Fava Beans from Foinikia, Heraklion Now on the Shelves of Halkiadakis Supermarkets – A Pilot Circular Agriculture Initiative Boosting the Resilience and Sustainability of the Local Economy
The first harvest of fava beans from an innovative pilot cultivation in Foinikia, Heraklion has now reached the shelves of Halkiadakis Supermarkets. This initiative, launched just three months ago, was implemented on the farm of local producer and supplier Mr. Vangelis Vassalos, following an initiative and with the support of Halkiadakis Supermarkets, which played a key role in linking production with market demand.
The farm was equipped with the SmartAgroGenious smart farming system, which monitors critical parameters in real time—such as soil moisture, temperature, and conductivity—and allows for remote control, enhancing the precision and efficiency of the cultivation process.
Following the harvest of the fava beans, tomatoes will be planted directly onto the residues of the previous crop. This circular practice naturally enriches the soil with biostimulants and reduces the need for pesticides and chemical inputs.
This initiative is part of the European project CSSBoost, implemented in Crete by the Mediterranean Agrifood Competence Center (MACC), in collaboration with the Technical University of Crete (TUC), the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), and the Regional Development Agency of Crete (PANETAIK S.A.). The project develops and tests innovative Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS) through pilot applications in selected regions across Europe.
What’s most significant, however, is that by sourcing these local products, Halkiadakis Supermarkets actively support the resilience of local businesses, ensure product availability based on sustainability principles, and establish a functional cooperation model between producer–retailer–consumer. At the same time, the food chain’s carbon footprint is reduced.
This pilot model is expected to be extended to other suppliers of Halkiadakis Supermarkets, serving as a tool for regional resilience, circular transition, and sustainable food innovation.
Disclaimer: This action is implemented under the CSSBoost project (GA No. 101135275), co-funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program. The views expressed are solely those of the implementing bodies and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.