Category: News

The 3rd Agrifood Leadership Training Weekend 24-25 successfully concluded from Friday, January 24 to Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Chios. The theme of the weekend was “Building and Working with the Team: The Role of Leadership in Creating and Leading Effective Teams.” This was another milestone for the Agrifood Leadership program, implemented by New Agriculture New Generation with the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), supported by Rutgers University (USA) as Technical and Strategic Advisor, and under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

The weekend’s program included educational activities, field visits, and networking events aimed at developing leadership skills in the agrifood sector.

The instructor for the 3rd training weekend was Ms. Anastasia Sarchosoglou, MSc, MEd Agronomist. The first day began with a visit to the Mastiha Factory, where a presentation was given by Mr. Ilias Smyrnioudis, General Director and Research & Development Officer at the Mastiha Producers Association of Chios. The day continued with educational sessions by Ms. Anastasia Sarchosoglou, focusing on the role of leaders within teams. The training took place at the Mastiha Research Center in Kallimasia, where Mr. Dimitris Voloudakis, Capacity Building Director at New Agriculture New Generation, welcomed the participants and engaged in discussions with them.

The next day began with a visit and training session at the Mastiha Museum of Chios, attended by the President of the Mastiha Producers Association of Chios, Mr. Giorgos Tumbos, who spoke with the participants. The weekend concluded with a guided tour of the medieval village of Pyrgi, offering a cultural experience that combined learning with discovery.

The 3rd Agrifood Leadership Training Weekend brought together participants from this year’s cycle, laying the foundation for the development of a new generation of leaders in the agrifood sector. Through educational and experiential activities, the participants developed leadership skills, understood the importance of collaboration, and were inspired by the potential of the agrifood sector in Greece, sharing their thoughts and ideas.

The sponsor of the 3rd training weekend was the Mastiha Producers Association of Chios, which played a pivotal role in organizing the visits and activities. The program sponsor is NBIS. The program is under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

In 2024, New Agriculture New Generation received yet another highly prestigious distinction, as the CEO of the organization, Ms. Effie Lazaridou, was awarded the title of Manager of the Year 2024 in the NGO – Non-Profit category. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 3, at the Athens Concert Hall.

More specifically, in the packed Banquet Hall of the Athens Concert Hall, more than 650 distinguished executives from the business, production, political, and civil society sectors attended the event, where Ms. Lazaridou was announced as the winner in the non-profit organizations category. This award recognizes the significant work that the organization has accomplished under her leadership.

The award was presented to Ms. Lazaridou by Ms. Angela Varela, Head of the Directorate of GNTO Domestic & International Offices at the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO).

Visibly moved during the ceremony, Ms. Effie Lazaridou stated:
*”This is a top-tier distinction that moves me deeply for two reasons. Firstly, because the most reputable business excellence award in Greece acknowledges the contribution of Civil Society to the social and economic progress of the country. Secondly, because through this recognition, we honor the unsung Heroes of the Countryside, whose dreams we serve every day.

Since no Manager exists without their team, the truth is that this award truly belongs to my people. A Dream Team of dedicated, talented, and charismatic professionals who remind me every day of the incredible privilege of working in a mission-driven organization that serves only the common good!”*

New Agriculture New Generation, established through the initiative and founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), has supported more than 31,000 professionals and 120 small, family-run, and startup businesses. The organization has played a crucial role in the development of new collaborative schemes and agri-food products, as well as in supporting regional development.

With a strategic partnership with Rutgers University in the U.S. and a strong network of supporters, the organization generates significant value for the Greek economy, with an impact multiplier of x3.6, making the primary production and food sector an attractive career choice for the new generation.

This award serves as yet another confirmation of Ms. Lazaridou’s dedication and vision for a dynamic and sustainable agri-food sector, which will contribute to food security and offer sustainable career prospects.

New Agriculture New Generation (NANG) received a significant honor on October 3, 2024, in London, where it was recognized by The Hellenic Initiative (THI) for its invaluable contribution to revitalizing Greece’s agrifood sector.

The award was presented at THI’s 8th Annual Gala in a prestigious ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel, attended by leaders from the global Greek business and academic communities, who voiced their strong support for the organization’s mission.

