A delegation from the New Agriculture New Generation organization had the honor of attending an event in New York, at the invitation of the Consul General of Greece, to present the work implemented so far to representatives of the Greek diaspora.
More specifically, the event titled "Seeds of Change" took place on 29/05/2024 at the consular residence, in the presence of the Consul General Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinou. Also present were representatives from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which is the founding donor of the New Agriculture New Generation organization, from Rutgers State University which acts as the strategic advisor for the organization, representatives from the CITI Foundation, as well as entrepreneurs and many other active and distinguished members of the Greek diaspora in New York.
Representing the New Agriculture New Generation organization were Ms. Effie Lazaridou, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Board Member, and Mr. Ilias Georgantas, Financial Director & Executive Board Member.
During the event, an informational audiovisual material was shown and Ms. Lazaridou presented the significant impact of the organization in the agrifood sector of the country, as recorded and evaluated by independent organizations.
Following this, the goals and next steps of the organization were discussed with particular emphasis on four significant actions expected to be implemented in the near future: a) the new cycle of the "Queen Rearing" program, a development program for queen bees of Greek species, helping in the creation of large and healthy bee colonies, b) the "Olive Oil Academy" program which will provide training to olive farmers to optimize their production practices, c) the training and advisory program "Mastic Trees: Ensuring the Future of a National Product - Technology Transfer and Innovation Network in Chios" and d) the new cycle of the successful business accelerator "AgroAnelixi".
On behalf of Rutgers University, Ms. Lia Papathomas, Director of Operations Rutgers, New Agriculture New Generation Program, conveyed the message of Mr. Robert M. Goodman, Executive Dean Emeritus, University Distinguished Professor - Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, who confirmed the excellent cooperation between the university and the New Agriculture New Generation organization.
At the end of the presentation, participants were offered delicacies and products produced by beneficiaries of the organization, which impressed with their quality and aesthetically pleasing, high-standard packaging.
During the event, the Consul General Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinou stated: "Today we had the opportunity to present here at the Consulate General of Greece in New York, a great non-governmental organization, New Agriculture New Generation, which is making a very commendable effort in Greece, helping thousands of young people regarding rural entrepreneurship and the agricultural sector."
Ms. Effie Lazaridou stated among other things: "... today we are here to celebrate our work over the last almost six years in Greece, with more than 30,000 beneficiaries and a total impact on the Greek economy of 35.7 million euros. We therefore want to celebrate these developments with the Greek-American community of New York and build bridges to benefit Greek agrifood..."
Ms. Roula Sykla, Senior Program Officer of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), stated on the occasion of the event: "We feel proud to have supported this effort from its inception - from the period when the seed was planted many years ago - watching the idea progressively evolve into action, specifically into what it has become today: a fully developed integrated program. It is our great pleasure to begin to see real economic and, perhaps even more importantly, social impact. With the help of transatlantic knowledge exchange, the initiative has sparked the creative energy of young entrepreneurs, while also contributing to curbing the wave of young people and job positions leaving rural areas and improving perceptions regarding agriculture and who it really concerns."
The event was covered by diaspora media as the work of the New Agriculture New Generation organization highlighted the prospects for Greek agrifood to become a significant pillar of development for the country's economy. At the same time, it is also a successful example of bilateral international cooperation with the transfer of know-how from Rutgers University.
Undoubtedly, the success of the event marks a significant milestone for New Agriculture New Generation as after almost 6 years of consistently supporting the agrifood sector in the country, it is clear that it can proceed to greater outward orientation and connect the Greek countryside with the Greek diaspora.
Watch HERE the event coverage video from New Greek TV.
