Heraklion, March 29, 2025
Crete is leading the transition to a Circular Economy with the successful completion of the first phase of an innovative cultivation practice under the European project CSSBoost – Boosting Circular Systemic Solutions through Virtual Regional Circular Economy Spaces, co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program.
This initiative was implemented by the Mediterranean Agri-Food Competence Center (MACC) in collaboration with its strategic partner, the Chalkiadakis Supermarkets Group, and producer Mr. Vagelis Vassalos, a farmer specializing in vegetable cultivation. The cultivation of fava beans, which constitutes the first phase of the action, has been successfully completed. Next, tomatoes will be planted in the same field, utilizing biostimulants derived from the biomass of fava beans.
The process is scientifically and technically supported by MACC’s SmartAgroGenious intelligent farming system, which leverages digital twin technologies and field data analysis, ensuring precise monitoring and optimal crop management.
The role of the Chalkiadakis Group was crucial in multiple ways: not only did it provide advisory support in the planning and implementation of the process, but it also identified Mr. Vassalos as the ideal partner, leveraging its expertise in the local supply chain. Additionally, the group contributes to the commercial absorption of the produced goods, enhancing the availability of high-quality, low-carbon-footprint food products in the market.
This collaboration highlights the value of the MACC network, which connects research institutions, businesses, and producers, facilitating the development and implementation of Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS) in practice. Producer Vagelis Vassalos has already showcased smart circular farming products at the Food & Beverage Exhibition, demonstrating that sustainability can go hand in hand with commercial success.
The CSSBoost project, involving 21 partners from 9 European countries, is implementing its innovations in 5 pilot regions, designing a new model for agri-food and bioeconomic transition across Europe.
EU Co-Funding Acknowledgment: This initiative is co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program. The views expressed in this press release reflect only those of the authors and cannot be considered as representing the official position of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
