Event Date:
Thursday, June 5, 2025

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Democritus University of Thrace is organizing an important two-day event in Xanthi, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and the connection between scientific knowledge and the needs of production and society. Titled "Water Resource Management and Climate Resilience in Agrifood" and "Innovative Plant Protection and the Environment," the event will take place on June 5-6, 2025, at the Civil Engineering Auditorium of DUTH in Xanthi.

This initiative is led by Democritus University of Thrace, the leading partner of the European Digital Innovation Hub in the Agrifood sector – DigiAgriFood. The event is co-organized by the Agrifood Partnership of AMTH, the Innovative Plant Protection project, as part of the InnoPP Flagship Action, and the EIT Food Hub Greece.

The event aims to serve as a platform for dialogue among research institutions, government officials, businesses, and people in the primary sector. Professors and researchers from DUTH, the Agricultural University of Athens, the University of Thessaly, the Benaki Institute, ELGO-DIMITRA, FORTH, and other organizations will present solutions for the future of agrifood: from smart management of natural resources to biological plant protection and digital technologies in agriculture.

A special focus of the event will be the presentation of new departments at DUTH in Drama: the Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience and the Department of Viticulture and Oenology, highlighting the university's investment in strategically important fields for the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region.

Additionally, a space will be set up in the foyer of the auditorium to showcase businesses and organizations working in the agrifood sector, providing an opportunity for agricultural consultants, agronomists, and cooperatives to exchange information and experiences.

Event Structure:

Thursday, June 5

A day dedicated to water, climate, and the agriculture of the future. Thematic sessions include:

  • Water resource management
  • Climate resilience in agrifood
  • Regenerative agriculture (in collaboration with EIT Food)

In the afternoon, two practical workshops will take place:

  • Utilizing agricultural waste for energy and water/nutrient recovery
  • Water conservation in the "Water-Energy-Food" chain

Friday, June 6

Focus on innovative plant protection, biodiversity, and technological applications:

  • Presentation of new plant protection tools and smart solutions
  • Showcasing research projects (e.g., Thrips)
  • Contribution of ELGO-DIMITRA, Benaki Institute, and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in combating threats to crops

The second day will conclude with presentations from the Agrifood Partnership of AMTH, DigiAgriFood, and EIT Food Hub Greece.

Why should you participate?

The transition to a sustainable and resilient agrifood system is not only for experts. It concerns every farmer, every consultant, and every new or existing business in our region. Most importantly, it concerns the environment and our future.

Participation is free with pre-registration..
Sign up for the workshops here.
Check the full program in the attached document, connect with people and solutions, and be part of the change.