Category: News

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 4th training session of the Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program was successfully completed in Thessaloniki from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15, 2026. The session focused on the theme “Building and Working with the Team” and was led by Anastasia Sarchosoglou, Agronomist – Food Scientist, MSc-Med, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Consultant in the Agrifood Sector.

The Agrifood Leadership 2025–2026 program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. Rutgers University (USA) serves as the program’s Technical and Strategic Advisor. The training session was sponsored by LIDL HELLAS.

The program was established through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

Focus on Effective Team Collaboration

During the training session, participants focused on the importance of effective teamwork as a key factor for success and sustainable development in the agrifood sector. The objective was to understand the stages of team development and the factors that strengthen cohesion, trust, and productivity.

Through experiential exercises, collaborative scenario simulations, and group problem-solving activities, participants developed skills in effective communication, clear role allocation, conflict management, and collective decision-making.

The training experience highlighted that a successful team is not merely the sum of its members, but a dynamic system of collaboration built on trust, transparency, and commitment. In this way, participants strengthened their role as active and effective team members contributing meaningfully to innovation and collective progress within the agrifood ecosystem.

The opening remarks of the training session were delivered by Nikos Lysigakis, Senior Corporate Affairs Manager at LIDL HELLAS, who emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and the new generation of professionals in the sector.

Inspiration from Corporate Philosophy

A standout moment of the program was the presentation by Dimitris Koulaxidis, Senior Purchasing Manager at Lidl Hellas, who shared insights from contemporary business practices within the Purchasing sector.

He highlighted the strategic role of procurement in the company’s growth and competitiveness, the importance of collaboration with reliable suppliers, the selection of high-quality products, and the integration of sustainable practices. He also presented how data analysis and responsiveness to market trends support decision-making and the effective operation of the supply chain.

Educational Visit to LIDL HELLAS Central Logistics in Sindos

On the same day, participants visited the Central Logistics Distribution Center of Lidl Hellas in the Industrial Area of Sindos, where they had the opportunity to experience firsthand the operation of a modern and fully organized supply chain system.

The warehouse tour was conducted by Damianos Getsios, Head of Warehouse at Lidl Hellas, who provided a detailed presentation of the warehouse organization and management model, the processes of receiving, storage, and distribution of products, as well as the quality and safety standards applied.

New Agriculture New Generation warmly thanks LIDL HELLAS for its valuable support and hospitality in Thessaloniki and at its central facilities.

Supporters of the program’s remaining training sessions include: the Cooperative of Producer Groups of Imathia, the Agricultural Poultry Cooperative of Ioannina PINDOS, COMPO EXPERT Hellas, and Chios Mastiha Growers Association.

The program is also supported by 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.

The event on the New Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2028–2034 and the role of Regions in its design and implementation was successfully held in Patras, with significant attendance. The event was co-organized by the Region of Western Greece and New Agriculture New Generation.

The event brought together representatives of the national government, the European Commission, local and regional authorities, academia, and the agri-food sector, confirming the strong interest in the upcoming programming period and the challenges it entails.

During the presentations and the open consultation session, it was highlighted that the New CAP 2028–2034 constitutes a critical mechanism for transitioning towards a more sustainable, resilient, and knowledge-driven production model. Particular emphasis was placed on increased environmental requirements, the need for the economic viability of farming operations, and the strengthened role of the Region in national strategic planning.

Intervention by Effie Lazaridou and the Contribution Framework of New Agriculture New Generation

In her remarks, Effie Lazaridou, CEO of New Agriculture New Generation, underlined that the success of the new CAP in Western Greece will depend on:

• institutional cooperation between the Region, universities, and producers,
• technical capacity and the dissemination of applied knowledge,
• and the existence of effective coordination mechanisms linking research with practice.

