Participation of the Agricultural University of Athens in the 31st International Exhibition of Agricultural Machinery, Equipment and Supplies – Agrotica 2026

With the strengthening of professional synergies and the systematic update of the agricultural community on new technological challenges at its core, the 31st International Exhibition of Agricultural Machinery, Equipment and Supplies “Agrotica 2026” was held at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition and Congress Center (HELEXPO), from March 12 to 15, 2026. The Agricultural University of Athens participated dynamically with its own pavilion, where a large number of visitors were informed about its academic and research activities.

With the presence of the Rector, Professor Spyridon Kintzios, the Vice-Rector for Research, Finance and Development, Professor Thomas Bartzanas, the Vice-Rector for Academic and Administrative Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Extroversion, Professor Emmanouil Flemetakis, and the Vice-Rector for European University, Internationalization and Student Affairs, Professor Eleni Miliou, in a milestone year for the survival and development of the primary sector, our University emphasized its scientific achievements, grounded in its long-standing tradition of over a century in providing high-quality academic education in its field.

Particularly important was the participation of AUA Professors in the scientific workshops held in parallel with the Exhibition, such as that of Professor Thomas Bartzanas which was held during the “Digital Agriculture Workshop and Farmers-Agronomists Collaboration Platform” event on Saturday, March 14. In his presentation, Professor Bartzanas was referred to the National Carbon Farming Living Lab, which is coordinated by AUA as part of the European project Lilas4Soil, as well as the use of the digital platform Agros for collecting, analyzing, and processing samples from 20 farms across Greece. These farms implement different management practices aimed at increasing the soil’s organic matter.

The GIS Research Unit (https://gis.aua.gr) of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) participated actively, with its own booth, in the Agrotica 2026 exhibition, presenting all of its activities, which included:

• research, with a brief overview of the results of European and national programs, as well as projects commissioned by cooperatives and private stakeholders
• educational activities at the postgraduate level, with particular emphasis on the training seminars organized through the Lifelong Learning Center (KEDIVIM) of AUA
• the development of practical and user-friendly web applications for the long-term monitoring, via maps, of soil and water conditions, crop growth, and livestock grazing

The exchange of knowledge and experience with visitors to the booth (producers, agricultural consultants, agronomists, and business representatives) highlighted critical issues in the agricultural sector, while at the same time laying the groundwork for the development of new solutions that respond to market needs. The GIS Research Unit places particular emphasis on transforming recorded challenges into innovative, applicable solutions, leveraging the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Analysis.

A highlight of the participation was the presence of the Professor and Scientific Director of the Unit, Mr. Dionysios Kalyvas, on Saturday, March 14, at the Agrenda Studio discussion panel titled “Acting Digitally, Operating Economically”. His contribution supported the public dialogue on the role of digital technologies in improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production.

At the same time, the active contribution of many AUA Professors and research laboratory staff offered the public the opportunity to learn about the Institution’s dynamic development path, demonstrating that values such as interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and innovation expand scientific knowledge, as well as partnerships with institutions, businesses, and society both within and outside Greece.

Finally, a wide range of information regarding the operation of the University, its Schools and Departments, as well as the opportunities offered to its students through European programs and a broad spectrum of services connecting them to the labor market, was provided by executives from the Career Services Office, the Center for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning, and the Department of Public Relations, Communication and Events, which also had the overall responsibility for organizing and operating the pavilion at this year’s Agrotica.