Shaping the future of european agri-food: Key insights from the Enterprise Europe Network SG Meeting in Athens

From 5 to 7 November 2025, Athens welcomed the 12th Agri-Food Sector Group Meeting of the Enterprise Europe Network—an event organised by the National Documentation Centre (EKT), coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas.

The event gathered Innovation Consultants in agri-food sector from more than 60 leading organisations, companies, research centres, clusters and cooperatives shaping the sector across Europe. Their shared goal: to examine the trends, challenges and opportunities defining the future of agri-food through the combined lens of science, entrepreneurship and cutting-edge innovation.

The first two days of the meeting took place at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences (Syngros Estate), where discussions focused on the sector’s pressing challenges and the EU’s policy priorities. Sustainability, skills development and the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in agricultural production featured prominently. Representatives from the European Commission contributed insights into policies and tools designed to support Greek and Cypriot SMEs in the field.

The opening session included remarks from Anastasia Sarchosoglou, Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas in EKT; Georgia Mazioti, Head of Innovation & Networking at EKT; Spyros Kellidis, Chair of SG Agri-Food at ANKO Western Macedonia; and Soti Christou, Vice President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the first day, experts from the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) outlined the EU’s latest strategic priorities for agri-food. A dedicated panel followed, exploring policies and initiatives that can strengthen Greek and Cypriot SMEs, with contributions from European and Greek agri-food organisations, DG GROW officials, and diplomatic and professional bodies.

The second day featured training sessions, case studies and presentations of best practices from successful Greek agri-food companies. Participants also took part in thematic activities, including a honey-tasting workshop and a tour of the Institute’s Library.

A standout moment was the seminar on Artificial Intelligence in the agri-food sector, blending theory with practical applications tailored 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.

The final day took place at Metropolitan Expo during the international exhibitions FoodTech and Global Pack, with a strong focus on bridging research and entrepreneurship. EKT led a thematic panel on funding opportunities and the role of universities and entrepreneurship support organisations in shaping a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Discussions highlighted the importance of incubators, collaboration networks and the effective use of academic knowledge in empowering start-ups and fostering collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs.

EKT and EEN also organised B2B matchmaking sessions, enabling companies, research centres, universities and clusters to explore partnerships, exchange experiences and present new ideas at national and international level. Greek agri-food companies that have benefited from Enterprise Europe Network services showcased real-world applications and advanced technologies. FoodOxys, WINGS, Bloom Aronia, Track4Value and AgriTrack presented solutions in traceability, food quality enhancement, sustainable production and data-driven agriculture.

International participants wrapped up their visit with a guided tour of the FOODTECH – GLOBAL PACK exhibitions, engaging with Greek and European businesses and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

The 12th Agri-Food Sector Group Meeting confirmed the role of Enterprise Europe Network as a driving force of innovation and collaboration for agri-food SMEs. Through the combined strength of science, entrepreneurship and innovation, EKT and the partners of EEN Hellas continue to support Greece’s research and innovation ecosystem, delivering high-impact services to the community.

About Enterprise Europe Network

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) helps businesses innovate and grow on an international scale. It is the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions.

The Network is active worldwide. It brings together experts from member organisations that are renowned for their excellence in business support.

In Greece, the Enterprise Europe Network Hellas consortium consists of 16 organisations with a strong footprint in SME support and internationalisation.