On Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 February 2026, a two-day training seminar titled “Innovative & Digital Practices for Olive Cultivation” was successfully held on the island of Samothrace. The event was organized by the Democritus University of Thrace, as the lead partner of the first European Digital Innovation Hub in the Agri-Food sector in Greece, #DigiAgriFood, in collaboration with the Olive Growers Cooperative “Niki Samothrakis” and with the support of OSDEIN and Valkani E. & Co.
The event was honored by the presence of the Rector of Democritus University of Thrace, Fotios Maris, the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Georgios Broufas, the Mayor of Samothrace, Athanasios Vitsas, as well as the President of the Olive Growers Cooperative “Niki Samothrakis,” Sotiris Koudas. The participation of Ms. Nicolette Van Der Smissen, agronomist and representative of OSDEIN, was also of key importance.
The local community embraced the event with great enthusiasm, filling the venue and showing strong interest throughout the two days.
During the seminar, training sessions delivered by DUTH Professors Mr. Christos Akratos and Mr. Ioannis Kourkoutas, Associate Professor Mr. Michail Orfanoudakis, and PhD candidates Ms. Dimitra Matziri and Mr. Evangelos Tsipas covered both theoretical and practical aspects related to modern production, management, and quality in olive cultivation.
In addition, an XRF measurement demonstration was carried out, giving participants the opportunity to see firsthand the operation and application of this technology, as well as to ask questions about its potential and practical benefits.
Participation and interest from attendees exceeded expectations. Active discussions and questions from the audience demonstrated genuine interest in adopting and utilizing innovative practices. A strong need was expressed for additional training activities in the future, in order for participants to further deepen their knowledge of technological applications and digital processes and to enhance their skills even more.
The success of the event marks a positive step forward in promoting innovation and digital education within the agri-food sector, laying solid foundations for future development and collaboration between academic institutions, productive structures, and local communities on the remote island of Samothrace.