Hydroponic greenhouses in Western Macedonia:
Why now, why here and what opportunities are opening up…
On Saturday 4 April 2026, 10:00–14:00, in the Amphitheater of the Municipal Library of Kozani, a discussion opens that concerns those who are looking for new professional outlets, those who are thinking of investing in the primary sector — and all those who believe that the development of the countryside, through innovation, is a key pillar of the transformation of Western Macedonia.
The theme of the conference is:
“Greenhouse hydroponics units and human resources: needs and development prospects in Western Macedonia”
Read the detailed program here
Why this conference — and why now?
The need arose from the results of the field actions of the COALition research project, as two critical gaps identified from the beginning and constantly recurring as labor market needs were the following:
- Hydroponics is a major investment opportunity for the region — but remains largely unknown to the general public.
- Skilled human resources are lacking — and this need will intensify in the coming years.
This need was decided by the participating institutions to be creatively supported: with a targeted event that brings together institutions, scientists and practitioners — and at the same time open to all interested parties.
Who is the conference for?
The event is aimed at:
- Unemployed and employed looking for professional retraining or a fresh start in an industry with perspective
- Graduates of agricultural, environmental and technical schools
- Investors and entrepreneurs looking at opportunities in the primary sector
- Farmers thinking about modernizing their farm
- Executives of organizations, local governments and educational institutions
- Every citizen who is interested in the productive future of Western Macedonia
What will be discussed
The conference program moves along two axes: the scientific and investment dimension — climate change, research findings, funding opportunities and markets — and the practical side of the industry, as seen by people who work every day in hydroponic greenhouses. The conference closes with an open discussion and analysis of the training needs of the labor market in Western Macedonia.
Organization
The conference is organized within the framework of two European programs:
- COALition (Horizon Europe) with the participation of the Greek Partners (National Center for Research and Technological Development, Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia, Institute of Just Transition of Greece)
- GreenSmartMED (Interreg Euro-MED)
In parallel with the work of the conference, there will be an informative Info Point of the GREENSMARTMED project, where the participants will be able to be informed about the actions of the project concerning the strengthening of green and smart entrepreneurship with an emphasis on the region of Western Macedonia in the agri-food industry.
Co-organization: Municipality of Kozani
With the support of the Western Macedonia Regional Branch of the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOT.EE/P.D.M).
Entrance is free. No registration required.
Information & Contact:
Institute of Just Transition of Greece (IDMEL) | info@jtig.gr | www.jtig.org
#COALition #WesternMacedonia #Hydroponics #JustTransition #GreenSmartMED
