2nd INNOGROW study visit in Thessaly: A successful exchange of experience for the European rural economy
Larissa, September 6 2018
The Region of Thessaly and its partners in the EU funded project INNOGROW concluded with great success, on September 4-5, the second study visit of the project. INNOGROW gives 9 policy influencing regional bodies from 8 EU countries the opportunity to exchange experiences so as to optimise their policies that promote the adoption of technology and business model innovations by rural economy firms & cooperatives. The second study visit was dedicated to showcasing specific Thessalian enterprises and cooperatives that successfully invested in new technologies through the support of the policies of the Region.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Stamatia Papadimopoulou, head of the Documentation Department of the Region of Thessaly, INNOGROW partners had the opportunity to witness at first hand successful cases of innovation adoption by rural businesses such as the following:
• At Agroil/Staff Colour Energy, INNOGROW partners observed the function of a biodiesel production unit of innovative design, as well as a number of innovative experiments aimed at the production of biodiesel from algae (next generation biodiesel following EU guidelines).
• Tirnavos Cooperative presented the only winemaking unit applying processes for the rectification and concentration of wine must.
• ThesGala presented its innovative business model based on selling milk through milk vending machines situated in large cities, that proved to be capable of not only withholding the impact of the crisis, but also of generating fast expansion of profits.
• At Olympos, after witnessing its innovative machinery, INNOGROW partners had the opportunity to study the innovative and unique biogas production unit worth 10 mil. € investment that concerns the production of biogas from anaerobic wastewater treatment and is the only one in Europe in the dairy field.
• PAPAYIANNIS BROS focused on presenting automated production processes and new innovative products using tahini with honey that are aimed at renewing the traditional industry of products based primarily on sesame (halva, tahini sesame paste, sesame bars, bakery sesame seeds).
• At Epilektos Biogas, INNOGROW partners observed all details of the function of the biggest biogas power plant in Europe (6MW) that applies innovative methods to produce biogas from waste originating from many distinct sources.
• EPSA showcased all its innovative products, such as stevia based soft drinks, “light drops”, i.e. a liquid sweetener from the stevia plant, and a new generation of tin cans that EPSA was the first to introduce in the Greek market.
At EPSA headquarters, INNOGROW partners were accompanied by the Vice-Governor of the Region of Thessaly, responsible for EU-funded projects, Mr. Georgios Kaltsoyiannis, who solved all their queries about the intricacies of regional policy making for innovation in Thessaly and Greece.
