Estate, and Balantinos Dairy, providing participants with hands-on exposure to successful entrepreneurial models.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation expresses its sincere thanks to Balantinos Dairy, sponsor of the 6th educational module, for the excellent reception, warm hospitality, impeccable organization, and invaluable support.

The organization “New Agriculture New Generation” announces the second phase of the training and consulting program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, preservation, and improvement of bee genetic material | Phase B: Practical Queen Rearing” which will be implemented in the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis.

The program is co-funded by “New Agriculture New Generation” through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Region of Central Greece, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and APIVITA, within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.

The program will be carried out in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, under the scientific guidance of the Sericulture and Apiculture Laboratory, headed by Assistant Professor Georgios Gkoras.

The purpose of the program “Queen Rearing in Central Greece – Utilization, preservation, and improvement of bee genetic material | Phase B: Practical Queen Rearing” is the implementation of a significant number of royal cell graftings by a group of 9 specialized beekeepers who were trained during the first phase of the program. These beekeepers have the ability to demonstrate the process, explain it in detail, and answer questions from participating beekeepers.

The goal is to familiarize a large number of beekeepers with the process of producing high-quality queens. In the coming period, the region will be supported with up to 7,500 quality queen cells. Specifically, each beekeeper participating in the program will receive 30 queen cells free of charge, from selected genetic material, and will learn the queen rearing process step-by-step, guided by experienced queen breeders from their region.

The long-term objective of the program is the mass production of selected genetic material across all the Regional Units of Boeotia, Evrytania, Phthiotis, and Phocis, with the ultimate goal of increasing productivity and developing more resilient bee colonies, through the optimization of endemic genetic material.

In this way, beekeeping in Central Greece will be strengthened, and the region’s biodiversity and local agricultural production will be enhanced, as bees are among the most important plant pollinators (over 85% of plants related to agriculture rely on them).

Phase B of the graftings will approximately last from April to September 2025.

Those interested can register for participation here.

For more information and to register, interested individuals may contact Ms. Filippa Griva from the Agricultural University of Athens at +30 6970508200 or via email at [email protected], and Ms. Kalliopi Karaboiki, Capacity Building Manager at “New Agriculture New Generation”, at +30 2106917986 or +30 6972096122, or via email at [email protected].

As part of the program, information events will be held. The first two have been scheduled as follows:

1. Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Events Hall of the Boeotia Chamber of Commerce (1 Koutsopetalou Ave., Livadia)
   Speakers: Georgios Gkoras (Assistant Professor, Sericulture and Apiculture Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens).
   Arrival time: 18:00

2. Friday, April 11, 2025 – Cultural Center Hall of Lamia (9-11 Leonidou St., Lamia)
   Speakers: Alexandros Gousiaris (beekeeper, trainer).
   Arrival time: 18:00

For the 6th consecutive year, the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” agrifood business acceleration program is officially launching. The program is designed for farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, cooperatives, producer groups, and small agrifood businesses aiming to improve existing products or develop new, high-quality, and competitive agrifood products.

Applications for participation in the program will be accepted until April 21st via the website www.agroanelixi.gr.

The “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” accelerator is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, with the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The program is 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. Among these, four participants will come from Megalopolis and surrounding areas, supported by PPC Group, while three participants will be supported by the Municipality of Agia.

Selected businesses will take part in specialized educational workshops, where they will gain practical business knowledge and guidance for developing innovative and competitive products. They will also receive personalized consulting support from experienced market professionals, tailored to their specific needs, at no financial cost.

So far, the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” program has supported 85 agrifood businesses across Greece, contributing to the development and commercialization of 70 new products in both Greek and international markets. Businesses that have participated in 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 offer soil and food chemical analysis. Additionally, Specialist Awards will provide free participation in tasting awards for program beneficiaries.

Application Submission

Interested individuals can learn more about eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions of the program and submit their online application at www.agroanelixi.gr.

The 3rd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, focusing on “Smart and Sustainable Food Supply Chains,” was successfully completed on Thursday, March 27, at the Central Amphitheater of the Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University (IHU) in Katerini.

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

The 3rd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up began with opening remarks from Mr. Dimitrios Triantafyllou, Professor at IHU; Ms. Maria Tsakiri, Business Consulting Manager at the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EBETH) and CMO at Tsakiris Eggs; and Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager at New Agriculture New Generation.

