At the foothills of Mount Vermio, in the semi-mountainous village of Trilofos, Imathia, Sarkatzi Farm was “born” five years ago. It was in 2019 when Theodoros Sarkatzis, a graduate of the Department of Public Relations and Communication, decided to return to the land and replant his family’s 40-year-old estates with nut trees.

Together with his wife, Anastasia Tsili, they chose to focus on the production, processing, and marketing of almonds and hazelnuts, emphasizing product quality while also paving the way for new farmers in the primary and agri-food sectors. The range of products produced on the farm is constantly expanding and now includes spreads, cereal bars, powders, pralines, spoon sweets, and more.

Starting from cultivation all the way to product packaging, the family-run cottage industry has shown consistent growth. It currently offers 20 product codes, with sales increasing by 60% compared to last year—a development that prompted the next step in their expansion. With the goal of increasing both production and their customer base, Sarkatzi Farm, which spans approximately 3,000 square meters, is investing in a new, modern processing facility on a privately owned 120-square-meter property in Trilofos. The new unit is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. For this investment, the cottage industry has submitted a funding application through the NSRF program for processing and is now awaiting final results.

Speaking to Liberal.gr, Ms. Anastasia Tsili said the new facility will house the workshop, storage areas, and offices of the cottage industry. “Our facility is being upgraded and will be fully vertically integrated once the new unit is operational. The aim is to grow our customer base (both wholesale and retail) and increase our production. Consumer demand is already growing, with our products gaining traction among consumers,” Ms. Tsili stated.

Emphasis on Quality

Discussing the products, she noted that the idea of processing and producing healthy food came about when she was searching for highly nutritious foods for her child—and that’s when she discovered nut butters. “Our farm’s nut production kept increasing. At the time, my husband Theodoros Sarkatzis, who leads cultivation and harvesting, and I were debating whether to sell the raw product to traders or begin processing it ourselves. My interest in healthy foods like nut butters for my child led us to the idea of producing spreads based on the nuts we already grew,” Ms. Tsili explained to Liberal.gr. They started with six flavors and now offer 20 product codes, including raw nuts.

The nuts cultivated at Sarkatzi Farm are mainly almonds and hazelnuts, with walnuts also being developed. The nuts are used to produce spreads with up to three ingredients, cereal bars, almond powder, pralines, spoon sweets, and almond oil. “What sets our products apart from the competition is that they contain no additives such as preservatives, sugar, salt, or added oils. Ingredient combinations are made using honey, which we source from small local producers. They contain 100% natural ingredients and have a one-year shelf life,” Ms. Tsili emphasized, noting that the cottage industry invests in high-quality, pure raw materials—a key differentiator in the sector. She added that four of their 11 spread codes have received awards for best taste in competitions.

Expansion into More Retail Outlets

The cottage industry’s products are currently available on store shelves in Veria, Naousa, and Thessaloniki, with the majority of sales coming from their online store (e-shop). Given the steady rise in sales and the upcoming completion of the new processing unit, Sarkatzi Farm aims—through its participation in food exhibitions—to expand into more retail points in the domestic market and, in the long term, to enter international markets.

Finally, referring to the cottage industry’s collaboration with the organization New Agriculture New Generation, Ms. Tsili described it as a “godsend” for Sarkatzi Farm, offering knowledge and solutions across various agri-food sectors and in the production process. “We cultivate our land with love and respect for the environment, always following the guidance of our expert agronomists,” Ms. Tsili concluded.

Source: liberal.gr

The story of two civil and mechanical engineers who turned to beekeeping and created the first product of its kind in the world. What one of the co-founders of this innovative company shares with us.

Mother Nature generously offers her gifts and simultaneously presents business opportunities for those who can make the most of them. Eleni Plachoura and Vasilis Ritas are two engineers who didn’t hesitate to take up a new professional venture when they decided to engage in beekeeping by founding the company NOMAD Honey.
Through it, they produce and market organic honey and other bee products that come from their beehives located in the Vikos Gorge.
NOMAD Honey has even created and patented the world’s first organic honey energy gel made only with natural ingredients, approved by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI). Their products are exported to Germany and the U.S.

