AgriΒusiness Forum 2026 | 8th international edition
The 8th International AgriBusiness Forum on “The Agri-Food Sector in the New Geopolitical Environment” will take place on 18–19/3/2026 at the Agricultural University of Athens. This edition will examine geopolitical and environmental disruptions, and their implications for agrifood systems in Greece and the world. Across 6 plenary sessions, distinguished representatives from academia, business, diplomacy, and the agricultural sector will address productivity, resilience, and food security in an era of climate crisis, geopolitical tensions, and heightened uncertainty.
ABF2026 will also inaugurate thematic B2B roundtables, offering leading vendors and innovative SMEs the opportunity to discuss solutions and explore partnerships in the green & digital transition.
- In-person participation with a registration fee. Online attendance is complimentary. Registration is required for all means of participation
Speakers
Mr. Giannis Balakakis
Chair AgriBusiness Forum
Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou
President, Hellenic Health Foundation, Professor Emeritus, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine
Dr. Ioannis Tzortzis
BoD Member, Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste & Water (RAEEY)
Mr. Cobi Bitton
CEO, Israel-Greece Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Understanding the agri-food geopolitical landscape
Registrations
Welcome remarks
Field Reflections – The impact of the AgriBusiness Forum
AgriBusiness Forum footprint since 2018; Key takeaways from Thessaly AgriBusiness Forum 2025
Fireside chat
Food Security in times of rising geopolitical risks
Break
Chapter-1: The agri-food geopolitics in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean
This session explores how evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean are reshaping agrifood systems in the regions. From energy corridors and maritime routes to climate-induced tensions, it assesses opportunities for cooperation, trade diversification, and regional stability. The dialogue will also examine actors’ role for sustainable food production and agro-diplomacy in the wider Mediterranean basin.
Break
Chapter2-: The impact of global geopolitics on food security
Global food systems are increasingly shaped by geopolitical disruptions—war, trade tensions, migration, and resource nationalism. This session examines how these shifts threaten food access, pricing, and distribution while exploring strategies to build resilience through diversification, innovation, and international cooperation under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Break
Chapter-3: AI, Data & Digital Transformation of the agrifood systems
Digital transformation is redefining global agrifood competitiveness. This session discusses how AI, big data, and smart farming enhance productivity, traceability, and sustainability amid geopolitical uncertainty. It will also explore digital sovereignty, cybersecurity in food systems, and how technology can help predict and mitigate geopolitical and environmental shocks.
Sum-up & conclusions
Onsite networking reception
All delegates
Offsite speakers - partners - sponsors welcome reception
by invitation only
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Building Resilient & Sustainable agrifood futures
Registrations
Welcome remarks
Chapter 4: Value Chains - Responsible Production & Consumption
This session explores the interconnection between agrifood–culture–tourism (gastronomy/experiences); contract farming; sustainable supply-chain resilience; consumer behavior, food waste reduction & circular models; Μεδιτερρανεαν food, health & malnutrition; fair trade, labor standards & ethical sourcing; and traceability, transparency & digital monitoring
Break
Chapter-5: Climate Crisis, Energy Transition & Food Production
As the climate emergency accelerates, the agrifood sector faces the dual challenge of decarbonization and adaptation. This session explores the links between food production, renewable energy, and climate-smart agriculture. Experts discuss how green technologies, circular bioeconomy, and energy transition policies can reduce vulnerabilities and foster long-term sustainability.
Lunch Break
Chapter-6: “Triple Helix” the agrifood jewel - Financial Instruments
Financing and strategic synergies are means to endure & advance the agrifood sector. This session explores green financing & blended instruments; Farming-academic-business collaboration; R&D commercialization in agrifood; Risk-mitigation tools; Scaling agrifood startups & clusters; Added value products; Capacity building; Upskilling & reskilling to address digital era requirements.
Sum-up & conclusions
Speakers - partners - sponsors farewell reception
by invitation only (Greek traditional dinner)
March 18 & 19, 2026
Businesses only, parallel sessions
Roundtable (A): AI, Data & Digital tools
Vendors’ presentations (solutions & best practices)
Leading vendors meet with selected SMEs to present solutions and services, and identify collaboration opportunities. A 30mins open discussion session will follow
Roundtable (B): AI, Data & Digital tools
B2B matchmaking meetings
Participants in the previous session are gathering for one-to-one matchmaking meetings (10mins per SME) to pitch ideas & proposals, and explore collaboration opportunities
Roundtable (C): Financial Ecosystems & Investment in agrifood sector
Vendors’ presentations (tools, solutions & best practices)
Leading vendors meet with selected SMEs to present solutions and services, and identify collaboration opportunities. A 30mins open discussion session will follow
Roundtable (D): Financial Ecosystems & Investment in agrifood sector
B2B matchmaking meetings
Participants in the previous session are gathering for one-to-one matchmaking meetings (10mins per SME) to pitch ideas & proposals, and explore collaboration opportunities
Practical information
- Participation :
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- In-person attendance: with a registration fee. E-registration required
- Virtual attendance: complimentary. E-registration required
- Setup: Panel discussion. Audience setup: theater
- Official language: Greek with simultaneous translation to/from English
- Interaction:chapters include 30-mins dialogue and Q&A session between the panels and the audience
- Sponsorships opportunities:c/o Ms. Christina Mangou (christina.mangou@geo-routes.com)
Sponsors
Supporters
Host
Steering Partners
Scientific Partners
Auspices
Organizer