Ms. Tatiana Blatnik, THI Ambassador, presented the award to Ms. Effie Lazaridou, CEO, NANG.

Upon receiving the award, Ms. Lazaridou expressed her gratitude, stating: “This recognition from THI moved us deeply and filled us with hope. It shows that Greeks abroad not only understand the challenges we face but also care deeply about supporting meaningful causes. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for this honor and look forward to having them by our side as we plant the seeds of change to ensure the future sustainability of Greece’s agrifood sector. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the continued support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), Rutgers University, and all those who have stood by us over the past six years. Their trust has provided us with the motivation and energy to keep moving forward.”

This award is yet another validation of the organization’s critical role in strengthening and restructuring Greece’s agrifood industry. Founded through the initiative and generous support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), “New Agriculture New Generation” has directly benefited more than 30,000 professionals in the primary sector and has helped develop numerous dynamic, export-oriented, and innovative enterprises. The organization has also played a key role in boosting vital agricultural sectors, such as beekeeping and poultry farming.

In addition, the organization continues to foster growth through international partnerships and innovative programs, collaborating with institutions such as the CITI Foundation, the FAO’s GFCM, and the European Union.

You can view highlights from the 8th Annual Gala in London here.

Watch the award ceremony video here.

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As part of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Effie Lazaridou, CEO of the organization ‘New Agriculture New Generation,’ participates in a special feature by Efimerida ton Syntakton regarding the importance of leadership in the agrifood sector and how it can contribute to the transformation of the industry. There is also a detailed description of the pioneering Agrifood Leadership program, which is the only specialized leadership program in the country, designed in collaboration with Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

Read the article (in Greek) HERE.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the organization ‘New Agriculture New Generation’ invite you to the event they co-organize within the framework of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) titled: Youth Entrepreneurship in the Primary Sector. Strategies for promoting education, training, and advisory support for producers.

The event aims to present the challenges faced by youth entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector and the support it can receive through European policies as well as private initiatives.

The event will feature young successful farmers and entrepreneurs who will present their journeys and experiences from their participation in support programs during a roundtable discussion.

The Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Konstantinos Tsiaras, will deliver a welcoming address, while an intervention will be made by the Secretary General of Union Resources and Infrastructure, Mr. Dimitrios Papagiannidis. The discussion will be moderated by Ms. Efi Lazaridou, CEO of the ‘New Agriculture New Generation’ organization.

The event will take place on 07/09/2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the TIF venue, at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food’s booth (Booth 15 | Stand 34).

Event Program

10:00: Arrival

10:30: Event start – Welcoming address by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Konstantinos Tsiaras

10:45: Remarks by Secretary General Mr. Dimitrios Papagiannidis

11:00: Brief intervention and panel presentation by the CEO of ‘New Agriculture New Generation,’ Ms. Efi Lazaridou

11:10 – 11:30: Roundtable discussion with:

• Zoi Vratskidou, Home-based business Agkathas Farm, Imathia
• Michalis Avdanas, Goat and sheep farmer, Elassona
• Ioannis Senko, Beekeeper, President of the Beekeeping Cooperative of Thessaly “Apis Era”
• Michalis Karagiannis, Agronomist, Chalkidona Thessaloniki & Project Manager, Agrifood Leadership

Moderator: Efi Lazaridou, CEO, New Agriculture New Generation

11:30 – 12:00: Open discussion with the audience

In a festive atmosphere, the Certificate of Completion Ceremony for participants of the 1st cycle of the Agrifood Leadership program (2023-2024) was successfully held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Open Farm Agora in the Central Vegetable Market of Athens.

Specifically, the event, attended by journalists and agrifood business executives, featured a brief review of the educational program and its achievements, followed by the awarding of Certificates of Completion to 14 Leaders who successfully completed the program.

More specifically, the Agrifood Leadership program is the first specialized leadership program for the agrifood sector in Greece, aiming to enhance leadership skills in up-and-coming talented professionals who hold leadership positions or aspire to play a dynamic role in the sector. It is a high-profile networking and education program modeled after similar programs in the USA.