This was followed by three presentations:

• Mr. Ilias Georgakoudis, Scientific Associate at IHU, discussed the importance of food standardization and packaging.

• Mr. Dimitrios Palantzian, from the IHU Technology Transfer & Innovation Department, presented the department’s activities.

• Mr. Naoum Tsolakis, Associate Professor at IHU, covered reverse supply chains.

Next, the first panel discussion focused on “Innovation in Food Standardization and Packaging,” featuring Mr. Dimitrios Folinas, Professor at IHU; Mr. Ioannis Kostavelis, Assistant Professor at IHU; and Mr. Dimitris Zakalkas, Marketing-Communication Strategist at Tsakiris Family. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Dimitrios Triantafyllou, Professor at IHU.

A fireside chat followed with Ms. Anastasia Boba from the Thessaloniki Central Vegetable Market and Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos.

The second panel discussion addressed “Reverse Supply Chains for Food By-Product Utilization,” featuring Mr. Evangelos Lioutas, Assistant Professor at IHU; Mr. Panagiotis Karagiannakidis, Assistant Professor at IHU; and Mr. Antonis Amanios, CEO of Joice Foods. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Naoum Tsolakis, Associate Professor at IHU.

In the final part of the event, participants took part in an ideation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals.

The 3rd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was co-organized with the Department of Supply Chain Management (Katerini) – IHU and was held under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia. In-kind sponsors of the event included NISSOS Beer and Christodoulou Family Juices.

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

More information and the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups can be found here.

The program’s Grand Donor is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

The second TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, titled “Sustainable Food Systems – From Production to Consumption and Waste Utilization,” successfully took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), with a large turnout.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative of the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019 through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

This pioneering endeavor invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek agrifood innovation ecosystem, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups operating in the fields of agrotechnology, food technology and agrologistics, with products and services utilizing innovative technologies—even at early development stages (pre-seed).

The second TrophyTrophy Meet-Up began with a panel discussion on “Reducing Food Waste Across the Entire Supply Chain.” The panel featured:

• Ms. Dia Chorafa, from the “Alliance for the Reduction of Food Waste,” and

• Ms. Konstantia-Aikaterini Lazaridi, Professor at Harokopio University.

The discussion was moderated by Ms. Rineta Mitsi, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director at Goody’s – Everest Group of Companies.

Following the panel, a fireside chat took place on “Circular Economy and By-product Utilization.”
Participants included:

• Mr. Alexis Pantziaros, CEO & Co-founder of Coffeeco Upcycle, and

• Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager at New Agriculture New Generation.

Another fireside chat followed, focusing on “Enhancing Innovation in Agrifood and Supporting Entrepreneurship.”
The discussion featured:

• Mr. Konstantinos Mountzouris, Professor, Director of the Laboratory of Physiology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Department of Animal Science, and CEO of the FeedIt startup, and

• Ms. Katerina Papadouli, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at AUA.

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 related to circular economy in agrifood.

The 2nd TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was co-organized with the Agricultural University of Athens and supported by Goody’s – Everest Group of Companies.
In-kind sponsors of the event included NISOS Beer and Christodoulou Family Juices.

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

More information, as well as the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups, can be found here.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is the Grand Donor of the program.

The first TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, focusing on “Circular Economy in Agrifood: Utilization of By-products and Resource Reuse,” was successfully completed with great participation on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Center for the Dissemination of Research Results (KE.D.E.A.) in Thessaloniki.

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

The first TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up opened with speeches from Mr. Charalambos Feidas, Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.); Mr. Kyriakos Yiakinthos, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at A.U.Th.; Mr. Nikolaos Tzolas, Deputy Governor for Digital Governance of the Region of Central Macedonia; Ms. Maria Tsakiri, Business Advisory Support Officer of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Ms. Efi Theodoraki, Deputy Mayor for Education and Lifelong Learning of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.

This was followed by presentations and panel discussions with distinguished speakers. Mr. Periklis Chatzinakos presented the activities of the Environmental Management Office of the University of Macedonia, while the entrepreneurial team Loop Lab from the Experimental High School of the University of Macedonia showcased their pioneering virtual enterprise. Professor Emerita Ourania Menkisoglou-Spiroudi, President of KEAGRO-A.U.Th., highlighted the center’s initiatives, and Professor Thomas Kotsopoulos, President of the Department of Agriculture at A.U.Th., discussed the role of the circular economy in agrifood. Additionally, Professor Nikos Theodorakis, Scientific Director of Walk AUTh Innovation Accelerator, presented its work.

