I am volunteering in the framework of the project “ORGANIC ECOSYSTEM” which is funded by INTERREG ENI-CBC Programme.
The project “Organic Ecosystem – Boosting cross border Organic Ecosystem through enhancing agro-food alliances” aims at enhancing organic MSMEs through the creation of a Cross-Border Organic Ecosystem in collaboration with Public Authorities and private actors.
This is pursued by the scaling up organic value chain through the establishment of new Med business alliances.
The Project involves partners from 6 Mediterranean Countries where Competent Authorities, in charge of sector’s policy and surveillance, are involved and ensure project results sustainability.
Objectives are reached by:
- A Cross-Border Organic Ecosystem and a common strategy;
- Consultancy services for business development to facilitate SMEs in innovative value chain creation;
- Local Labs to share knowledge and support new business alliances and international business events to facilitate MSMEs market access and the link with research. 150 MSMEs (production, processing, supply, trade etc.) are involved and at least 24 organic MSMEs are directly supported.
Project final beneficiaries are agro-food MSMEs at large and consumers that benefit at all levels from a trustful organic sector.
The most interesting activity I was involved in recently was the participation in the BIOFACH 2023 event, which was attended by key organic producers from Greece. It was an important business, emotional event for the organic sector, and both a get-together and an opportunity for positioning.
I personally benefitted from the experience of co-organizing with INNOPOLIS the participation of the Greek SMEs to this event.
The participating SMEs had the chance to benefit from their participation in various ways like:
- Networking Opportunities: BIOFACH Expo is the world’s leading trade fair for organic food, offering an excellent platform to network with industry experts, potential business partners, and customers.
- Business Expansion: The Expo provided to them an opportunity to showcase their products, services, and innovative ideas to a global audience, opening up new markets and increasing sales.
- Brand Awareness: They had an excellent opportunity to build brand awareness and increase visibility in the global market.
