Conference Agenda
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Understanding the agri-food geopolitical landscape
Registrations
Welcome remarks
Mr. Giannis Balakakis
Ms. Alexandra Palli-Giannakopoulou
Dr. Spyridon Kintzios
Field Reflections – The impact of the AgriBusiness Forum
AgriBusiness Forum footprint as of 2018 to date
Key takeaways from Thessaly AgriBusiness Forum 2025
Mr. Xenophon Kappas
Dr. Angeliki Kavga
Fireside chat
Food Security in times of rising tensions and geopolitical risks
Dr. Georges Prevelakis
Mr. Lambros Kalarrytis
Break
Chapter-1: The agri-food geopolitics in the Balkans, Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean
This session focuses on how evolving geopolitical dynamics are reshaping agri & food systems in the Balkans, Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean. From energy corridors and maritime routes to climate-induced tensions and the EU Green Deal, it assesses opportunities for cooperation, trade diversification, and regional stability. Session’s radar also includes actors’ initiatives for sustainable food production and agro-diplomacy in the regions.
Ms. Carmen-Ileana Mihălcescu
Ms. Luela Hajdaraga
Mr. Nabil Gangi
Mr. Andreas A. Gregoriou
Dr. Bengü Özge Şerifoğlu
Moderator
Mr. Xenophon Kappas
Moderator
Dr. Marios Efthymiopoulos
Break
Chapter2-: The impact of global geopolitics on food security
Global food systems are increasingly shaped by geopolitical disruptions, being wars, trade tensions, migration, and resource nationalism. This session focuses on how these shifts threaten food access, pricing, and distribution, and also explores strategies for building food security and resilience through diversification, innovation, and international cooperation under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Stefanos Fotiou
Ms. Laurence AUER
Mr. Arif Mammadov
Mr. Timur Sultangozhin
Dr. Bebeb A.K. Nugraha Djundjunan
Ms. Alison Duncan
Mr. Çağatay Erciyes
Moderator
Dr. Marios Efthymiopoulos
Break
Chapter-3: AI, Data, Digital Transformation of the agrifood value chain
As digital transformation redefines global competitiveness, this session focuses on how AI, big data, and smart farming enhance productivity, traceability, and sustainability amid geopolitical uncertainty. It also explores digital sovereignty, cybersecurity in the agrifood value chain, and how technology and precision farming can help predict and mitigate geopolitical and environmental shocks.
Professor Dan G. Blumberg
Dr. Spyridon Flogaitis
Dr. Pantelis Z. Lappas
Dr. Nikolaos Thomaidis
Dr. Konstantinos Demestichas
Mr. Fotis Chatzipapadopoulos
Sum-up & conclusions
Dr. Angeliki Kavga
Dr. Thomas Bartzanas
Networking reception
Conference delegates
RSVP exclusive reception (speakers - partners - sponsors)
by invitation only
In cooperation with the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Hellenic Republic
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Building Resilient & Sustainable agrifood futures
Registrations
Welcome remarks
Mr. Ioannis Andrianos
Mr. Giannis Balakakis
Dr. Emmanuel Flemetakis
Chapter 4: F2F Value Chains - Responsible Production, Responsible Consumption
This session integrates agrifood systems with industry and value-added products, as well as the end-users. It focuses on the interplays between food, culture, health and nutrition, contract farming with fair trade and labor standards, sustainable supply-chain resilience, transparency and ethical sourcing, also waste management and consumer behavior.
Dr. Stefanos Fotiou
Ms. Alexandra Palli-Giannakopoulou
Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou
Ms. Nahida Rahman Shumona
Ms. Vasso Papadimitriou
Mr. Konstantinos Avramis
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 unveils the interconnection between food production, soil health, renewable energy, and climate-neutral agriculture. The angle of discussions also includes energy transition, green technologies, circular bioeconomy, and soil preservation approaches that reduce vulnerabilities and foster long-term sustainability.
Ms. Despoina Paliarouta
Dr. Oded Sagee
Dr. Constantinos Cartalis
Dr. George Zalidis
Dr. Dimitrios Drisis
Dr. Theodora Kouloura
Break
Chapter-6: “Triple Helix” the agrifood jewel - Financial Instruments
Financing and strategic synergies are means to endure and 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.
Mr. Cobi Bitton
Dr. Thomas Bartzanas
Mr. Christos Yiannakakis
Mr. Athanasios Dedousis
Dr. Aristeidis Samitas
Dr Petros Varelidis
Moderator
Dr. Konstantinos Aliferis
Sum-up & conclusions
Mr. Giannis Balakakis
Dr. Thomas Bartzanas
MoUs Signing Ceremony
RSVP farewell reception (speakers - partners - sponsors)
by invitation only
In cooperation with the Embassy of Albania to the Hellenic Republic
Practical information
- Participation :
-
- 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)