“We met as engineers. We were working as a civil engineer and a mechanical engineer. We had no connection to beekeeping. It came into our lives by chance in 2014. But we decided that we wanted to get serious and professional about it. In 2015, we attended the School of Beekeeping and Sericulture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where we gained valuable knowledge and tools to practice organic beekeeping with proper methods. We developed our bee colonies and since then, we’ve maintained mountainous apiaries in the Vikos–Aoos Geopark and other mountain areas. Our brand name, NOMAD Honey, was inspired by the nature of our work — nomadic beekeeping,” says Eleni Plachoura (Civil Engineer – Beekeeper), co-founder of the innovative company, in her interview with newmoney, explaining their personal story and how this career switch came to be.

“In 2018, we built a state-of-the-art organic honey packaging facility in Katsikas, Ioannina, in our own 700m² premises. That same year, we created the world’s first natural, organic honey-based energy gel — gentle on the stomach and intestines of athletes — called Bear Strength NOMAD Natural Boost Honey Gel. We built its production line at our facility and patented our idea through the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization. We’ve even conducted a clinical study on its effects. The entire investment was self-funded, driven by passion, vision, and dedication — to such an extent that we were blinded to the challenges of launching a new business.”

6 energy gels
The Greek beekeeper then elaborates on the company’s development, its operations today, its sales, exports, and product range:

“Since then, we’ve been producing and selling top-quality organic mountain honey varieties. All the honey we produce has been awarded for its quality and taste at international food competitions over the past six years. We have also developed and sell a line of six energy gels, each with a different composition and effect, designed for sports, outdoor activities, or for anyone needing an energy boost during the day. Our products are available at our physical store at our facility in Ioannina, through our online store www.nomad-honey.gr, in delicatessen and sports stores in Greece, and are currently exported to the U.S. and Germany.

Our company produces, processes, packages, conducts research with external partners, innovates, and distributes its products worldwide.”

Regarding NOMAD Honey’s new projects and future business steps, Eleni Plachoura tells newmoney:

“Our most recent news is that we’ve set up a production line for raw, organic energy and protein bars, which will be launched in the market in a few days. Our overall focus is on real, energy-packed food. We have many ideas for the future, but we take it one step at a time.”

In closing, Ms. Plachoura describes the company’s collaboration with the “New Agriculture New Generation” organization:

“Our collaboration with the ‘New Agriculture New Generation’ organization happened during the COVID-19 period. At a time of general isolation, the Zoom seminars with all the organization’s partners were a window of connection to the outside world. The entire educational component was very interesting, as it helped us frame our business through an entrepreneurial lens, even though we were already on the market having taken our own path, unaware of many business rules. In 2021, we won first prize in the organization’s accelerator program for our business plan, among all participating companies. It’s worth noting that our relationship and communication with New Agriculture New Generation continues to this day, and there is mutual appreciation.”

Source: newmoney.gr

From the vertically integrated livestock unit of the Municipality of Prosotsani, supermarkets, delicatessens, and foreign markets both within and outside of Europe are being supplied, with new partnerships in Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

The genuine, traditional dairy products originating from rural Greece—products that appear in the eyes of urban residents as an “invaluable natural treasure”—seem to be steadily gaining ground in consumer preferences abroad as well.

The distance from Drama to… Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, the capitals of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia respectively, is obviously vast. But that didn’t stop the locals from “discovering” them through international trade networks, much like several European countries had earlier. The next goal: entering the American market…

In the shadow of Mount Menikio, on the plain of the Municipality of Prosotsani, the Agricultural Livestock Industrial Cooperative of Prosotsani Menikio (Menikio) develops its activity, expressing the shared vision of a group of local people for the creation of a model farm. In this fertile plain, the Cooperative’s livestock unit, animal feed storage facility, and dairy plant are located. Surrounding the facilities is a fenced pasture where “…the animals graze freely in a protected environment, depending on the season and weather conditions, without being exposed to any danger,” as described by the company’s head, Giorgos Meleneclis—a graduate of the Department of Agriculture (specializing in Food Science and Technology) at the School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Environment of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

He explains to newmoney:
“Menikio supplies the Greek market daily with high-quality dairy products made exclusively from Goat and Sheep Milk, including our flagship product, Fresh Goat Milk, as well as Yogurt, Kefir, Goat Cheese and Feta, Ayran, and Butter. In addition to milk from its own livestock unit, Menikio sources milk from more than 100 producers from Drama, Serres, and Thessaloniki.

In international markets, the Organic product line is enjoying great success and growth, both in Europe—with partnerships in the UK, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—and beyond, with recent collaborations in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.”

