#DigiAgriFood, the first European Digital Innovation Hub in the Hellenic Agri-food sector, was officially presented during an information day hosted at the new building of the Region of Thessaly in Larissa, on Friday, November 22, 2024. The day was organized by the University of Thessaly with the support of the Region of Thessaly and is part of the #DigiAgriFood project: “Digital transformation and green transition of the agri-food value chain in Central and Northern Greece”.
The event was opened by the scientific manager of the project, Professor Zisis Mamouris, of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. In his opening remarks, Mr. Mamouris underlined the main objective of the hub: supporting the digital and green transition of the agri-food chain, leveraging scientific data that will be shared with producers through a wide network at national and international level. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Thessaly, Dimitris Kouretas, for the overall support and the provision of space for the one-stop-shop accommodation of the hub in the center of Larissa, within the building of the Region.
The Regional Governor, Mr. D. Kouretas, then took the floor, highlighting the strategic importance of #DigiAgriFood for Thessaly, which complements the actions of the Agri-Food Partnership approved by the Regional Council. He referred to the uniqueness of Thessaly as a region with strong primary and secondary production, which contributes decisively to the national GDP.
At the same time, he shared his vision for the creation of a successful agri-food model, inspired by the example of New Zealand, and called on cooperatives and businesses to actively support the hub.
Then, the Mayor of Larissa, Thanasis Mamakos, welcomed the joint effort of the University and the Region of Thessaly, emphasizing the importance of collaborations for development. He emphasized that Larissa aims to evolve into an extroverted, innovative city that utilizes modern technologies and its comparative advantages in the agri-food sector.
Next in the conversation, the Deputy Regional Governor of the Primary Sector, Dimitris Tsetsilas, emphasized the need to transfer knowledge from science to production. He explained that continuous education of producers is essential and proposed the organization of information days together with the Region in all the Regional Units of Thessaly.
Finally, the speeches were closed by scientists who participated in the day on behalf of the #DigiAgriFood hub, analyzing the possibilities of utilizing the hub by producers. They emphasized that #DigiAgriFood aims to support the digital and green transition of the agri-food chain, offering services that increase productivity, reduce resource consumption and optimize production processes. Particular emphasis was placed on the benefits for farmers, small and medium–sized enterprises and the public sector, which include immediate improvement in efficiency and sustainability.
On behalf of the scientific community, Ms. Maria Michalopoulou, Coordinator of #DigiAgriFood, Mr. Yannis Amarantidis, Special Program Advisor and Senior Project Manager #DigiAgriFood, Mr. Thanasis Korakis, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Associate Scientific Director of #DigiAgriFood, Mr. Christos Athanasiou, Professor of the Department of Agriculture, Plant Production and Rural Environment, Ms. Persefoni Maletsika, Assistant Professor of the Department of Agriculture, Plant Production and Rural Environment, Mr. G. Moutsinas, Researcher and Prospective Associate Professor of the Department of Agriculture, Plant Production and Rural Environment and Ms. Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini, Researcher and Prospective Associate Professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Agri-Food Sector and Livestock.
Upon completion of the speeches and presentations, several of the audience who attended the conference were interested in learning more details and getting in touch with the project managers in order to benefit from the services offered by the hub.
The event highlighted the value of #DigiAgriFood as a pioneering tool that combines technology, innovation and sustainability, aiming to shape the future of agri-food in Greece.
