12th Meeting of the Agri-Food Sector Group (SG)
Athens Hosts the 12th Meeting of the Agri-Food Sector Group of the Enterprise Europe Network – A Bridge of Innovation and Collaboration in the Agri-Food Sector
Greece, and specifically Athens, will be at the heart of the European agri-food dialogue, as the 12th Meeting of the Agri-Food Sector Group (SG) of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) will take place from November 5 to 7, 2025. The event is organized by the National Documentation Centre (EKT), coordinator of the Greek EEN consortium, and aims to highlight trends, challenges, and opportunities in the agri-food sector through the synergy of scientific knowledge, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The three-day meeting will be hosted at two key venues: the Syngrou Estate and the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Maroussi (November 5 & 6), and the Metropolitan Expo (November 7), within the framework of the international exhibitions FoodTech and Global Pack 2025.
The Agri-Food Sector Group of the EEN is one of the most dynamic thematic groups of the Network, bringing together institutions, research centers, clusters, and businesses active in the agri-food sector. Through experience sharing, knowledge transfer, and partnership building, the Sector Group plays a crucial role in enhancing innovation, internationalizing SMEs, and transitioning to more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
The choice of Athens as the host city is no coincidence: Greece boasts a rich agri-food ecosystem, with strong traditions, innovative businesses, and dynamic research centers that serve as a model for all of Europe.
Meeting Agenda
The agenda of the meeting has been designed to cover a wide range of topics and to combine institutional addresses, policy discussions, educational activities, field visits, and networking.
- Day 1 – November 5, 2025 The opening session will feature welcome speeches from SG Agri-Food President Mr. Spyros Kellidis (ANKO Western Macedonia), Vice President Ms. Soti Christou (Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry), and representatives of EKT. Following this, representatives from DG GROW and EISMEA will present the latest European policies and strategies for the agri-food sector. A panel discussion on European and Greek agri-food organizations will be of particular interest, featuring Ms. Anastasia Tsangarakou from ELGO-DIMITRA and representatives of diplomatic and professional bodies. The first day will conclude with thematic work package sessions and the official SG dinner event.
- Day 2 – November 6, 2025 The second day is dedicated to education and case studies. A key innovation is the seminar on Artificial Intelligence in the agri-food sector, which will include both theoretical and practical components. A panel will follow with Greek industry representatives, including Mr. George Pittas (Attica Beekeeping), Mr. Ioannis Kaimakamis (Strategic Advisor in Livestock Farming), Ms. Mary Triantafyllopoulou (Wines of Greece), and Mr. Christos Giannakakis (COGREXPO, Venus Growers). The afternoon will feature parallel thematic activities such as a honey tasting workshop and a visit to the Agricultural Library at the Syngrou Estate. The day will end with an educational visit to the Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems Institute of ELGO-DIMITRA.
- Day 3 – November 7, 2025 The third day will take place at the Metropolitan Expo and will focus on connecting research with entrepreneurship. Emphasis will be placed on linking academic and research talent with the business world to create innovative solutions that enhance the competitiveness of the agri-food sector.
Speeches will highlight the role of universities, educational programs, and entrepreneurship support organizations in shaping an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and innovation. Discussions will cover the contribution of academia to knowledge and technology transfer, the importance of cultivating entrepreneurial skills in young scientists, and the added value of connecting with international initiatives that promote startup innovation.
The day will culminate with the Matchmaking Event, a structured B2B meeting activity that has consistently been one of the most successful initiatives of the Enterprise Europe Network. Through pre-arranged meetings, participants – businesses, research centers, universities, and clusters – will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, present ideas and proposals, and explore potential collaborations at national and international levels.
The meeting will bring to Greece more than 60 representatives of EEN member organizations from countries within and beyond Europe. The goal is to strengthen cross-border cooperation, showcase best practices, and promote Greek businesses and research institutions on the international stage.
The 12th Meeting of the Agri-Food Sector Group of the EEN marks a milestone in promoting innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the agri-food sector. Athens will become a meeting point for researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals who, with a shared vision, will contribute to shaping a greener, more resilient, and competitive agri-food system in Europe.
