ACTIONS
Under the organization of the MACC, the Panhellenic Association of Food Technologists (P.E.T.E.T.T.) collaborated with the Bioresearch Laboratories and Kappa Studies for the Symposium which was successfully held in Crete. The event, which took place at the “Garden of Sensations” in the Malades area of Heraklion, Crete on 6 April, hosted over 200 participants from various agri-food sectors. Through discussions and speeches, innovations and technology that improve the production, safety and quality of Cretan products were highlighted. With the participation of entrepreneurs, researchers and academics, alternative thinking was promoted and new strategies for future development were formulated. The event concluded with awards for the contribution and synergy in the development of Cretan gastronomy.
Under the organization of the MACC, the Panhellenic Association of Food Technologists (P.E.T.E.T.T.) collaborated with the Bioresearch Laboratories and Kappa Studies for the Symposium which was successfully held in Crete. The event, which took place at the “Garden of Sensations” in the Malades area of Heraklion, Crete on 6 April, hosted over 200 participants from various agri-food sectors. Through discussions and speeches, innovations and technology that improve the production, safety and quality of Cretan products were highlighted. With the participation of entrepreneurs, researchers and academics, alternative thinking was promoted and new strategies for future development were formulated. The event concluded with awards for the contribution and synergy in the development of Cretan gastronomy.
MACC organised a workshop on “Protection and Exploitation of Industrial Property at National and European Level” on 20 March 2024. In the conference room of the KEK Technical Schools of Heraklion Chamber, more than 70 attendees gathered and watched the speeches in person, while a large participation from all over Greece was recorded in the live broadcast via MACC’s social media. The conference was attended by scientists from all over Greece and guests from the Region of Crete. Speakers highlighted issues such as Intellectual Property Rights and the Protection of Inventions.
MACC, together with partners “Epimenidis”, Mills of Crete and ABEA, actively participated in the “Earth Festival – People and Products” from 20 to 24 July 2022 at the West Ditch of Chania. The festival, which replaced the “Rural August”, aimed to promote the natural, productive and cultural wealth of the region. At the MACC booth, the value of the carob and locust bean was highlighted. During the festival, important speeches were given by experts such as Michalis Katharakis, Manolis Roditakis and Kokkinou Eleni, which focused on the dynamics of smart agriculture and the role of carob in the food chain.
The “Haroupio Symposium 2022” organized by MACC with the Cultural Association of Panormos “Ermenides” and the Region of Crete was held at the Haroupomilo of Panormos. It included activities about the cultural and intangible heritage of the carob, such as tasting, creative activities for children and rebetiko concerts. The reopening of the paper mill machinery was discussed. The decoding of the carob DNA by a research team of the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas & Technology-Hellas was presented. Research. The symposium enhanced the promotion and awareness of the importance of the carob.
MACC’s collaboration with THALASSA JOURNEYS aims to create gastronomic cruise destinations, starting from Crete. Successful tours have already been organized to the Kapsalians and the Haroupomilos in Panormos. Cruise companies can partner with local operators for culinary experiences and tours to local restaurants and wineries. Η
integrating gastronomy into the cruise experience enhances passenger satisfaction and contributes to the sustainable development of the country.
STUDIES
Anthesis IKE commissioned MACC to design an experimental farm for pest control and greenhouse cultivation training, with a focus on integrated management of Tuta absoluta in tomato greenhouses. Low toxicity biological and chemical methods such as NeemAzal®TS, Tutavir® and Rapax®AS were used.
MACC initiated demonstration applications at ELMEPA and the American Farm School to evaluate biostimulants in local crops. The aim is to promote sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change by addressing the knowledge gaps on the suitability and effectiveness of biostimulants.
MACC signed a contract with FORTH to develop a molecular protocol for the detection of Legionella strains in water samples with a portable detection system. The research from the Biosensors Laboratory of FORTH/IMBB will use material from BIOERIONETICS LABS SA, with the aim of improving public health.
MACC collaborated with researchers Lazaros Tzounis and George Kampourakis to develop biodegradable bags. The effort focuses on creating environmentally friendly polymers, improving the production process and incorporating recyclable materials, balancing environmental sustainability, functionality and cost-effectiveness.
MACC, in collaboration with MILLS OF CRETE and HIOTAKIS company, developed frozen cake dough in response to the demands of modern lifestyle. Available in vanilla and cocoa variants, it offers softness, moistness and high sugar content. It mainly targets hotels and cafes, with a minimum shelf life of three months at -18°C and seven days at +4°C.
MACC, in collaboration with Mills of Crete, ABEA and Quality Plus, developed calcium soap from olive oil fatty acids for use in animal feed. This product enhances the reproductive performance of ruminants and contributes to higher milk yield, improved fertility and better animal health. This project promotes the economic value of olive oil by-products, reducing their environmental footprint and enhancing sustainability through the circular economy.
MACC has developed neural network-based software to detect olive tree diseases through thermal and multispectral imaging. Working with XpectralTek, reference data were collected and a machine learning algorithm was developed to categorise the records into normal or biotic stress-affected, specifically for Verticillium. This software contributes to the promotion of plant protection in olive groves and helps in the detection and management of the Verticillium fungus.
The MACC study explored the potential of 3D printing in the field of gastronomy. Through interviews and focus groups, a strong interest in customizing food in terms of shape, size and nutritional value was found. The study highlighted the potential of 3D printing in gastronomy, particularly for personalised desserts, and confirms that 3D printing will have a profound economic and environmental impact, promoting innovation and sustainability in the food industry.
MACC implemented a field study on behalf of PLASTIKON CRETE to objectively record the effect of photo-selective cover crops on the agronomic characteristics of horticultural crops. Three test greenhouses were used to grow horticultural species from mid-March to early July 2023 and again from October 2023 to early July 2024. Quantitative-gestural characteristics of the plants, as well as photosynthetic parameters of the leaves, were recorded on a daily basis, using a network of sensors to measure environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and sunshine. The research promises to redefine agronomic practice and environmental sustainability in greenhouse farming.
FMC CHEMICALS GREECE SA commissioned MACC to evaluate Exirel Bait 10SE in olive groves of Asterousia. The study was carried out in cooperation with the Agricultural Cooperative of Olive Growers, in a field of 10 acres. Exirel was used twice in combination with other control measures. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of the product and its compatibility with the environment. The study
contributed to improving pest management and the sustainability of olive oil production. The results provide valuable insights for more effective pest control practices.
EDUCATION
In direct cooperation with local farmers and olive oil producers, INOFA offered training in smart farming systems. The programme focused on adaptation to rural environments and constraints, enabling farmers to understand and apply new technologies. The training helped to ensure a smooth transition to digitisation for ten farmers. Soil sensors provided real-time information to optimise agricultural practices. Based on the data, the effectiveness of the training programme was improved, empowering farmers for digital transformation in agriculture.
The American Farm School commissioned MACC to set up workshops and initiatives to disseminate the results of the Biocircular project in Crete. Biocircular combined smart farming and processing methods in a dairy farm management system. The aim was to reduce the environmental footprint and optimise production. It focused on issues such as resource use, data utilisation and water resource management. The aim was to minimise inputs and optimise waste management. All this was integrated into a decision support system for circular agriculture.
MACC collaborated with the Accredited Organoleptic Laboratory “KINSEP Quality plus” and organized educational and informative events on the quality of olive oil, its organoleptic characteristics and the implementation of good practices throughout the production process. The events included information on quality, organoleptic characteristics and best practices in olive oil production.