TIF 2023: Innovation, digitalization and smart farming on the agenda of NEUROPUBLIC Under the shadow of the recent adverse weather that had an incalculable cost on lives and property, the 87th Thessaloniki International Fair was took place; the country’s largest international exhibition event that reflects the status and trends of domestic and international business. As a result, this year’s event was held in low tones. The NEUROPUBLIC booth at the Trade Gate of TIF 2023. Nevertheless, more than 123,000 visitors passed through the gates of the HELEXPO Exhibition Centre in Thessaloniki from 9 to 17 September, in the annual meeting of the largest Greek companies to present the market’s new proposals on technology, innovation, environmental protection, energy, education and e-government, reflecting the country’s current socio-economic reality. The stand of NEUROPUBLIC, the dynamic Piraeus-based Technology & Information Technology company, was a pole of attraction for those visitors who wanted to see the company’s innovative proposals for agri-food, business and the wider public sector. The NEUROPUBLIC stand at the Trade Gate of TIF 2023. The Daniel storm tragically underlined the need for significant changes in both civil protection and agricultural production, areas in which NEUROPUBLIC is leading the way with its gaiasense smart farming system and the agro-meteorological stations it has installed throughout the country – the most extensive network in Greece. Thus, gaiasense was in the spotlight as the most comprehensive and reliable solution for the urgent upgrade and transformation of agri-food, public and local government. At the same time, the TIF was also an opportunity for the first presentation of the Smart Weather by gaiasense weather forecasting platform that leverages the gaiasense network of stations to provide accurate and timely information on weather conditions in the country. The agrometeorological station of the gaiasense system at the NEUROPUBLIC stand at the “Smart City” pavilion of the Ministry of Digital Governance At the same time, NEUROPUBLIC’s participation at Booth 12, in the “Smart City” organized by the Ministry of Digital Governance, an initiative that attracted the intense interest of a significant number of visitors from a wide range of stakeholders, was also significant. In fact, the NEUROPUBLIC booth where a fully functional agrometeorological station gaiasense was set up highlighted the potential of the services that the company provides to the farmer and the citizen. The Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou visited the NEUROPUBLIC stand and spoke with the company’s Marketing Director, Mr. Ioannis Michailidis, about the role of technology in the face of the great challenges of our times. Concluding this year’s event, NEUROPUBLIC renewed its appointment with TIF 2024, proving that after 20 years of presence in the technological scene of Greece, it aims to continue to be at the forefront of developments for its green and digital transformation. The “Smart City” initiative of the Ministry of Digital Governance at Booth 12 of the Thessaloniki International Fair attracted the public’s interest
NEUROPUBLIC supports for once more the Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture The Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture, organized for the 9th year by GAIA EPICHEIREIN, is in the finishing line, as the event-institution for the primary and wider agri-food sector of our country will take place on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the gaiasense HUB building in Piraeus, and will be broadcast online. With the main theme “Greek agriculture towards 2030: winning the sustainability bet with the assistance of the CAP”, the 9th Congress will focus on strengthening the sustainability and resilience of European and Greek agriculture in the face of the major challenges of climate change and geopolitical shocks, but also on the need to produce more – and better – with less through the green and digital transition of the production process. The 2030 milestone is particularly important in this direction, as it is a deadline for achieving the targets set by the farm-to-table and biodiversity strategies, as well as the EU’s climate target to reduce emissions within its borders by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. Legislation serving these ambitious objectives, some of which is already underway, is foreseen to be gradually integrated into the CAP National Strategic Plans, radically changing the production profile of European and Greek agriculture. In this context, the 9th Congress will be the starting point for an in-depth debate on the current global, EU and national climate-related challenges affecting the agricultural sector, the relevant CAP instruments, as well as national strategic options and best practices from EU Member States. Ally, as always, in the effort for correct and responsible information of farmers, NEUROPUBLIC supports again the most important event for the information of the agricultural world and the promotion of dialogue for its future. Thus, the company is again this year a major sponsor of the 9th Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture. In fact, NEUROPUBLIC’s Executive Director, Ioannis Mavroudis, will speak on innovative consulting services for the green and digital transition of the agri-food sector. At the “heart” of his speech will be, of course, the gaiasense smart farming system that brings high technology to every field and helps farmers to improve their production both quantitatively and qualitatively, reduce environmental impact and, ultimately, create added value in their products. The Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture will also be broadcast live via a digital platform, which you can register for free using the following link: 9th Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture (eventora.com)