The first panel discussion focused on “Utilization of By-products and Circular Economy in the Primary Sector,” featuring:

• Prof. Aikaterini Karamanoli (A.U.Th.),
• Asst. Prof. Ioannis Giantsis (A.U.Th.),
• Dr. Anthoula Karanasiou (Scientific Associate, IDEP – CERTH), and
• Mr. Stefanos Kamperis (CEO, Staramaki).

The panel was moderated by Mr. Akis Karamavros, Entrepreneurship Development Associate at New Agriculture New Generation.

The second panel, titled “Sustainable Resource Management in Food Processing – Trends and Challenges,” included:

• Prof. Athanasia Goula (A.U.Th.),
• Mr. Thanasis Bletsas (Sustainability Manager, MAKVEL – EURIMAC),
• Ms. Ioanna Melikidou (R&D Manager, KONVA), and
• Assoc. Prof. Fani Matzouridou (A.U.Th.).

This panel was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ioannis Mourtzinos (A.U.Th.).

The event continued with a presentation by Mr. Grigoris Chatzikostas, General Partner at Loggerhead Ventures, on “Sustainability in Agrifood and Entrepreneurship.”

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 related to the circular economy in agrifood.

The first TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was co-organized with:

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
• The Interdisciplinary Center for Agrifood of A.U.Th. (KEAGRO), and
• Walk AUTh Innovation Accelerator.

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

TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agrifood sector, providing a unique experience for knowledge exchange, networking and promoting innovative ideas.

For more information and the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups, click here.

Grand Donor of the program is Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

The 5th educational activity of Agrifood Leadership 2024-2025 was successfully completed, taking place from Friday, March 14, to Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Ioannina. The program focused on the theme of “Leadership and Communication.”

Agrifood Leadership 2024-2025 is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The Rutgers University of the U.S. serves as the Technical and Strategic Advisor for the program.

On Saturday, participants were trained in key leadership and communication skills, applying techniques such as active listening, public speaking, and non-verbal communication. Additionally, they developed skills in creative writing and note-taking. The trainer for the activity was Lia Sourla, Learning & HR Consultant.

On Sunday, participants visited the Poultry Meat Processing Industry of the Agricultural Poultry Cooperative of Ioannina PINDOS, where they were given a guided tour and had discussions with company executives, gaining valuable insights into the poultry sector. PINDOS was also the sponsor of the three-day event.

The 5th educational activity of Agrifood Leadership offered a dynamic learning and collaboration experience, bringing program participants together and laying the foundation for shaping a new generation of leaders in the agrifood sector. Through educational and experiential activities, participants developed leadership skills, strengthened collaboration, and drew inspiration from the growth prospects of the sector in Greece. Additionally, they had the opportunity to exchange experiences and opinions with program alumni, expanding their network and enhancing their knowledge.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation sincerely thanks PINDOS, the sponsor of the educational three-day event, for their excellent reception, warm hospitality, impeccable organization, and invaluable support.

On the occasion of today, International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to recognize the women of rural areas—the unsung heroines who breathe life into the social fabric of the countryside and serve as a driving force for the development and prosperity of their local communities.

As heads of agricultural enterprises, women have proven to be highly effective in implementing innovations, as they tend to take more calculated risks. At the same time, however, they are among those most affected by the devastating consequences of climate change and the challenges facing agricultural production.

Often, they bear a double burden: managing their households while also working on farms and family businesses. These responsibilities, combined with the challenges of rural life, significantly impact their physical and mental health and well-being.

At New Agriculture New Generation, we empower rural women by helping them unlock their full potential, providing them with knowledge, skills, and tools that enable them to grow personally and professionally while transforming their communities.

In 2024, 44% of the participants in our programs were women. Many of them have increased their income, established successful—even award-winning—businesses in the agri-food sector, and stepped up to take on leadership roles within their families and workplaces.

As an organization led by women, we deeply understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of rural women.

We stand by them, amplify their voices, open new pathways, and work alongside them to build a brighter future—one where rural women thrive personally, professionally, and socially.

Happy International Women’s Day to all of us!

Effie Lazaridou
CEO, New Agriculture New Generation