Archives: Agenda

Posted on October 25, 2024

On 27 September 2024, the 2^nd EXCEL4MED Living Lab was held at the Agricultural University of Athens, bringing together key stakeholders from the Greek food and beverage sector to foster collaboration and innovation. 

This event was organised by our Greek partners SEVT – Federation of Hellenic Food Industries, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, ELGO-DIMITRA, Smart Agro Hub and the Region of Attica. 

Living Labs are a hallmark of the EXCEL4MED project, designed to bring together industry experts, researchers, businesses and policymakers to co-create solutions for pressing challenges in Mediterranean fruit supply chains. 

With a focus on pomegranate and citrus fruits, these labs serve as a dynamic platform for testing and refining innovative solutions in real-world settings, ensuring they address both immediate and long-term needs. 

Key discussions at the 2^nd Living Lab in Greece 

Participants delved into a range of topics essential for the advancement of the Mediterranean agri-food sector: 

• Innovative business models: strategies to strengthen food supply chains while reducing waste were explored, with an emphasis on sustainability and adaptability. 
• Green technologies: experts presented advanced technologies aimed at minimising the environmental impact of the food industry, particularly in the processing and manufacturing stages. 
• Product development: the creation of value-added food products was a focal point, with discussions centred on practical approaches to ensure these products are both sustainable and resilient. 
• Value chain efficiency: the event emphasised the importance of understanding the food value chain, identifying areas for improvement and increasing transparency to streamline operations. 

Speakers driving the conversation

The event featured insightful presentations from our partners: 

• Alkmini Gavriil (SEVT), who welcomed participants and set the tone for the day. 
• Professor Vasilis Valdramidis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), who provided an overview of the EXCEL4MED project, outlining its core objectives and future aspirations. 
• Dr. George Katsaros (ELGO-DIMITRA), who introduced new green technologies designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability in food supply chains. 
• Professor George Kleftodimos (CIHEAM-IAMM), who led an engaging session on business models in the agri-food sector, focusing on the methodology behind the Business Model Canvas and guiding participants through the creation of new business plans. 

We had the pleasure of having Artemi Chatzigeorgiou, R&D Director of DELTA FOODS SA, who shared practical strategies and best practices for developing new and innovative products that meet both consumer needs and environmental standards.

A collaborative approach to innovation

In the second half of the event, participants broke into smaller groups to collaborate in a practical way.  

Using the Business Model Canvas and with the help of facilitators, participants co-designed potential business models adapted to the needs of Mediterranean food systems. 

These collaborative sessions provided a platform for diverse stakeholders—from businesses to researchers—to share ideas and innovate together. 

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Building on the success of the 1^st Living Lab in Greece, this 2^nd Living Lab reinforced EXCEL4MED’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, resilient and innovative Mediterranean food supply chain. 

With fruitful discussions and the exchange of pioneering ideas, the Living Labs continue to be instrumental in achieving the project’s goals of reducing food waste, fostering collaboration and promoting green technologies in the agri-food sector.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Living Lab in Malta and other key activities in the framework of the EXCEL4MED project, as we strive to reshape Mediterranean food systems!

Posted on October 23, 2024

The consortium agreement establishing the International Innovation Hub for Sustainable Food Systems has been signed by its founders: Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, CGIAR, Cirad, Institut Agro Montpellier, IRD, Université de Montpellier, INRAE, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, Agropolis International et le CIHEAM Montpellier. The aim of this strategic commitment is to build a global network with countries in the South, so that together we can meet the challenges of agricultural, food and ecological transition. This international innovation hub will help to increase the innovative potential of start-ups and young impact businesses in tropical countries to tackle global issues. It will offer a structured range of support services to innovative project leaders in the South and the innovation support ecosystems themselves.

Posted on October 22, 2024

This workshop, which was held from October 17 to 18, 2024, gathered experts, researchers, and farmers from Morocco, providing a platform to validate the regions where the Climber initiative will continue its work, to identify farm types for each region, and to design practical scenarios for improving agricultural resilience under conservation agriculture practices. The discussions during this two-day event addressed the pressing challenges facing Moroccan agriculture, particularly regarding climate change adaptation, sustainable resource use, and financial constraints.

• For more information about the ClimBeR project

Posted on October 9, 2024

The NATAE project held a WP2 and WP3 workshop from September 30 to October 2, 2024, at CIHEAM Montpellier. The workshop brought together Living Lab (LL) leaders and Work Package (WP) partners to discuss key project topics through structured sessions. These sessions covered progress on farm typologies, scenario development, and assessments using the DAHBSIM modeling chain, focusing on agroecological practices (AEP). Participants exchanged insights on modeling scenarios, shared data requirements, and outlined future strategies. The discussions led to the formulation of roadmaps for simulation assessments and methodologies for Replication Labs (RLs), enhancing collaboration and clarity on project outcomes.

• For more information about the NATAE project

Posted on October 4, 2024

CIHEAM Montpellier is delighted to invite you to the next Café Doc on Thursday 10 October 2024 from 12.45pm to 2pm for a presentation by Kamel Chikhi on: Distribution systems in marketing: a brief look at food distribution in Algeria

Location: CIHEAM Montpellier, Centre de Documentation Méditerranéen, basement of Bât B

The Café Doc will start at 12:45 with coffee and pastries. The presentation will start at 1pm sharp and will be followed by a discussion with Kamel Chikhi.

If you would like to register, please contact docassistance@iamm.fr