The company distributes its products through partner supermarket chains in Northern Greek cities (e.g. Masoutis, My Market, Market In, Sklavenitis), and in Athens through organic food stores and delicatessens (such as “Biologiko Chorio”).

Menikio’s exports already account for 30% of its turnover and continue to grow. The company produces 20 product codes and employs 50 workers.
Its sales exceed €2 million, with a projected increase of 12%-15% for 2024, while a new investment in the expansion of its facilities is expected to double its annual production to 1 million tons.

Plans include the launch of an innovative product: the first organic ice cream made from goat kefir, which is set to launch in Spring 2025. Additionally, the company exports animal feed, mostly cultivated in Cyprus.

“Support for Livestock Farmers”
Menikio’s facilities include a fully vertically integrated livestock unit, dairy plant, warehouses, farmland, and a fenced grazing area of 90 acres.
“The Cooperative’s people ensure that the feeding schedule, quantity, and timing are strictly defined and consistent, thus creating the ideal conditions for the production of high and consistent quality organic milk.

This organization is what allows Menikio to continually expand its production activities in the organic products sector. At the Cooperative’s dairy plant, high-quality, certified organic dairy products are produced, following all hygiene and safety protocols in line with HACCP and ISO 22000 standards,” adds Mr. Meleneclis, continuing:

“Our priority is quality Goat Milk, which we aim to emphasize, supporting local livestock farmers and their work, with the goal of further developing and strengthening the milk production zone. All of this is naturally reflected in the final product and its quality. Our ongoing goal is to produce innovative dairy products of high quality, taste, and nutritional value. Our desire to develop innovative organic products is also reflected in the recent launch of our newest product, Organic Ice Cream made from Goat Milk and Kefir—a product that marks our entry into the frozen foods market and has already been met with great success at food exhibitions in Greece and abroad.”

In closing, Giorgos Meleneclis speaks about the impact of Menikio’s collaboration with the organization New Agriculture New Generation:

“As a small-to-medium enterprise, it’s very important for us to have the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like New Agriculture New Generation. The work and initiatives they carry out in partnership with businesses are of the utmost importance for our development and networking. Through the ‘Agroanelixi’ competition, we managed to create our Goat Kefir Ice Cream with the help and guidance of the organization’s team. On our end, we will continue to participate wherever possible and support the organization’s work in the best possible way.

Source: newmoney.gr

Our beneficiaries

Meet Gogo Passa and Nikos Afendras, beneficiaries of the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”.

Based in the heart of Greece, in Northern Evia, Gogo and Nikos have been involved in beekeeping for quite a few years now. In 2023, aiming to evolve their family business and improve both products and processes, they decided to participate in the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, which was implemented for the 4th consecutive year by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”.

Gogo and Nikos made the big decision to change their lives and turn to beekeeping due to their love for nature and specifically for bees. However, unfortunately, after the major wildfires that occurred in the area in 2021, they lost a large part of their beehives, and thus, among other things, sought the contribution and support of the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”.

From Idea to Action

The beekeeping family business “PhaMelaki” was created in 2015 by Gogo and Nikos, who proudly state that they are first-generation beekeepers.

As Gogo aptly puts it, “What drives us and has always driven us is the passion for bees, family, and the environment.”

The family, now a business under the name “PhaMelaki”, manages approximately 200 beehives. Gogo continues, saying, “We practice nomadic beekeeping, collecting honey, polyfloral bee pollen, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly, while following proper beekeeping practices for the production of our products.”

Additionally, at “PhaMelaki,” their goal is to engage with the local community and highlight the importance of bees and pollination to the planet, at every opportunity.

Participation in the “Agroanelixi 2022” accelerator

In 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, “New Agriculture New Generation” implemented the successful program for accelerating agri-food businesses “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, through which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, artisans, cooperatives, and producer groups from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.

Both Gogo and Nikos felt that their participation in the program was able to provide them with many tools, especially after the devastating fires of 2021.

“With the bees that were saved, we continue the tradition of beekeeping, collecting new products from the regenerating forest, while also taking care of the sustainability and welfare of our bees in the new ecosystem. In this effort, the organization has been with us from the beginning,” says Nikos.

Finally, concluding, Gogo adds, “Through our participation in the program, we would like to highlight the unique varieties of honey from our region, create new products and experiences, and be able to share these stories with consumers. This is always our goal.”

Gogo Passa participated in the fourth cycle of the Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future program.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

Implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future are DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our beneficiaries

Who is Argyro Koutsouradi, a beneficiary of the “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future” program of the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”?

