Category: News

TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas undertakes an important initiative to strengthen Greek local agrifood entrepreneurship as a sponsor of the field visits in the business accelerator “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” of New Agriculture New Generation.

The program is addressed to farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, cooperatives, producer groups and small-scale food processors, who aim to improve existing or develop new, high-quality, competitive agrifood products. Businesses that complete the program become more resilient and competitive, thus supporting the local production ecosystem.

The participating businesses attend specialized training workshops, where they acquire practical entrepreneurial knowledge and guidance for creating new, differentiated, and competitive products. They also receive personalized consulting support from experienced market professionals, tailored to their specific needs, without any financial burden.

During the field visits, representatives of New Agriculture New Generation and TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas visit the production units of the participants, with the aim of providing customized training support that responds to the particular needs of each business. Through this process, participants strengthen their knowledge and skills in key areas, ensuring they have the necessary tools to produce high-quality and safe food.

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

The program has already supported 100 agrifood businesses across Greece and has contributed to the development and distribution of 90 new products in the Greek and international markets. Businesses that have benefited from their participation become more sustainable and competitive, while strengthening local economies and value chains, thus contributing to the regional development of the country.

The program lasts 6 months and a total of 12 businesses from across Greece are supported.

Written by Dimitris Voloudakis, General Director of Programs at the organization New Agriculture New Generation and Head of the Agrifood Leadership program.

It is no secret that the Greek agrifood sector is at a turning point. On one hand, it possesses comparative advantages: world-renowned products, fertile land, and the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean diet. On the other, it suffers from chronic weaknesses: small farm sizes, limited extroversion, and a lack of synergies.

To this “puzzle,” we must also add technological advances, climate change, the unstable international economic and political environment, as well as the growing demand for natural, healthy, and innovative agrifood products.

I firmly believe that the most important factor for an agricultural enterprise, a processing company, or a cooperative to meet these challenges is human capital. On the one hand, demographic pressure on the general population—but more so on the rural population—will significantly reduce the number of farmers over the next 15 to 20 years. On the other hand, new developments and modern trends require professionals with holistic knowledge, skills, and the ability to collaborate and lead.

Thus, the variables that will determine whether the Greek agrifood sector successfully addresses these challenges are many. However, the creation of professional leaders in the sector is a critical success factor.

These skills can be developed through education, research, and, of course, thanks to the personal commitment of the professional. Often—much more often than we think—those we consider “inspired leaders” are, in reality, people who have worked extremely hard and methodically to acquire the abilities they possess.

On a personal level, and having the responsibility of the only relevant educational program in Greece, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of education on leadership skills and abilities among professionals in the agrifood sector.

The characteristics that shape a leader in the sector

But what exactly are the characteristics that essentially shape a leader in this field?

• A leader must have vision and strategic direction, the ability to look beyond day-to-day challenges and chart a long-term course.

• They must innovate and integrate new technologies (smart farming, big data, biotechnology, artificial intelligence).

• They need to invest in extroversion and branding, meaning they should be able to position their products in international markets with a strong identity and a coherent strategy.

• Collaboration and networking are of critical importance. Leadership means bringing together producers, businesses, research centers, and society around a common vision.

• There must, of course, be adaptability to challenges, especially in crisis management (climate change, market shifts), with flexibility and composure.

• It is essential to have a sense of social and environmental responsibility, recognizing the need for ethical and sustainable practices in their work, with respect for the environment and society.

• And finally, they must invest in empowering their partners, through mentoring and education.

Of course, every leader—man or woman—is essentially unique, depending on their character and background, and combines these characteristics in their own effective way. What becomes clear, however, is that if we have a sufficient number of individuals in the agrifood sector who share many of the above traits, we will, in the long run, have a more sustainable, productive, and competitive ecosystem.

We need leaders who will transform the sector through their strategic choices, their collaborations, the initiatives they take, the synergies they develop, and, of course, by creating vision and inspiration for the “next day,” which will spread to all their partners.

The organization New Agriculture New Generation is pleased to announce that Agrifood Leadership 2025-2026, the first and only leadership program dedicated exclusively to the agrifood sector in Greece, is placed for the third consecutive year under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

The renewal of this auspices constitutes an important recognition of the program’s contribution to developing new leadership executives for the country’s agrifood sector and further strengthens its institutional character.

Agrifood Leadership is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), with Rutgers University (USA) serving as technical and strategic advisor.

The program offers a unique educational experience, combining seven educational activities in different regions of Greece and in Brussels, as well as three online workshops. A total of 120 training hours, with an emphasis on experiential learning, innovation and practical application, cultivate essential leadership and communication skills—from strategic thinking and team management to negotiations, public speaking, storytelling and marketing.

At the same time, participants have the opportunity to connect with leading professionals and stakeholders of the agrifood ecosystem in Greece and abroad, while upon completion of the program they receive certification from ACTA – a spin-off of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In addition, graduates become members of a vibrant and ever-expanding community of professionals that supports their career path in the sector.

