The Regional Development Agency of Crete (P.AN.E.TAI.K. S.A.), as a partner of the European project CSSBoost (Boosting Circular Systemic Solutions), funded under the Horizon Europe programme, organized the first participatory design workshop to engage stakeholders of the 2nd Value Chain of Pilot 1 of the project.
The meeting took place on Friday, October 24th, at the Directorate of Rural Development and Livestock (DAOK) in Agya, Chania.
Welcoming the participants, the President of P.AN.E.TAI.K. S.A., Mr. Flemetakis, stated:
“Through today’s dialogue, we aim to identify the most suitable approach for cultivating and implementing the new value chain, in order to enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and circularity of production.”
The CSSBoost project aims to strengthen the transition toward a Circular Economy, by promoting transnational and cross-sectoral collaborations among public, private, and research stakeholders. Through five pilot applications, the project seeks to develop practical solutions that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and stimulate local economies.
Pilot 1 in Crete focuses on the creation of three new value chains, including one in the agri-food sector, emphasizing green practices such as green manuring, which help improve soil fertility and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
Mr. Manousakis, representative of the Mediterranean Agri-Food Competence Centre (MACC) and lead partner of Pilot 1, highlighted the focus of the value chain, which involves the collection and processing of agricultural residues from legume cultivation to produce green fertilizers and biostimulants. The aim is to improve soil fertility and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
He also presented the results of the first field application, currently underway by a volunteer farmer from Heraklion, who shared his experience with the participants.
Professor Arampatzis from the Technical University of Crete, lead partner and coordinator of the CSSBoost project, gave a brief presentation of the project, actively participated in the discussions, and expressed his satisfaction with the results of the participatory design workshop and the valuable contribution of the stakeholders.
In addition to the project partners, the meeting was attended by producers, agronomists from the Directorate of Rural Economy and Veterinary Services of the Region of Crete, representatives of the wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable trade, and members of the Chania Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Geotechnical Chamber of Crete, confirming their shared interest in promoting and implementing circular systemic solutions in the agri-food sector.