Argyro represents a new generation of farmers who, with determination, establish their own organic farm in the field of aromatic plants and herbs. Her enterprise, Myrovolos Organics, is located in Chios and is engaged in the cultivation of 15 different types of aromatic and medicinal plants, successfully combining tradition with modern technology.

From the village of Chalkeios in Chios, Argyro, despite the lack of family connection to agriculture, decided to study Agriculture at the Democritus University of Thrace. There, her contact with aromatic and medicinal plants fascinated her, guiding her towards specializing in this particular field. “For me, the primary sector constitutes a process of rejuvenation of nature and the earth,” she says characteristically.

From idea to action

A family business of aromatic plants in Chios

Argyro’s love for her homeland of Chios, her desire to protect nature and plants, as well as the need to create something in her local community, led her to establish Myrovolos Organics in October 2015. “I started with a few family acres. However, compatriots of mine living abroad or in other cities in Greece believed in my efforts and granted me some of their land. I warmly thank them for this! Their support helped me significantly in the beginning,” she says.

Myrovolos Organics is an innovative unit for the production, processing, and standardization of aromatic plants in Chios. The unique climate and soil of the island, combined with the certified organic practices of the enterprise, produce high-quality herbs with rich flavor and essential oils.

“The aromatic plants we cultivate are varied. Sage, lemon verbena, lavender, thyme, oregano, peppermint, chamomile, and rosemary are some of them. In addition, we produce two extremely popular products, pickles from rock samphire and capers,” says Argyro with joy. These two products seem to be the best-sellers of the enterprise, as they are rare to find in other parts of Greece. “The truth is that I love what I do very much,” concludes Argyro, “as it combines my two great loves, the protection of nature and my homeland, beloved Chios.”

Participation in the “Agroanelixi 2022” accelerator

“New Agriculture New Generation” implemented, for the fourth consecutive year in 2023, the successful program of accelerating agri-food enterprises “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, with the help of which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, craftsmen, cooperatives, and groups of producers from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products, based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.

Having already participated in programs and actions of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, she considers the contribution of the organization to be particularly important for the development of her business as well as for the improvement of her products and processes.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Argyro Koutsouradi from Chios received a very significant distinction this year, as she was declared Farmer of the Year in the EU, ranking first in her category for “the most Resilient Project” in the 9th competition of the European Congress of Young Farmers.

Argyro Koutsouradi participated in the fourth cycle of the Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” program.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mentality in the industry and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” are the companies DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our beneficiaries

Meet Nikos Lionis and Maria Barbouni, beneficiaries of the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”.

A family of first-generation livestock farmers and cheesemakers from Rethymno, Crete, Nikos and Maria have been dedicated to the agriculture sector since 2009.

As their goal has been and remains to strengthen the field and create quality products, in 2023 they decided to participate in the program “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, which was once again implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”.

From idea to action

The family farm was established in 2009 in the village of Agios Andreas. As Nikos states, “Our dedication to animal husbandry started in 2009 when we founded our farm.” He continues, saying, “There, we mainly raise goats and other domestic animals. In 2020, we created the ‘Family Dairy Farm Lionis’, starting the processing of the milk produced by our animals, producing dairy and cheese products with emphasis on tradition and quality.”

Participation in the “Agroanelixi 2022” accelerator

“New Agriculture New Generation” implemented in 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, the successful program of accelerating agri-food businesses “Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future”, through which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, crafts, cooperatives, and producer groups from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products, based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.

Both Nikos and Maria considered their participation in the program crucial for the evolution of their family business and craft, as well as for improving the produced products.

As they say, “With the support of the organization ‘New Agriculture New Generation and participation in training seminars in Rethymno in 2020 and 2022, as well as through the business acceleration program in the agri-food sector ‘Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future 2023’, we improved the quality of life of our animals.” And they continue, saying, “We chose the suitable breed of goats to diversify our products, while improving the feed of our animals for maximum production of quality milk.”

In addition to the above, Nikos and Maria support that through their participation in the programs and actions of the organization, they managed to properly cost their products and, at the same time, to delve into the idea of agrotourism, making both the farm and their dairy unit visitable.

“We hope that our vision will soon be realized, offering people from all over Greece the opportunity to participate in a unique interactive experience of experiential workshops,” they conclude.