Now, green aid is at the farmer’s fingertips with the gaiasense app! Climate change and environmental degradation are serious concernσ for the EU and the new CAP 2023-2027, which has set specific “green” targets. In this context, it proposes a new support scheme for producers, the “Eco-schemes”, which will replace the “greening” scheme known from the previous programming period. What are the Ecological Programmes In order to receive extra “green” support, a producer must apply environmentally and climate-friendly practices on his/her field. These practices are specific and are described in the national CAP Strategic Plan and the relevant Ministerial Decisions as “Eco-Programmes”. Each producer has the possibility to choose among the available practices – Eco-Programmes in order to be eligible for this additional “green” support. By selecting the gaiasense app when submitting his/her declaration for the EAE to the APCs cooperating with GAIA EPICHEIREIN, the producer: They take the first mandatory step to securely join the Eco-Scheme 6 by acquiring an easy-to-use and reliable digital application for the use of which they receive a subsidy. It also secures the second mandatory step for its eligibility for Eco-Scheme 6, as it gains the possibility to have the required Environmental Management Plan (EMP) prepared by a qualified agricultural consultant. And that is why it is subsidised! It creates the conditions to easily and successfully integrate and implement at least one (1) and up to two (2) practices/actions in the field for which significant support is foreseen. Gain access to additional useful digital services for their crops, i.e. beyond those necessary for their eligibility/subsidy under the Ecological Scheme 6 (weather forecast, satellite imagery, water indicators, spray suitability, etc.). For all, it has ongoing technical support from an experienced team. They have a digital application in their hands, which opens the door for other CAP 2023-2027 schemes/measures, such as, for example, agricultural advice, which now foresee the use of such digital applications. So, thanks to the gaiasense app, every producer gets: A calendar of cultivation work that helps them to record in detail all the work in the field, for each plot separately, through the mobile phone. This way, they have all the tasks at his disposal immediately, at any time, while they get a complete picture of their cultivation and make better decisions for their production. Daily information on the development of each crop. So, they don’t have to go to the field all the time and that way they save time and money. Quick checkup in the field, from a distance, to see if something is not going well and intervene accordingly. Information on when it is the right time to spray and water crops. This avoids unnecessary waste of water and pesticides. Five-day weather forecast, specific to the area where each field is located, and warnings of extreme weather events 48 hours before they occur. And they win: Reducing the use of pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation water. Addressing crop risks more effectively. Improving production both quantitatively and qualitatively. This adds value to agricultural products and makes them more competitive. ” Greening ” their production in order to comply with the requirements of the new CAP. Significantly reducing production costs. Learn more about the Eco-Scheme 6, HERE
The heatwave, as “seen” by NEUROPUBLIC’s gaiasense Heat wave conditions (CLEON heat wave) will prevail from Wednesday (12.07.2023). In more detail: On Wednesday 12.07.2023 the temperature will reach: in the Northern Continental region 39 oC. In Central Greece 38 oC, in Thessaly 41 oC, while in the rest of the continental regions it will not exceed 35 oC. In the island regions the maximum temperatures will reach 33 – 35 oC. On Thursday 13.07.2023 the temperature will rise further: In the northern continental areas the temperature will reach 38oC while in many areas of Central Macedonia it will reach 40oC. In Thessaly the maximum temperature will reach 41oC, in Central Greece 38 – 40oC, while in the rest of the continental regions 38oC. In the island regions the maximum temperature will reach 33 – 35 oC. (In the Dodecanese and South Crete 2 degrees higher). On Friday 14.07.2023 there will be a peak of the phenomenon: In Central Macedonia maximum temperatures will reach 41 – 42 oC. In the rest of the northern continental regions the