Applications for Agrifood Leadership 2025-2026 will remain open until September 15, 2025! The number of spots is limited, and selection will be based on evaluation and interviews.

Learn more and apply at: https://agrifoodleadership.generationag.org

The organization New Agriculture New Generation announces the extension of the successful program “Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product – Knowledge transfer and innovation network in Chios”, the first Knowledge and Innovation Transfer Network in Chios, until March 2026. This extension further strengthens efforts to ensure the sustainability, protection, and promotion of mastiha cultivation on the island.

To date, more than 250 mastiha producers have participated in the first organized network for knowledge and innovation transfer concerning mastiha cultivation in Chios. They have received training from specialized scientists, as well as from a group of 24 specially trained mastiha producers (farmer-to-farmer training) on technical subjects and cultivation practices.

The devastating impact of the floods that hit the island in September 2024 highlighted the need to extend the program and strengthen the support provided to local producers.

The extension of the program was made possible thanks to the support of The Hellenic Initiative (THI). THI is the only global nonprofit organization that unites Greeks around the world through philanthropy, investing in Greece’s future. Since its establishment, THI has raised more than $38 million and has become the largest organization of the Greek Diaspora globally. Its core mission is to promote sustainable development and entrepreneurship in Greece, which is why it supports the continuation of this program’s activities.

The “Mastic trees: Ensuring the future of a national product” program has already been recognized as a European best practice by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG Agri) of the European Commission and has received an award at the Bravo Sustainability Awards. The program continues its dynamic course, aiming to transfer knowledge, strengthen producers, and create a sustainable future for one of Greece’s most iconic products.

The program is designed and implemented in collaboration with the Laboratory of Floriculture of the School of Agriculture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Chios Mastiha Growers Association. The scientific team includes numerous experienced university professors, coordinated by Associate Professor Mr. Stefanos Chatzilazarou.

The program is co-funded by New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), The Hellenic Initiative and the Chios Mastiha Growers Association.

More information: https://newagri.org/en/lines-of-action/mastichodentra-diasfalizontas-to-mellon-enos-ethnikou-proiontos/

The essential role of the organization New Agriculture New Generation in supporting Greek agrifood is highlighted by the Independent Socioeconomic Impact and Performance Evaluation Reports conducted by BDO and Deloitte for the period 2018–2024.

Six Years of Tangible Support to the Agrifood Sector

From 2018 to 2024, the organization’s actions had a direct and indirect positive impact on over 31,000 beneficiaries and professionals in the agrifood sector, with a satisfaction rate reaching 86%. It is noteworthy that in 2024, 44% of participants in its programs were women, actively promoting female participation and empowerment in the agrifood sector.

Multiplier Value for the Greek Economy

The estimated total contribution of the organization to the Greek economy for the period 2018–2023 reaches 40 million euros, of which:

• €21.4 million came from the organization’s direct activities.

• €18.6 million were generated by the initiatives and actions of the beneficiaries themselves.

In 2023, for every €1 invested by the organization, €5.35 of value was generated in the real economy.

Measurable Social and Economic Impact

During the period 2018–2023:

• 63% of beneficiaries introduced new production and technical processes.

• 80% improved their production and technical capacities.

• 37% of entrepreneurial or self-employed beneficiaries improved their efficiency and increased their profit margins.

• 25% invested in the development of new products.

• 64% of unemployed beneficiaries now have stable employment or started their own business.

• 36% of entrepreneurial or self-employed beneficiaries reduced their environmental footprint (2020–2023).

• The organization’s activities indirectly support 135 jobs annually.

• 486 new jobs were created by the businesses of the beneficiaries.

For a quick overview of our results, watch the videographic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5TsQdvooB0

Founding Donor of New Agriculture New Generation is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which remains the main supporter of the organization, actively funding most of its programs.

Strategic and technical partner: Rutgers University

New Agriculture New Generation continues to work with consistency and transparency in supporting the sector by designing and implementing targeted actions and initiatives.

New Agriculture New Generation announces the opening of applications for the new cycle of Agrifood Leadership, the first and only leadership program exclusively dedicated to the agrifood sector in Greece. Now in its third consecutive year, the program targets dynamic and active professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs in the sector who aspire to become the future leaders of agrifood in Greece.

The program is implemented by New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Its technical and strategic advisor is Rutgers University, USA.

Agrifood Leadership 2025-2026 offers a unique educational experience, combining seven in-person training activities across different regions of Greece and Brussels, along with three online workshops. Through this “road trip of knowledge,” participants will complete a total of 102 hours of training focused on experiential learning, innovation, and practical application. The program centers on the development of leadership and communication skills, such as strategic thinking, team management, negotiation, public speaking, storytelling, marketing, and modern organizational methods — providing essential tools for today’s job market and entrepreneurship.

At the same time, the program offers meaningful networking opportunities with leading professionals and organizations in the Greek and international agrifood ecosystem, along with certification from ACTA – a spin-off of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Graduates automatically join a vibrant and ever-growing network of professionals, enhancing their career path and industry connections.

Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle are now open! The number of available places is limited, and final participant selection will be based on evaluations and interviews.

Apply now at https://agrifoodleadership.generationag.org

Don’t miss the chance to become part of the new generation of leaders who will shape the future of agrifood in Greece!

New Agriculture New Generation, through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and in collaboration with the Municipality of North Kynouria and the Chamber of Arcadia, presents the Practical Olive Growing Guide—a modern, user-friendly and free support tool for all olive growers.

The Guide was created as part of the Open Olive Oil Academy, which was implemented in 2024 in the region of North Kynouria, aiming to strengthen the olive sector by transferring know-how and training professionals in the area.

What does the Guide include?
The Practical Olive Growing Guide contains essential theoretical information and, most importantly, practical advice on olive tree cultivation and olive oil production, aiming to improve the quality and yield of crops. It was compiled by an interdisciplinary team of experts and can be immediately used by any professional in the field. It aims to boost olive production by combining experiential and scientific knowledge.

How to get it?
The Guide is available for free (in Greek) and can be downloaded digitally through the organization’s website HERE.

With the Expertise of a World-Class University

In May 2018, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) announced a landmark grant to support the Initiative ‘‘New Agriculture New Generation’’ that aims to help revitalize one of Greece’s most critical sectors—agriculture—by training and developing a new generation of farmers and inspiring agriculture and food entrepreneurs.

In 2014, at the early planning stages of what was later to become the “New Agriculture for a New Generation” program, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) turned to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States, to lead the design and implementation of this initiative, in partnership with the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) and the American Farm School (AFS). Since then, this landmark initiative evolved into a meaningful success story in support of rural Communities and the agrifood sector and secured its legacy and future sustainability with the establishment of New Agriculture New Generation (NewAgri) non – profit organization in 2020.

During the initial stages (2016-2017), under the coordination and scientific guidance of Rutgers, 20 sectoral studies were conducted across the Greek agrifood value chain, covering sub-sectors like olive oil production, livestock farming, fruit crops, viticulture and wine, agribusiness incubation, apiculture, agritourism et al. The aim of this first phase was to assess the current state of these sub-sectors, evaluating their growth potential, and exploring their overall capacity to create new employment opportunities for Greek youth.

Building on this foundation work, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) entrusted Rutgers and its partner institutions with the implementation phase of the project, under the title “New Agriculture for a New Generation.” The new SNF grant, totaling nearly €24.5 million, represented the largest grant in Rutgers University’s at the time.

The funding formed part of SNF’s €100 million “Recharging the Youth” Initiative, which was launched in response to the effects of the economic crisis, and particularly the exceptionally high levels of youth unemployment in Greece.

The Initiative was well received and warmly embraced, growing fast and achieving remarkable and measurable results. Consequently, in October 2020, having as founding donor the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), the Initiative was converted into a Greek civil, non-profit company, embracing the entire Greek Agrifood ecosystem. At the same time, the organization has expanded its network of partners, stakeholders, supporters and donors with the aim of strengthening its long-term sustainability, while maintaining close cooperation with Rutgers University as its strategic and technical advisor. The SNF still remained the lead supporter of New Agriculture New Generation, actively empowering most of the organization’s work until 2025.

The legacy of Rutgers University’s scientific and strategic guidance remains an integral part of New Agriculture New Generation’s identity to this day. This enduring relationship is also reflected in the participation of Robert M. Goodman, University Professor and Executive Dean Emeritus and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, as an honorary member of New Agriculture New Generation’s Advisory Committee.

Meet our strategic partners!

Meet Dr. Robert M. Goodman, Executive Dean Emeritus of Rutgers University.

The 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, on the theme “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Elimination of Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging,” was successfully held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Agro Expo, Ierapetra.

TrophyΤροφή is an initiative by the organization New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019 through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering project investing in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups active in agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics, with products and services using innovative technologies, even at early development stages (preseed).

The Meet-Up began with an introduction to the role of TrophyΤροφή 2025 in the agri-food innovation ecosystem. This was followed by a presentation titled “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas.

The first discussion panel followed on the topic “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship,” featuring Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director of DS Smith Hellas, Mr. Konstantinos Vassakis, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Science and Technology, Hellenic Mediterranean University, and Ms. Marina Pitropaki, Producer. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

The second discussion panel focused on “Sustainability in Agricultural Production and Optimal Resource Management: From Research to Application.” Participants included Mr. Giorgos Kladakis, President of the Agricultural Cooperative of Vegetable Producers of Arvi, Mr. Georgios Koumbouris, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in olive cultivation, and Mr. Nektarios Kourgialas, Researcher at ELGO, specializing in irrigation and water resource management. The moderator was again Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.

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, with the best idea being awarded after a vote.

The sponsor of the 7th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS SMITH. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Crete and the Department of Management Science & Technology of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.

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