Nikos Lionis and Maria Barbouni participated in the fourth cycle of the program for accelerating agri-food businesses “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future”.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

Implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation” through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” are the companies DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our Beneficiaries

Meet Angeliki Drakou and Kostas Papazoglou from Grizo & Prasino.

The story of Angeliki and Kostas, the couple who cultivate organic herbs in Komotini, began in 2012 when they founded their company, then called “Drogi,” as a side business.

Kostas had worked as an agronomist consultant for organic farming, while Angeliki was a lawyer. However, a personal health challenge Angeliki faced made her reconsider her priorities and focus more on the business. This experience led her to decide to leave the legal profession and fully concentrate on organic farming.

The couple loves nature and the herbs they cultivate. Their vitality and dedication are evident in every detail of their business. Through this story, the power of love and dedication to pursuing one’s dreams and creating a life that reflects one’s true values shines through.

From Idea to Action

In 2017, they changed the name of their business to Grizo & Prasino. This name reflects the impact of their own lives and philosophy. It signifies the stability of changes in seasons and the objectivity in recognizing difficulties and opportunities for improvement. Angeliki emphasizes that they do not seek perfection but instead acknowledge their weaknesses and strive for constant improvement.

Their organic herbs are cultivated outside Komotini, in six acres in the Asomatos area. The herbs are grown with personal care, and the leaves are hand-picked, as are the fruits used in blends, such as quinces, apples, citrus fruits, which are also hand-cut.

“Since 2017, we mix 16 different varieties and package only whole leaves and flowers from them, while bottling the flavor and scents of the Thracian land in beautiful 250ml bottles,” Angeliki says.

Participation in the “AgroAnelixi” accelerator

Both Angeliki and Kostas considered that their participation in the “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future” program, implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation,” would be a step that would help their business evolve and open up new horizons for new products and techniques.

Angeliki mentions that “Through the Agroanelixi Program of the New Agriculture New Generation Organization, we correct our mistakes, improve our products, and redefine our business goals to achieve the best quality of life we desire for ourselves and for everyone who drinks Grizo & Prasino.”

Looking to the Future with Steady Steps: The couple has enriched their range with blends, thematic boxes with small collections, and sampler kits. Their goal is to invest in agritourism through Open Farms, which includes field tours, tastings, calendula picking with visitors, and seed planting.

Their next steps include creating syrups from herbs such as valerian or achillea, which can be used by professionals in restaurants and bars or at home for cooking and desserts.

Angeliki Drakou participated in the fourth cycle of the AgriFood Acceleration Program “Agroanelixi – Farmers of the Future.”

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.

It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi – “Farmers of the Future” are DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Our beneficiaries

Meet Zoe Vratskidi and Agkathas Farm Zoe Vratskidi’s life is an inspired example of the power of change and dedication to achieving goals and dreams. With a rich background in agriculture and a professional career that anyone would envy, Zoe could easily have chosen a stable career as a flight attendant, where she had worked for several years. However, her heart led her elsewhere.

In the midst of the crisis, Zoe found the opportunity to return to the village, to nature, and to rural production. Armed with the necessary agricultural knowledge, she and her husband made the decision to permanently settle in Imathia, specifically in the village of Agkathia, and set up there a farm of traditional products, Agkathas Farm, which is even named after the region.

From idea to action

As a farmer, Zoe exceeded all expectations, demonstrating her passion and dedication to producing high-quality and nutritious products.

Her farm covers 115 acres of land. There, she produces and offers to the market high-nutritional-value traditional and diversified fruit products, enriched with nature’s superfoods, without additives and preservatives, straight from the farm to the pots.

Among other products, she produces peach jam with chia seeds, without sugar & with grape juice, apple jam with 100% cold-pressed hemp oil, without sugar & with grape juice, peach compost in grape juice without sugar, either with vanilla or with mastic from Chios, as well as more premium products such as apple chutney with white Greek truffle and peach chutney with linseed and mustard.

Zoe herself sells these products mainly online, as there is the option of shipping with Box Now, while they come from peach and apple orchards that she maintains herself.

Participation in the “AgroAnelixi” accelerator

Zoe feels that her participation in the “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” program, implemented by the organization “New Agriculture New Generation”, was a significant step that provided her with valuable tools to help her business evolve.

“AgroAnelixi” served as an accelerator for me. It provided me with knowledge about the new CAP, entrepreneurship in agri-food, food safety, product development, sustainability, marketing, trade, and much more, and it gave me the push I needed to achieve my goals,” she says.