maximum temperature will reach 38 – 39 oC. In Thessaly the maximum temperature will reach 43 – 44 oC, in Central Greece 41 – 42 oC. In Attica the temperature will reach 41 oC, while in the rest of the continental regions the maximum temperature will reach 38 – 40 oC. In the island regions the maximum temperature will reach 34 – 37 oC (in the Dodecanese and South Crete 1 – 2 degrees higher). On Saturday 15.07.2023: In Central Macedonia maximum temperatures will reach 41 oC. In the rest of the northern continent the maximum temperature will reach 39 – 40oC. In Thessaly the temperature will reach 43 oC, while in the Central region (including Attica) the maximum temperature will reach 40 – 42 oC. In the Peloponnese, maximum temperatures will reach 39 – 41 oC. In the rest of the continent maximum temperatures will reach 39 – 41 oC. In the island regions maximum temperatures will reach 38 – 39 oC. On Sunday, 16.07.2023, there will be a slight weakening of the phenomenon. However, high temperatures will prevail until early next week. Indicatively, the risk limits of the main crops from the effects of high temperatures are given: Vine: Risk from heatwave at temperatures T >= 38°C Cotton: Risk from heatwave at temperatures T >= 34°C Apricot: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 38°C Tobacco: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 42°C Walnut: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 36°C Peach tree: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 38°C Tomato tree: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 30°C Potato: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 30°C Average daily temperature in various regions of Greece during the next days Irrigation recommendations for the heatwave Irrigation during a heatwave is vital to ensure the health and survival of plants. Here are some tips to help you optimize your irrigation practices during a heatwave: Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of frequent light watering, provide deep watering to encourage plants to develop deep root systems. This allows them to access moisture from lower soil levels and become more resistant to heat stress. Deep watering also helps reduce water loss through evaporation. Water early in the morning or late in the evening: Watering during the cooler hours of the day minimizes evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture efficiently. Avoid watering during the hottest hours, as water can evaporate before plants can take advantage of it. In addition, water droplets on leaves can act as mirrors, concentrating sunlight in one spot, resulting in burns to the fruit and leaves. Use drip irrigation: This method of irrigation delivers water directly to the base of the plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation. Drip irrigation also ensures that water reaches the rootstock more efficiently, promoting effective water absorption. Monitor soil moisture: Regularly check the moisture levels in your soil to avoid over- or under-irrigation. Use a moisture meter to determine if the soil is at a sufficient moisture level and adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly. Give priority to water-sensitive plants: If you have a limited amount of irrigation water, prioritize watering high value plants or plants that are more sensitive to heat stress. This ensures their survival and minimizes potential losses. Get detailed and accurate information about the weather in your area from SmartWeather
Sustainable development of the national cotton sector through smart farming: Workshop on the future of the sector The technological developments that are coming at the service of the primary sector, as well as the benefits of smart farming especially for cotton production, were presented and discussed during a workshop on “Sustainable development of the national cotton sector: the contribution of smart farming” held on Wednesday, 31 May 2023. The meeting was co-organized by NEUROPUBLIC and GAIA EPICHEIREIN at the newly built gaiasense HUB building in Piraeus, in cooperation with the President Antonis Siarkos and the members of the Panhellenic Union of Cotton Ginners and Exporters (PUCGE). On the part of PUCGE, the meeting was attended not only by the President, Mr. Siarkos, but also by the Vice President of the Association, Mr. Prodromos Ousultzoglou and Mr. Euripides Dontas, Mr. Nikolaos and Charalambos Karagiorgos, Mr. Stamataios Kouroudis, Ms. Maria Pavlidou, Mr. Vasilios Petsas, Mr. Vasilios Polychronos, Mr. Klearhos Sarantidis and Mr. Georgios Siarkos. The delegation of PUCGE initially met with the Board of Directors and the President of NEUROPUBLIC, Mr. Christodoulos Antoniadis and toured the company’s facilities in Piraeus, where they saw the excellent technological infrastructure and asked relevant questions to the specialized executives. Afterwards, the members of PUCGE visited the ultra-modern gaiasense HUB, the second privately owned building of NEUROPUBLIC, where they were welcomed by the CEO of GAIA EPICHEIREIN, Elli Tsiforou. This was followed by a tour of the fully automated production line, the warehouse and NEUROPUBLIC’s second data center, while they were given the