Category: News

With the selection and participation of 12 promising small agrifood businesses, the implementation of the 6th cycle of the successful business acceleration program “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” began a few days ago.

More specifically, following the completion of the evaluation process, the 12 businesses selected to participate in this year’s acceleration program are:

The accelerator “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The program is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

It targets cooperatives, producer groups, farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, and cottage industries who wish to process their production or develop new differentiated products.

With the aim of developing sustainable agrifood businesses and enhancing innovation in the sector, the program runs for five months (May – September 2025) and includes:

Weekly training workshops on the following topics:

• New CAP (Common Agricultural Policy)

• Sustainability in Agri-Food

• Global Food Trends

• Research & Development of New Products

• Food Safety

• Soft Skills

• Business Model Canvas

• Marketing & Digital Marketing

• Sales & Negotiation

• Exports

Additionally, participants receive tailored guidance and consulting support from experienced market professionals.

Out of the 12 selected businesses, 4 come from Megalopolis and surrounding areas and are supported by the PPC Group (Public Power Corporation), while 3 are supported by the Municipality of Agia.

The program is also supported by the American Farm School and Perrotis College, which will provide soil and food chemical analyses. The Specialist Awards offer free participation to the beneficiaries in their namesake tasting awards.

To date, through the AgroAnelixi program, 85 agrifood businesses have been supported, with more than 70 new food products already developed and available in the market. The creation of resilient and competitive agri-food businesses through the program contributes to regional development and the broader support of the Greek economy.

The 5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, themed “Digital Transformation and Precision Agriculture,” was successfully held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Kavala Chamber of Commerce.

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

The 5th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up began with opening remarks by Mr. Ioannis Paliokas, Assistant Professor at Democritus University of Thrace (D.U.Th.), Ms. Maria Michalopoulou, Professor and Member of the Administrative Board at D.U.Th., Mr. Theodoros Markopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor of Kavala, and Ms. Souzi Mavrommati, Director of the Kavala Chamber of Commerce.

Two presentations followed. The first was by Ms. Souzi Mavrommati on the Enterprise Europe Network. The second introductory presentation, titled “Digital Transformation in the Agri-Food Sector,” was delivered by Ms. Chrysa Rompidou from Prisma Electronics S.A.

Next was the first panel discussion on “Digital Transformation in the Agri-Food Sector,” with participants: Ms. Chrysa Rompidou, Mr. Dimitrios Kourtidis (Assistant Professor at D.U.Th.), Mr. George Papakostas (Professor and Head of the Department of Informatics at D.U.Th.), and Mr. Ioannis Paliokas, who also moderated the panel.

This was followed by an introductory presentation titled “Precision Agriculture Technologies” by Mr. Ilias Platis, Market Development Manager at FarmB Digital Agriculture S.A.

The second panel discussion focused on “Precision Agriculture Technologies,” with the participation of Ms. Despina Bloukou (Hygienist & Forester M.Sc., Drone Operator – Bloukos General Disinfection), Mr. Ilias Platis (FarmB Digital Agriculture), Mr. Dimitris Aidonis (Professor and Head of the Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University), Mr. Dimitrios Kolovos (Finance Operations Manager, Bluechain Tech), and Mr. Ioannis Kostavellis (Assistant Professor, International Hellenic University), who served as the moderator.

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.

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

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

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

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative of the New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019, through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering venture that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, showcasing and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups operating in the fields of agritech, food technology and agrologistics. These ventures often use cutting-edge technologies, even at the early (pre-seed) development stage.

The 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Nikos Tzollas, Deputy Regional Governor for Digital Governance of the Region of Central Macedonia, Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou, Dean of Perrotis College, and Mr. Panagiotis Menexopoulos, Secretary General of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), and CEO of Afoi Menexopouloi S.A.

The first panel discussion followed, focusing on “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship.” Participants included Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou (Dean, Perrotis College), Mr. Nikos Tzollas (Deputy Regional Governor, Central Macedonia), and Mr. Orestis Matanakis (Commercial Director, DS Smith Hellas). The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

This was followed by a presentation on “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director at DS Smith Hellas.

The day’s first fireside chat focused on “Carbon Farming & Resilient Food Systems,” with the participation of Ms. Stella Psarropoulou (Alexandria Innovation Zone), Mr. Grigoris Chatzikostas (General Partner, Loggerhead Ventures), and Mr. Akis Karamavros (Entrepreneurship & Innovation Associate, New Agriculture New Generation).

The second panel discussion addressed “Sustainable Food Supply Chains: The Role of Knowledge in Shaping Modern Business Models.” Participants included Dr. Sophia Lalous (Head of Environmental Science Department, Perrotis College), Mr. Dimos Moutsaras (Head of Supply Chain, Lidl Hellas), and Mr. Panagiotis Menexopoulos (Secretary General of TCCI – CEO of Afoi Menexopouloi S.A.). The panel was again moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos.

Next came a presentation titled “From Business Idea to Practice” by Mr. Nikolas Chourvouliadis, Director of The Entrepreneurship Hub, ACT – American College of Thessaloniki.

In the final part of the program, participants engaged in an idea generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals.

The main sponsor of the 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS Smith. The event was co-organized with the American Farm School and Perrotis College, and supported by ACT – American College of Thessaloniki. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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

You can find more information and the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups here.

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.