The farmB, in collaboration with the Serres Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Unit of Serres, organized the “farmB Forum” as part of SEREXPO 2024. The event took place at the “CHRISTOS MEGLAS” Business Center on September 21 and 22, 2024, focusing on digital agriculture and its in-field applications.

The event was welcomed by the President of the Serres Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Athanasios Malliaras, the Deputy Regional Governor of Serres, Mr. Panagiotis Spyropoulos, the New Democracy Party, Mr. Tasos Chatzivasileiou, the Rector of the International Hellenic University, Mr. Stamatis Angelopoulos, and the New Democracy Party, Mr. Kostas Boumpas. The event began with a demonstration of innovative technologies in the field. The Commercial Director of farmB, Mr. Ilias Platis, along with Mr. Stergios Stasinos, presented to the audience a variable fertilization application through the farmB system using a Bogballe fertilizer spreader.

The second session of speeches focused on the practical application of digital agriculture. The speakers discussed environmentally friendly strategies in the agricultural sector, emphasizing new technologies for next-generation plant protection products and the value of digital agriculture in the field. Speakers included Mr. Giorgos Poultsidis, Founder and CEO of EMPHYTON, Mr. Giorgos Zanakis, Seed Sales Manager at CORTEVA, Ms. Sotiria Maroula, Marketing Manager at COMPO EXPERT HELLAS, and Mr. Ioannis Amarantidis, Senior Project Manager at DigiAgriFood, who discussed the DigiAgriFood research program which aims at strengthening the digital and green transformation of the Agri-food chain.

In the third session, the discussion focused on the role of agronomists and the importance of Agricultural Advisors. The need for the moderate use of plant protection products and the development of Greek agriculture in relation to the impacts of climate change was emphasized. The services and benefits of agricultural consulting were analyzed, and the need for support from central authorities and the state was highlighted to facilitate the procedures of the OSDE and strengthen the work of the Beneficiary Support Centers (KYD). Speakers in this session included Mr. Zafeiris Mystakidis, President of GEOTEE Eastern Macedonia, Mr. Vasilis Toutoutzis, Agricultural Advisor & KYD Representative, and Mr. Giorgos Papadimos, Agricultural Advisor & KYD Representative.

On the second day of the farmB Forum, the farmB application was presented by Mr. Spyros Zafeiriadis, Market Development & Outreach for farmB, followed by a demonstration of field applications. The speeches on the second day focused on modern livestock farming in Greece. The discussion began with a presentation by Mr. Giorgos Kefalas, Deputy Regional Governor of Agricultural Economy for Central Macedonia, highlighting the challenges faced by the livestock sector and the need for state support to implement projects in the region.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of Collective Schemes and Cooperatives, as well as the interventions being made in Eco-Schemes. Finally, issues related to animal production, infections, and ways to ensure animal welfare were analyzed, while the need for support for livestock farmers from higher state authorities was highlighted. Speakers included Mr. Moschos Korasidis, General Director of ETHEAS, Ms. Athanasia Mademli, Director of OPEKEPE, Ms. Maria Kostovasili, Head of Plant and Animal Production at DAOK Serres, and Ms. Elpida Sidiropoulou, President of the Livestock Association of Serres.