opportunity to talk to the agronomists of the integrated, innovative gaiasense by NEUROPUBLIC smart farming system and learn about the advanced technologies supported by the HUB. Opening the meeting, President Antoniadis stressed that “the sustainable development of Greek agriculture is equivalent to the development of ambitious and visionary sectoral strategies, especially for sectors of national importance and significant export profile such as cotton. Technological innovation provides a guarantee of sustainability and a passport to the future development of the sector for the benefit of all: producers, ginners and the national economy”. Shortly afterwards, Ms. Tsiforou took the floor, and spoke about the “Political and institutional framework for the sustainable development of the cotton sector”, noting that “the European Green Deal sets the tone for the way we will produce in the EU in the coming decades, with important legislative initiatives outside the CAP framework shaping the new, green and digital profile of European and Greek agriculture”. Mr. Ioannis Mavroudis, founding member and Executive Director of NEUROPUBLIC, explained that the application of the gaiasense smart agriculture system has already significantly helped cotton farmers to reduce production costs and the environmental footprint of the production process. “Effective fertilization, utilization of irrigation needs and targeted spraying, i.e. rational use of inputs, lead not only to the production of higher quality products but also to lower carbon footprint,” said Mr. Mavroudis, to conclude that “NEUROPUBLIC provides new digital tools that promote pro-environmental standards in cotton.” In particular, to date, gaiasense has been applied to 28.490 hectares of cotton in 6 regions of the country and has proven to help reduce up to 14% in irrigation water costs per hectare and up to 28% in crop protection costs by avoiding unnecessary spraying. In addition, it can reduce fertilization costs by up to 33% per hectare. A path is therefore opening up for a sustainable digital passport for cotton products with high added value for all stakeholders in the sector. The workshop concluded with statements by representatives of the Union and a discussion on the need to formulate a sectoral strategy in relation to the digital transition of the cotton sector, a bet for the sustainable future development of our national product.
NEUROPUBLIC’s gaiasense participates again this year in the BEYOND exhibition Over the last two years, the BEYOND EXPO has managed to become an international platform for the exchange of ideas, opinions and proposals in relation to the 4th industrial revolution and the strengthening of the identity of companies in the technology sector in an ever-changing and growing market. This year, its 3rd edition, which will be held on 24-26 May 2023 at the HELEXPO International Exhibition Centre in the capital, aims to bring together once again important businesses from Greece and abroad, leading representatives of politics and technology, as well as executives of institutions to present the latest products, ideas and proposals, to discuss the impact and opportunities created in Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean and the MENA region, and to accelerate developments in our daily life and in the region. The focus of the exhibition, as every year, is on the relationship between technology and people. In this context, NEUROPUBLIC, which plays a leading role in the digital and technological transformation of the country, promoting “smart” cities, pioneering smart farming with the gaiasense system, and facilitating the daily life of the citizen, will be present at Booth 13 / Stand C30 where it will present all its innovative services and products that pave the way to the next day of digitalization. Specifically, visitors to the exhibition who will pass by the company’s stand will have the opportunity to learn about, among other things, the new innovative services in the gaiasense smart farming system and the gaiasense app for mobile phones, which aim to optimize the primary sector and agri-food in general. At the same time, NEUROPUBLIC’s executives will take part in the Global Agripreneurs Summit, the events related to smart farming and agri-food that will be organized in the framework of BEYOND by international organizations, where they will analyze in depth the modern challenges and the role of technology in the next day of the agricultural economy. At the same time, on Thursday 25 May at 12.00, Ioannis Mavroudis, founding member and Executive Director of NEUROPUBLIC, will participate in a parallel event on “Innovation for Sustainable Cities: the role of Digital Transition and Smart Technologies”, where he will speak about projects developed by the company in municipalities across the country and the challenges that digital transformation faces in the Greek reality. This year’s BEYOND will be developed in four thematic pillars. Its ambition is to become more outward-looking, to expand its network of interlocutors and to put Greece and especially Thessaloniki at the forefront of global entrepreneurship – and NEUROPUBLIC could not be out of this forefront.