The Agrifood Leadership program is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through a founding donation by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), with Rutgers University of the USA serving as the Technical and Strategic Advisor. The program is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and supported by numerous companies and organizations, including: COMPO EXPERT, the Consortium of Cooperatives and Producer Groups of Imathia Prefecture, Batsolakis Meat School, the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, the Messinia Union, A.TH. KOUIMTZIS S.A., NuAqua, DAY GROUP, BAYER, COSMOCERT, and SKY EXPRESS.

Participants took part in 8 educational three-day sessions, during which they visited companies in the sector and decision-making centers in various parts of Greece. There was also a visit to Brussels, where they met with European institutions related to agrifood, as well as companies based in the city.

The trainees also participated in leadership role activities and online training. Overall, they completed over 90 hours of intensive high-level courses covering topics such as Leadership, Analytical Skills, Marketing Principles, Governance, Agricultural Economics and Policy, among others.

The goal of the program is to empower tomorrow’s Leaders in the Agrifood Sector, prioritizing sustainability, technology, participation, market orientation, collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. In the medium term, the program aims to create a community of dynamic professionals in the agrifood sector who will be in open communication and cooperation to contribute to the overall development of the productive ecosystem.

At the Certificate Ceremony, Mrs. Effie Lazaridou, CEO of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, delivered an address in which she stated, “The agrifood sector is at a critical crossroads and needs to redefine its role in the economy and society. We need producers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the sector to lead this evolution, create a new vision, and design new strategies, overcoming today’s shortcomings and limitations.”

A video message was also delivered by Robert M. Goodman, Executive Dean Emeritus, University Distinguished Professor – Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University, USA, who stated, “Congratulations on completing the Leadership Program of the New Agriculture New Generation organization. This program is the first of its kind to be offered in Europe. Its main goal is to create, over time, a community of leaders in agriculture and food in Greece. Leaders who not only know how to better manage their businesses but who also care about and promote the cross-sectoral needs that affect everyone—strengthening not only individual businesses but also supporting the common needs of the sector and the broader public.”

Dimitris Voloudakis, Capacity Building Director and Program Manager, also gave a speech, saying, “Our ambition is to cultivate together the values and skills necessary for the creation of the future leaders that the Greek and global agriculture and food sectors need so much. The challenges are great. In less than 20 years, the number of farmers in our country will be reduced to a third. The countryside is at risk of desertification, and our land is at risk of desertification due to climate change. The sector needs those who will lead producers towards more sustainable food and energy production systems. The next steps of the program include the creation of a networking, communication, and support framework that will also welcome future generations of program graduates.”

Members of the Program Advisory Committee were also present at the event, including Mrs. Dina Lazari, Member of the Board of Directors, Hellenic Exchanges – Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX), Mr. Panos Hamakiotis, Regional Director EMEA and Managing Director of COMPO EXPERT Hellas & Spain, and Mrs. Anastasia Sarhosoglou, Agronomist and Food Scientist, MSc, MEd.

Supporters of the Certificate Ceremony: Lafazanis Winery.

The 14 Leaders who successfully completed the program are:

• Andreas Akratos (Athens) – Interpreter-Translator, Investor in hydroponic greenhouses and poultry farms
• Kyriakos Gikas (Igoumenitsa) – Asparagus and other crop producer, Cooperative member
• Georgios Dalianis (Halkidiki) – Agronomist, Founder of CERELCO AGROTRADE
• Ioanna Doufexi (Athens) – Agronomist, Food Technologist, Head of Studies at Batsolakis Meat School
• Christos Zacharakis (Agrinio) – Economist, Marketing Manager, Producer (corn, alfalfa, citrus fruits)
• Fani Zacharouli (Larissa) – Agronomist-Agricultural Economist, Executive at an agricultural consultancy company
• Dimitris Misiakas (Veria) – Forester, Project Manager at the Imathia Producer Groups Consortium
• Eleni Bikou (Thessaloniki) – Economist, CFO at AGROTECH
• Konstantinos Bogis (Chios) – Economist, CFO at the Chios Mastiha Growers Association
• Konstantinos Nikolaidis (Halkidiki) – Agronomist, Olive producer and entrepreneur
• Georgia Panagopoulou (Athens) – Chemical Engineer, Digital Marketer for wine promotion, Wine branding entrepreneur
• Stefania Rizou (Karditsa-Athens) – Financial Consultant/Auditor, Agrifood Startup founder
• Ioannis Senko (Larissa) – Beekeeper, President of the Beekeeping Cooperative, Youtuber
• Christina Chatzimichail (Larissa) – Chemical Engineer, Shareholder in an agricultural supplies company

