Athens, November 22 – The 12th Agri-Food Sector Group Meeting of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) took place with significant success in Athens from November 5 to 7, 2025. This pivotal European gathering, focusing on the agri-food sector, was organized by the National Documentation and Electronic Content Centre (EKT), the coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas.
Innovation Consultants Gather to Shape Agri-Food’s Future
The meeting drew innovation consultants from more than 60 prominent organizations, businesses, research institutions, clusters, and cooperatives, all playing a crucial role in the agri-food industry. The primary objective of the event was to highlight emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of agri-food through the collaborative efforts of science, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Key Discussions on Sustainability, Education, and AI
The initial two days of the conference were held at the Agricultural University of Athens (Syggrou Estate). Discussions revolved around contemporary challenges and European policies concerning agri-food, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, education, and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agricultural production. Representatives from the European Commission participated in sessions, addressing policies and initiatives designed to bolster Greek and Cypriot small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the sector.
The opening session featured welcoming remarks from Anastasia Sarchosoglou, Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas and an EKT executive; Georgia Mazioti, Head of the Innovation and Networking Department at EKT; Spyros Kellidis, Chairman of the SG Agri-Food from ANKO Western Macedonia; and Soti Christou, Vice-Chairwoman of the SG Agri-Food from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On the first day, representatives from the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) of the European Commission presented recent European strategies for the agri-food sector. Policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening Greek and Cypriot SMEs in the sector were further discussed in panels involving European and Greek agri-food organizations, as well as representatives from DG GROW, diplomatic bodies, and professional associations.
The second day’s agenda included training sessions, case studies, presentations of best practices from successful Greek agri-food businesses, and thematic activities. These included a honey tasting workshop and a visit to the Agricultural Library of the Agricultural University of Athens.
A seminar on Artificial Intelligence in the agri-food sector garnered particular interest among participants. It featured both theoretical and practical components, with applications relevant to the daily work of the Network’s innovation consultants. The day concluded with an educational visit to the Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems of ELGO-DIMITRA.
Bridging Research and Entrepreneurship at Metropolitan Expo
The third day of the meeting took place at Metropolitan Expo, coinciding with the FoodTech and Global Pack International Exhibitions. This day was dedicated to fostering connections between research and entrepreneurship.
EKT organized a thematic panel focusing on funding opportunities and the pivotal role of universities and entrepreneurship support organizations in cultivating a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Discussions also covered the role of incubators and collaboration networks in supporting startups, leveraging academic knowledge, and developing synergies between scientists and entrepreneurs.
EKT and the Enterprise Europe Network facilitated B2B business meetings for the agri-food sector, providing businesses, research centers, universities, and clusters with a platform to present ideas, exchange experiences, and explore national and international collaborations.
Subsequently, Greek agri-food businesses that have utilized Enterprise Europe Network services and implemented cutting-edge technologies presented practical examples and innovative applications. Companies such as FoodOxys, WINGS, Bloom Aronia, Track4Value, and AgriTrack showcased solutions related to traceability, food quality improvement, sustainable production, and data-driven agriculture.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the exhibition halls of FoodTech – Global Pack, fostering experience exchange and exploring collaboration prospects with Greek and European businesses.
The 12th Agri-Food Sector Group Meeting underscored the role of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas as a vital network for innovation and collaboration among SMEs and organizations in the agri-food sector. Through the convergence of science, entrepreneurship, and innovation, EKT and the members of the Enterprise Europe Network Hellas Consortium continue to support the Greek research and innovation ecosystem by providing valuable, cost-free services.
The Enterprise Europe Network stands as Europe’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Within this network, the Agri-Food Sector Group brings together experts and organizations active in agriculture, food, processing, and supply chain sectors, promoting collaborations, knowledge exchange, and access to European policies and programs.
The Greek consortium Enterprise Europe Network Hellas (www.een.gr) comprises a total of 16 organizations with a strong footprint in extroversion and SME support.
Source: https://www.businessnews.gr/epixeiriseis/item/323694-to-mellon-tis-agrodiatrofis-sto-epikentro-tou-enterprise-europe-network-stin-athina
