Empowering Greek Rural Heroes with Business Skills

Since our last update, the seventh cycle of “AgroAnelixi – Farmers of the Future” has officially begun. On August 6, 15 promising agrifood businesses from across Greece started the program, marking the seventh consecutive year of our flagship business acceleration initiative. 

The 15 participants were selected following the completion of the evaluation process. The participating businesses are based in Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lasithi, Evia, Lemnos, Kos, Kythira, and Amfikleia, among other places. Their products reflect the richness of Greek rural production, from olive oil and honey to raisins, jams, walnuts, mushrooms, cured meats, herbs, stamnagathi, rusks, and compost.  

This year's program is made possible through the valuable contribution of our funding partners, whose support continues to create opportunities for agrifood entrepreneurs across Greece. 

Throughout November, participants will benefit from tailored online consulting sessions designed to address their specific business needs and support their growth. The program will conclude in December with a final event in Crete, marking the successful completion of this year's acceleration cycle. 

Upon completion of the program, participants receive certificates of attendance accredited by ACTA. After passing exams, they may also obtain a certificate of attendance for a vocational training program in Food Hygiene and Safety, delivered by an EFET-certified trainer. In addition, the beneficiaries will have the opportunity to take part in the Specialist Awards next taste competition.

AgroAnelixi continues to strengthen the resilience of the agrifood ecosystem. Between 2020 and 2025, the accelerator supported 100 professionals and contributed to the development of 90 new or improved products. More than 850 hours of consulting were provided, 80 on-site visits took place, and new collaborations were created. Participant satisfaction approached 100% for 2023–2025. Earlier this year, 18 awards also went to program beneficiaries at the Specialist Awards 2026. 

Help Us Empower the Next Generation of Rural Entrepreneurs!

Your support can provide a small producer with the training, tools, and guidance needed to transform an idea into a viable product, strengthen a rural business, and create new opportunities within a local community.

Donate today and become part of the new AgroAnelixi journey. Together, we can empower Greece’s rural heroes, strengthen local economies, and help build a more resilient and sustainable future for Greek agrifood.

Thank you for standing beside the people who cultivate, produce, innovate, and keep rural Greece moving forward.