The organization presented the framework of its contribution to the new period, structured around three main pillars:

1. Applied education and training tailored to the needs of producers and regional sectors.

2. Linking research, policy, and production through pilot initiatives and collaborative schemes.

3. Entrepreneurial empowerment of small and medium-sized farms through management tools, cooperation models, and market access support.

Ms. Lazaridou stated:

“As New Agriculture New Generation, we are ready to contribute systematically:

• by fostering connections between local authorities, universities, and producers,
• through educational programs tailored to regional needs,
• by providing entrepreneurial support to the new generation of farmers and agri-businesses,
• by establishing platforms for dialogue and cooperation,
• and through pilot interventions that can serve as scalable implementation models.

It is, after all, the core role of civil society to implement pilot actions, measure their value, document their results, and subsequently deliver them to the State and competent institutional bodies so that they may adopt and scale them.”

Institutional Greetings and Key Presentations

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Nektarios Farmakis, Regional Governor of Western Greece; Mr. Andreas Kastaniotis, Member of Parliament (New Democracy) and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Nikolaos Kakavas, President of the Panhellenic Federation of Public Geotechnical Employees.

Presentations were delivered by Mr. Antonios Filippis, Secretary General of the General Secretariat for Agricultural Policy and International Relations at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food; Mr. Spyridon Papaspyrou, Head of the Directorate of Agricultural Economy of the Region of Western Greece; Mr. Menelaos Gardikiotis, President of the Board of the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOTEE); Mr. Nikos Kalinis, Programme Director for the Greek CAP Strategic Plan (2023–2027), Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission; and Mr. Efthathios Klonaris, Professor at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Development of the Agricultural University of Athens.

A Shared Conclusion: From Measure Management to a Resilient Regional Agri-Food Ecosystem

Participants commonly agreed that the New CAP represents an opportunity to move from the management of individual measures to the development of a comprehensive regional agri-food ecosystem characterized by resilience, competitiveness, and meaningful support for rural communities.

New Agriculture New Generation reaffirms its commitment to systematically contribute, through evidence-based approaches and collaboration, to the design and implementation of policies that strengthen the sustainable development of Greek agri-food systems.

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.

New Agriculture New Generation announces the launch of the new training and consulting program “Leveraging the Advantage: Strategies for Local Products and PDO–PGI with Health Claims”, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of Greek products with high nutritional value by utilizing Health Claims as a tool for differentiation, extroversion, and sustainable development.

The program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and with the support of CrediaBank.

It is addressed to agrifood businesses, cooperatives, and producer groups that wish to strengthen their position in the market by combining expertise on the regulatory framework and certification procedures with targeted marketing, sales and export strategies.

The main objective of the program is to train and support agrifood enterprises so that they understand the regulatory framework and effectively leverage Health Claims in their strategies, increasing their competitiveness both in the domestic and international markets. At the same time, the program contributes to the adoption of best practices for the management of natural resources, promoting sustainable development.

The total duration of the program is 4 months and it will benefit 15 enterprises, cooperatives, or producer groups, with the possibility of participation for up to 3 staff members per enterprise (a total of 45 participants).

Applications will remain open from November 19 to December 7, 2025.

Program Structure

The program includes:

Training Workshops (15 hours, online) with thematic units on:
-the regulatory framework and certification procedures,
-best practices for water resource management,
-marketing, branding, and sales strategy,
-exporting products with Health Claims.

Personalized Consulting: The 15 enterprises and their teams will receive tailored business support from experienced market professionals (4 hours per enterprise), as well as one hour of specialized consulting on best practices in water resource management.

Networking Events (one opening and one closing event) for knowledge exchange, sharing experiences, and fostering collaborations.

Collective Publication (White Paper) featuring the program’s results and best practices.

The training workshops will be delivered in collaboration with academic institutions, specialized market professionals and distinguished marketing, sales and export consultants.

At the end of the program, all participants will receive Certificates of Completion.

Interested applicants can submit their application HERE.

Participation in the program is free of charge and applications will remain open from 19 November to 7 December 2025.