The very interesting results of the research carried out by “Evritika Kellaria” in collaboration with the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Democritus University of Thrace, under the measure “Investment Plans for Innovation, Research & Development in the RIS3 priority sector” of the Operational Program “Eastern Macedonia & Thrace 2014–2020”, were presented at the informational workshop “Using agricultural by-products to produce organic soil improvers through composting – AgroWasteCompost (Final Project Results)”. The event took place on Friday, February 17, at the Event Hall of the Evros Chamber of Commerce in Alexandroupoli.
The goal of the AgroWasteCompost project is to develop innovative technologies for using winery by-products to produce high value-added organic fertilizer, helping to protect the environment and improve the fertility of agricultural soils.
The event was honored by the presence of representatives of the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, the Evros Chamber of Commerce and Democritus University of Thrace.
Ioannis Tokatlidis, Head of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Democritus University of Thrace, in his address to the event, spoke about the mutual benefit of collaborations between Research Bodies and companies under funding programs. Mr. Tokatlidis, who is also an agronomist, stressed the importance of the results of projects such as AgroWasteCompost for improving the productive capacity of Greek soils.
Next, a short address was given by Vasilis Kasapidis, Head of Business Advisory Support at the Evros Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the great value of Democritus University of Thrace's presence in the Thrace region. He also stressed the need to connect the market with research, so that its results find direct practical application. Mr. Kasapidis went on to declare the Evros Chamber of Commerce's active support for worthwhile development initiatives in the region, such as that of “Evritika Kellaria”.
On behalf of the Region, the event was attended by Vasilis Delistamatis, Deputy Regional Governor for Agricultural Economy & Veterinary Services of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace. Mr. Delistamatis welcomed the innovation introduced by the AgroWasteCompost project, recognizing the recycling and reuse of plant residues as the only way forward. He also noted that both the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace as an institution and Greek society as a whole now have the maturity needed to support initiatives such as AgroWasteCompost.
Also attending the event was the Deputy Mayor for the Primary Sector, Agritourism & the Municipal Unit of Feres of the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, Dimitris Kolgionis.
The presentations on the event's agenda were opened by Vasilis Charovas, CEO of “Evritika Kellaria”, who warmly welcomed attendees and then gave a short presentation of the company's journey, emphasizing its participation over the years in research activities and development programs.
On behalf of the University's project team, Ioannis Kourkoutas, Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, DUTh, briefed the audience on the key points of the AgroWasteCompost project, after a short overview of the work of the Laboratory of “Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology” that carried it out and the activities it takes part in. Mr. Kourkoutas stated that the results of the research carried out under this project are of great importance for the wider region of Thrace and the rest of Greece.
The final research results of the project were presented by Ioanna Karapantzou, PhD Candidate at the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics. Over the course of the project, microbial composting systems, a vermicomposting system, and a system combining microbial composting and vermicomposting were tested. Among the key findings, the products obtained had a low C/N ratio, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and heavy metal content within the limits of European legislation, while their use in the germination of barley seeds showed that they are not phytotoxic.
The event was closed by Dimitris Bardakidis, co-founder, General Manager and Head of Primary Sector Development Strategy at ena Development Consultants, with a short presentation of the company and a more extensive look at the available financing tools and innovations that offer opportunities for further growth in the Agri-food sector.
The event was organized by #enaevents, the new service of ena Development Consultants that designs and delivers corporate, educational, conference and informational events, in person, hybrid and remote, in the physical and digital world.
ena Development Consultants would like to thank everyone who helped organize the event, the attendees who honored it with their presence, and finally all the distinguished speakers for their excellent presentations.