NEUROPUBLIC’s gaiasense supports the Terra Creta Olive Academy A pioneering project for the Greek olive growing industry took place on Friday 10 March with the official establishment of the Terra Creta Olive Academy at the Terra Creta premises in Kolymbari, Chania, Crete. The ceremony was attended by Nikos Kalogeris, Deputy Regional Governor of Chania, Yannis Malandrakis, Mayor of Platanias, Antonis Rokakis, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Chania, Panagiotis Hatzinikolaou, CEO of ELGO Demetra, as well as a number of partners and producers. The Terra Creta Olive Academy, which is a member of the MELISSA KIKIZAS group, marks the evolution of the “Producers’ Group” that Terra Creta has been creating for years and is now organized according to the standards of the Melissa Kikiza Wheat Academy, which has been operating since 2012. The goal of the Terra Creta Olive Academy is to upgrade olive production through the provision of theoretical and practical knowledge to farmers, as well as through the use of integrated digital crop monitoring and smart farming agricultural warning systems – specifically, the NEUROPUBLIC gaiasense system, which is now being implemented on 1,400 acres producing the award-winning olive oil. Great emphasis will be placed on the use of good agricultural practices that aim to reduce the environmental footprint of the crop, while the company’s agronomists will be constantly present next to the producers in order to offer personalized advice on the spot. The Terra Creta Olive Academy also offers its member producers a Contract Farming Program, providing them with, among other things, a minimum guaranteed price to ensure the sustainability of the crop even in difficult years, as well as a price bonus for the production of high quality olive oil. The CEO of MELISSA KIKIZAS, Mr. Alexandros Kikizas, said, “We are proud to announce today the establishment of the Terra Creta Olive Academy! We would like to thank the farmers and educational institutions that have so warmly embraced this new venture. Our common love for this blessed fruit unites everyone involved in this project. Our vision is to contribute to the quality and quantity upgrading of the production of Greek extra virgin olive oil, in order to achieve the position it deserves on the international map“. It is worth noting that NEUROPUBLIC will actively participate in the training of the Academy members on issues related to intelligent agriculture and its application in olive cultivation.
Presentation of gaiasense at the Verde.tec exhibition The 5th edition of Verde.tec, the exhibition that aspires to become the ultimate meeting point in Greece for environmental technologies, the circular economy and “smart” cities, was successfully completed on 19 March 2023 at MEC Peania. With more exhibitors and a richer programme of events, this year’s Verde.tec brought together for three days some of the most dynamic companies in our country – and not only – that have put knowledge and innovation at the service of the environment, while showcasing the technologies that are leading the effort to protect it. The aim is to exchange scientific information and know-how, as well as to highlight innovative products and services, through workshops and seminars and with the participation of the business world, municipalities and regions, scientific bodies and educational institutions. In the framework of the parallel events of the exhibition, on Saturday 18 March, Vassilis Pyrgiotis, Head of Co-funded Projects of NEUROPUBLIC, presented the innovative system of smart farming gaiasense and, more specifically, its application in the EU co-funded project LIFE GAIA Sense. The LIFE GAIA Sense project, which was completed a few months ago, involved the application of smart farming in 18 regions in Greece, Spain and Portugal and in nine types of crops and aimed, among other things, to reduce the impact of agricultural production on natural resources and to protect the environment, while at the same time supporting circular economy models. Indeed, the project and its results highlighted the importance of digital transformation of agricultural production in order to ensure productivity and quality, enhance competitiveness and reduce climate and environmental impacts. It is worth noting that the exhibition was held with the support of the European Parliament’s office in Athens and was under the auspices of 34 Ministries and Agencies.