The event “Digital Transformation in the Primary Sector – The Next Day” was successfully completed at the Region of Central Macedonia in Thessaloniki, as part of the activities of DigiAgriFood, the first European Digital Innovation Hub in the agri-food sector in Greece.
The event was organised by the American Farm School, partner of DigiAgriFood, and was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and the Region of Central Macedonia. The discussion focused on the future of agriculture, the digital transformation of the primary sector, the use of emerging technologies and the key challenges facing the agri-food ecosystem.
The event created a meaningful space for dialogue and knowledge exchange, bringing together representatives of public authorities, regional administration, academia, research organisations, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists and representatives of the real economy.
Digital policy, artificial intelligence and satellite applications
It was a great honour for the DigiAgriFood consortium to welcome as keynote speaker Professor Kostas Karantzalos, General Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence.
In his keynote speech, Professor Karantzalos presented the latest developments in digital policy, artificial intelligence and the rapidly evolving Greek satellite ecosystem following the recent launches. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential use of microsatellites for monitoring agricultural production and water resources, highlighting the crucial role of digital technologies in the sustainable development of the primary sector.
The strategy of the Region of Central Macedonia
The strategy and priorities of the Region of Central Macedonia were presented by Vice Governor for Digital Governance, Nikos Tzollas. His intervention highlighted the importance of innovation, digital transformation and support for the agri-food sector, while also focusing on current challenges related to the cost of final products and the need to strengthen competitiveness.
The participation of the Region of Central Macedonia underlined its strong and consistent support for initiatives that promote innovation, technological development and the transition of the primary sector towards the new digital era.
Presentation of DigiAgriFood results and services
The DigiAgriFood partners presented the results of the project, the services provided to beneficiaries and the impact created through the Hub’s activities.
The DigiAgriFood consortium was represented by Ioannis Amarantidis from Democritus University of Thrace, Ilias Kalfas from the American Farm School, Dimitris Kateris from CERTH-iBO, Stelios Vasilopoulos from the University of Thessaly and Dimitris Bardakidis from Ena Consulting.
A particularly important point highlighted during the event was that the services provided by DigiAgriFood to beneficiary farmers, producers and businesses significantly exceeded the initial performance indicators, both geographically and numerically. At the same time, the proposal for the continuation of the project was announced, confirming the momentum, relevance and impact of the Hub within the Greek agri-food ecosystem.
Climate change, artificial intelligence and decision support systems
The second part of the event featured three distinguished academics, who presented topics of major importance for the future of the agri-food sector.
Professor Christina Anagnostopoulou from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki presented the effects of climate change on the primary sector, including future scenarios and protection measures. Professor Evangelos Kalampokis from the University of Macedonia presented applications of artificial intelligence in the agri-food sector, highlighting the opportunities created by data and digital tools. Professor Nikos Tsotsolas from the University of West Attica presented decision support systems, with a focus on supporting marketing strategies in the agri-food sector.
The presentations highlighted the need to connect scientific knowledge with the real needs of production and the market, creating a meaningful framework for discussing the next day of the primary sector.
A day of meaningful dialogue on the future of agri-food
The event was also attended by Vice Governors Kostas Gioutikas and George Kefalas, as well as the General Director of Internal Organisation and Operations, Kostas Michailidis. The participation of scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs and representatives of the real economy contributed to a constructive dialogue on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation.
The event concluded with a live discussion with the audience, giving participants the opportunity to exchange views, experiences and reflections on the future of agri-food, sustainable development and the role of digital technologies.
The DigiAgriFood consortium warmly thanks everyone who attended and supported the event. Special thanks are addressed to the Region of Central Macedonia for its long-standing support and for hosting the event in an excellent meeting space.
Through activities such as this, DigiAgriFood continues to act as a bridge between research, innovation and production, supporting the digital and green transition of the agri-food sector.
