Our beneficiaries
Who is Argyro Koutsouradi, a beneficiary of the "Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future" program of the organization "New Agriculture New Generation"?
Argyro represents a new generation of farmers who, with determination, establish their own organic farm in the field of aromatic plants and herbs. Her enterprise, Myrovolos Organics, is located in Chios and is engaged in the cultivation of 15 different types of aromatic and medicinal plants, successfully combining tradition with modern technology.
From the village of Chalkeios in Chios, Argyro, despite the lack of family connection to agriculture, decided to study Agriculture at the Democritus University of Thrace. There, her contact with aromatic and medicinal plants fascinated her, guiding her towards specializing in this particular field. "For me, the primary sector constitutes a process of rejuvenation of nature and the earth," she says characteristically.
From idea to action
A family business of aromatic plants in Chios
Argyro's love for her homeland of Chios, her desire to protect nature and plants, as well as the need to create something in her local community, led her to establish Myrovolos Organics in October 2015. "I started with a few family acres. However, compatriots of mine living abroad or in other cities in Greece believed in my efforts and granted me some of their land. I warmly thank them for this! Their support helped me significantly in the beginning," she says.
Myrovolos Organics is an innovative unit for the production, processing, and standardization of aromatic plants in Chios. The unique climate and soil of the island, combined with the certified organic practices of the enterprise, produce high-quality herbs with rich flavor and essential oils.
"The aromatic plants we cultivate are varied. Sage, lemon verbena, lavender, thyme, oregano, peppermint, chamomile, and rosemary are some of them. In addition, we produce two extremely popular products, pickles from rock samphire and capers," says Argyro with joy. These two products seem to be the best-sellers of the enterprise, as they are rare to find in other parts of Greece. "The truth is that I love what I do very much," concludes Argyro, "as it combines my two great loves, the protection of nature and my homeland, beloved Chios."
Participation in the "Agroanelixi 2022" accelerator
"New Agriculture New Generation" implemented, for the fourth consecutive year in 2023, the successful program of accelerating agri-food enterprises "Agroanelixi-Farmers of the Future", with the help of which farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, craftsmen, cooperatives, and groups of producers from all over Greece are supported in creating new differentiated food products, based on the unique raw materials of Greek land.
Having already participated in programs and actions of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, she considers the contribution of the organization to be particularly important for the development of her business as well as for the improvement of her products and processes.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Argyro Koutsouradi from Chios received a very significant distinction this year, as she was declared Farmer of the Year in the EU, ranking first in her category for "the most Resilient Project" in the 9th competition of the European Congress of Young Farmers.
Argyro Koutsouradi participated in the fourth cycle of the Agroanelixi - "Farmers of the Future" program.
The program supports agri-food businesses, aiming to shape a new entrepreneurial mentality in the industry and develop new differentiated food products through sustainable entrepreneurial efforts.
It is implemented by the organization New Agriculture New Generation through the founding donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The sponsors of the fourth cycle of Agroanelixi - "Farmers of the Future" are the companies DS Smith, ELBISCO, EFOOD, Letrina S.A., and Specialist Awards.