Undoubtedly, the success of this 1st cycle of the Agrifood Leadership program, implemented by New Agriculture New Generation with the contribution of Rutgers University, creates a significant legacy for the future, as it demonstrates that there is talent interested in developing new knowledge and acquiring the skills that will lead to the overall transformation of the agrifood sector in Greece.

The new cycle of the Agrifood Leadership program begins in fall 2024, with applications open until September 15, 2024.

DS Smith, a leading manufacturer of sustainable corrugated cardboard packaging solutions in Greece, is actively contributing to the advancement of the country’s agri-food sector by partnering for the second consecutive year with the organization ‘New Agriculture New Generation’ to support the industry, this time by backing the TrophyΤροφή program. Specifically, DS Smith Hellas will support three meet-ups of the program, with the main theme being ‘Reducing the use of plastic in the agri-food sector,’ which will take place during the last four months of 2024 at three universities across the country.

But what exactly is TrophyΤροφή?

TrophyΤροφή is an innovative initiative that highlights and rewards pioneering business ideas and startups in the fields of agritechnology, food technology, and agrologistics, offering products and services that utilize innovative technologies, even at the early stages of development (pre-seed). So far, thanks to this program, 122 startups from this sector have already been supported.

The meet-ups are an integral part of TrophyΤροφή. There, students, startuppers, new entrepreneurs, and researchers come into contact with research institutions, investors, mentors, and companies, working together to develop new groundbreaking ideas through hands-on workshops.

For DS Smith, the adoption of sustainable development practices and circular economy is at the core of its activities, and the transformation of the agrifood sector can be framed by innovative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions that will enhance the added value of the final products. In this context, the company supports in the three meet-ups the thematic section titled: ‘Reducing the use of plastic in the agrifood sector.’

Mr. George Filippoglou, DS Smith Managing Director for the Greece cluster, stated: ‘We are particularly pleased that for another year we stand by New Agriculture New Generation, as through this collaboration we have contributed to strengthening the agri-food sector while highlighting the crucial role that corrugated cardboard packaging plays in promoting the country’s sustainable development.’

The three Meet-ups supported by DS Smith Hellas are the following:

• Trophy Meet-up co-organized with the Agricultural University of Athens.
• Trophy Meet-up co-organized with the University of the Peloponnese.
• Trophy Meet-up co-organized with the University of Macedonia.

Ms. Effie Lazaridou, CEO of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, stated: ‘TrophyΤροφή is a meaningful initiative that connects the academic community with the industry and the market in the critical agri-food sector. Every year it brings hundreds of students and researchers into contact with innovative companies through the TrophyΤροφή meet-ups that are held at universities across Greece, providing an effective platform for the exchange of business ideas and experiences. More than 700 students have participated in the program’s meet-ups over the past two years, working on developing innovative solutions and starting to design their first entrepreneurial steps. DS Smith, a pioneering company in corrugated cardboard packaging that invests in sustainable practices, supports 3 meet-ups, enriching the content of the TrophyΤροφή initiative.’

DS Smith is headquartered in London and is a member of the FTSE 100, operating in 34 countries and employing approximately 30,000 people, with its history dating back to packaging production companies from 1940. In Greece, the company has been present for the last 65 years with factories in Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Crete, employing over 400 workers in total. DS Smith Hellas actively supports the TrophyΤροφή initiative of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, with the aim of boosting innovation and sustainability in Greece’s agrifood ecosystem through a substantial and reliable effort to accelerate startup entrepreneurship.

TrophyΤροφή has been successfully implemented since 2019 by the organization New Agriculture New Generation, thanks to the founding grant of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).