Looking to the future with steady steps Beyond the practical aspect, Zoe found in rural life the inner satisfaction and mental balance she needed. Contact with nature and daily work in the field gave her the strength and energy she needed to achieve her goals.

Through the farm she has created, Zoe proves that love for the land and nature can be transformed into a successful entrepreneurial initiative that combines tradition with innovation, offering high-quality and nutritious food to the local community and beyond.

Zoe Vratskidi participated in the fourth cycle of the AgroAnelixi program – “Farmers of the Future”.

The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mindset in the sector and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable business efforts.

It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Sponsors of the fourth cycle of AgroInnovation – “Farmers of the Future” are DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.

Meet our Beneficiaries :

Meet Savvina and Nikolleta Stroumpa beneficiaries of the “Agroanelixis-Cottage Industry” accelerator

Savvina and Nikoletta were selected to be among the 15 beneficiaries of the agri-food acceleration program of the “New Agriculture New Generation” organization, presenting their outside the box business idea. Their goal is to introduce alternative chickpea products to the Greek market, which they will produce and process themselves in their own model cottage industry.

The two sisters come from the town of Komotini, Greece, where they live and work. Savvina, the youngest of the two sisters, having graduated from the school of “Agricultural Technology” at the Technological University of Crete, is working in the field of agricultural production and has taken over the cultivation of about 100 acres of the family, with the help of her father. Nicoletta on the other hand, a graduate of the School of Marketing and Advertising in Thessaloniki, now lives and works abroad as a Visual merchandiser.

Komotini is an area where the main crops one can found are cotton, barley or wheat. But Savvina and Nicoletta had a different idea of the culture they wanted to develop. As a child, Savvina wanted to become an agronomist, as she and in fact, it was and remains her “dream” to be able to create her own cottage industry.

So, Nicoletta, now living and working in Germany, saw that chickpeas are a legume that is widely used, especially by people who choose a more vegetarian or healthy diet. “I saw a huge momentum in the market but also a lot of possibilities for processing the product,” says Nicoletta. So, knowing that her sister always had a desire to create her own home-made business, she suggested that they start with chickpeas.

Making ideas happen:

The prospects of chickpea cultivation and processing

Savvina does not want to use chickpeas in the traditional way. Instead, she wants to create and launch in the Greek market various alternative chickpea products, such as hummus or ready-made mixture for chickpea meatballs, chickpea flour and much more.

“My business idea is to highlight and put on the market different products made from chickpeas, which are a rich natural source of nutrients,” says Savvina. Also, in each package of their products, there will be interesting recipes, tips, and ideas for side dishes, as well as the nutrients of chickpea and the benefits that its consumption offers to our health, so that people can begin to see the reasons why they should include this simple but miraculous product in their everyday diet.

«Agroanelixis-Cottage industry»:

What’s the agri-food accelerator’s contribution?

Savvina, planning to start her own chickpea production and processing industry, decided to apply for participation in the program “Agroanelixis-Cottage industry” and after qualifying for the top 30 successful contestants, she then managed to be among the 15 beneficiaries of the program.

Both sisters take courses with great interest in the agrifood acceleration program implemented by the “New Agriculture New Generation” organization, each in her own field, Savvina in the field of agricultural production and Nicoletta in marketing and sales.

“The program was beyond our expectations,” says Nicoletta, while also saying that “in addition to theoretical knowledge, we spoke with renowned professionals from the agri-food sector, who shared with us experiences and business tips. We probably could never have acquired this kind of knowledge, even in 10 years of work “.

Designing together with the “New Agriculture New Generation”’s team their own cottage industry

Savvina and Nicoletta have already started, with the help of the “New Agriculture New Generation”’s team, to set up their laboratory, while with the funding they will receive through the agri-food acceleration program, they will be able to buy some of the necessary equipment for organizing their own chickpea cottage industry.

In a first stage, their products will be addressed to the Greek market and their goal is to be sold either in small delicatessen stores, or online. Also, all the packaging of their products has been designed with the aim of being either recyclable or reusable. For them the use of environmentally friendly products is imperative and thus, they want to create a cottage industry with “environmental awareness”.

It is obvious by discussing with them that both Savvina and Nicoletta are determined to work hard and purposefully, to create their own cottage industry. From August they will have the first harvest of chickpeas and thus, the processing and marketing of the products is expected to take effect in the last months of 2021. “We work methodically, this was the most important lesson I believe we took from our participation in the program “Agroanelixis – Cottage Industry””, says Savvina, adding that, “as our mentors keep saying, one step at a time, always with attention and respect for the product and for the consumer “.

