Presentation event of the VISION4FOOD project by the Region of Thessaly
Friday, February 27, 2026
The presentation event of the European project ‘VISION4FOOD-“EnVISIONing an integrated quadruple helix and RRI framework for FOOD system transformation and regional innovation ecosystem enhancement” and the food innovation platform within this framework was successfully held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the Region of Thessaly. The event was welcomed by the Deputy Regional Governor for Citizen Services, Digital Governance, European Programs and Investments, Mr. Ioannis Anastasiou, as well as the Administrator of the Agri-Food Partnership of Thessaly, Mr. Grigorios Gountopoulos, underlining the strategic importance of the participation of the Region of Thessaly in European initiatives that strengthen the agri-food sector in Thessaly. VISION4FOOD aims to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of EU food systems through the development of innovative governance models that contribute to better informing decision-making processes, promoting social participation and innovation.
This was followed by a detailed presentation of the VISION4FOOD project and the actions to be implemented in Thessaly. Agri-food is currently at the heart of the European strategy for sustainability. Its importance is not limited to food production. It is directly linked to public health, environmental protection, the resilience of local economies and food security. Regions are called upon to manage complex challenges: climate change, the reduction of emissions, the sustainable use of natural resources, but also the support of rural income and local entrepreneurship. The VISION4FOOD project comes to strengthen this strategic direction. Through the development of innovative governance models and the creation of Regional Food Innovation Platforms, it forms a permanent and substantive dialogue between the four pillars of the so-called quadruple helix: the academic community, businesses, public administration and society. This very collaboration is the key to moving from theory to practice.
Particularly important is the creation of a strong digital knowledge exchange hub, which brings together tools and services in the agri-food sector and functions as a reference point for the formation of partnerships at European level. A targeted acceleration agenda is being developed for each Region, which maps needs, priorities and available services, offering a clear and applicable framework for action.
The Region of Thessaly, led by the Governor Mr. Kouretas, who is also President of the Agri-Food Partnership of Thessaly, through its participation in the VISION4FOOD project, seeks to strengthen cooperation with local bodies and to utilize European know-how and innovative practices so that this step of transformation of the agri-food sector can be carried out in a coordinated manner and with a European perspective.
More information about the VISION4FOOD project:
-Website: https://vision4foodproject.eu/
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vision-4-food-project-eu/
You can find the original publication in Greek via this link.