Meet our Beneficiaries:

 

Who is Triantafyllos Pitsiorlas, beneficiary of the “Agroanelixis-Cottage Industry” accelerator?

Triantafyllos is among the 15 beneficiaries of the agri-food acceleration program implemented by the “New Agriculture New Generation” organization and is active in the livestock sector, producing his own organic animal feed. His goal is to create a cottage industry that will manage, among other things, to introduce to the Greek market an authentic organic Greek product with a designation of origin, called “goat non-pasteurized cheese”.

Originating from Paleochora, Halkidiki, right at the foot of Mount Holomontas, Triantafyllos family has a deep tradition in stock farming for 4 generations. Having studied at the American School of Agriculture in the Department of Dairy and Cheese and having attended numerous seminars on agriculture and farming, his goal is now the development of traditional animal farming techniques.

“Our childhood years were not easy, with very little free personal time and many working hours in winter and summer. When I was 13, I started plowing the fields and then I started taking care of the animals”, says Triantafyllos while adding that, “although as a child dealing with animals was not my favorite thing, at the age of 20 I had a sudden communication with them. I feel their needs, I appreciate them but I also respect them, as they, like nature, offer us everything “.

Making ideas happen:

 

The new alternative livestock that uses self-produced organic animal feed

Until 2 years ago, the family had goats of extensive breeding, something that made them mobile breeders, depending on the season and the existence of vegetation. As this widespread livestock tactic is both more tedious and less efficient, Triantafyllos and his brothers decided to change it, adopting the alternative way of producing their own organic animal feed.

Together with his brother Dimitris, who has also studied Crop Production at the American School of Agriculture, and his sister Olga, who deals with accounting and financial management, from 2019 onwards they started to implement the goal of the development of their livestock unit. they have. So, out of the 1,400 animals that the family had, they decided to keep the 900 in which to invest in both hygiene and animal feed, to become more productive. Now, 60% of the feed they use in their goats are self-produced, with the goal of reaching 90% in the coming years.

 

Introducing the non-pasteurized goat cheese to the Greek market

The non-pasteurized goat cheese of deep maturity, although an old tactic of breeders in many parts of the country, is not widely known, is not consumed by the majority of the country’s population and thus, is not yet officially released in the Greek market. Triantafyllos wants to highlight this special product, which, as he says, “has a peculiarity, it does not alter the aromas and flavors, something that makes it particularly delicious”.

“Our goal is to set up an agricultural unit, a cottage industry, which will process our main product, goat’s milk, into goat non-pasteurized cheese of deep maturation, with techniques we have learned from our grandparents,” says Triantafyllos. It is also worth mentioning that this is a purely organic product without additional preservatives which, in addition to being particularly tasty, also has a proven bioprotective action.

«Agroanelixis–Cottage industry»:

 

What’s the agri-food accelerator’s contribution?

Triantafyllos for the last 2 years was looking on the activities implemented by the “Nea Agriculture Nea Generation” organization and this year, he was selected among the 15 participants of the Agri-food Acceleration program “Agroanelixis-Cottage Industry”.

He summarizes the basic elements that he feels he has gained through his course in the program so far, in 3 important words “cooperation-communication and responsibility“. “We learned how to act like professionals, how to be responsible. Responsible not only to customers or partners, but also to animals. This is very important, and no professional should forget it “, he says characteristically.

 

Designing together with the “New Agriculture New Generation”’s team his own cottage industry

In collaboration with the team of New Agriculture New Generation, the goal is to create a biological farming unit or cottage industry, which will process its own products while also implementing experiential seminars in collaboration with agricultural schools, bringing those interested in contact with the nature, the animals but also the way of operating a livestock craft.

At the same time, the creation of a large area of plantation that will house the animals has already begun, while concurrently, they are expanding the area of their fields, with the aim of producing the best possible quality organic animal feed. Also, their goal is after the introduction of non-pastreurized goat cheese in Greece to be able to export this product to countries such as Switzerland or France.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that Triantafyllos is clearly aware of the issue of environmental protection and through all these processes of modernization of his livestock unit, he fights for the smallest possible footprint on the planet. As he says “It is better to produce a smaller quantity but with quality, than to continue to burden the earth and its people with bad tactics”.