The 9th Online Roundtable Discussion on “Carbon Farming Practices: Synergies for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems“, organised by Eratoshtenes Center of Excellence is scheduled to take place on 30th of March 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00 (ESST).
This event will bring together experts, researchers, and thought leaders from various fields to engage in a stimulating exchange of ideas and insights.
Our speakers and panellists will share their expertise and unique perspectives on a range of important topics. Meet our distinguished speakers, who will share their expertise, experiences, and insights on the recent advances in carbon farming:

George Papapostolou | Project Manager reframe.food | GR

George Papapostolou is an Economist and Project Manager in reframe.food. He holds a Bsc in International and European Economic Studies and an MA in regional Politics and Economics, both from the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki. As a consultant, he has worked extensively in bilateral and transnational projects specializing in breaching the gap between academic and business sector, with a focus in regional cooperation. Having served as Financial Officer in the JS of the GR-MK IPA CBC Programme he has an extensive experience on the implementation of european-funded projects and in evaluation and audit processes, while as a private consultant, he has worked extensively in securing funds for innovation-driven SMEs.

Dr Maria Prantsidou | Researcher at Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE)

Dr Maria Prantsidou is a Researcher at the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE), working within the Department of Environment and Climate Change in the Agriculture Cluster. She holds degree in Chemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Manchester and has experience spanning both academia and industry. Her current role involves project management and research across several European and national initiatives in sustainable agriculture, including the Horizon Europe CARBONICA project where she contributes  to advancing carbon farming practices and fostering collaboration at the regional and European level.

Keynote diaspora speaker – Dr Ioannis Manikas | Czech Republic | Academia 

Dr. Ioannis Manikas is a senior academic leader with over two decades of experience in directing research, developing academic strategy, and managing large-scale international projects. He currently serves as a Senior Researcher and the Scientific Director of Horizon Europe Projects at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. Dr. Manikas has proven expertise in formulating research policy and has secured approximately €40 million in grant funding. His core competencies include research strategy, budget oversight, and quality assurance. He has also served as an Agrifood Expert and consultant for the UAE government, advising the Ministry of Food Security on national strategy. Previously, Dr. Manikas was an Associate Professor in Supply Chain Management at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (2016-2023) and the Director of Undergraduate Business Studies at the University of Greenwich in London (2012-2016). His extensive research on agrifood resilience, supply chain management, and food security has resulted in numerous publications with over 1700 citations. He holds a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and an MSc by Research from Cranfield University. 

Keynote Cyprus MAP- Dr Irene Christoforou | Policy

Dr. Irene Christoforou is a chemist and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Cyprus. She has been working at the Department of Geological Survey of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment since 2009. She currently serves as the Technical Manager of the Geochemistry Laboratory which has been accredited with ISO 17025 since 2007. She has experience in the analysis of water, soils, aggregates and geological samples, using both classical analytical methods and advanced technologies that include the use of modern automated instruments such as ion chromatography, ICP-MS, XRF, XRD, Carbon-Sulfur analyzers and Stable Isotope analyzers. She has been actively involved in various geochemical mapping projects, including the Geochemical Atlas of Cyprus and Urban Geochemistry Studies. She has followed the Commission’s work on the development of the new EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience and was recently appointed as an alternate representative to the Expert Group on EU Soil Monitoring Law and the Soil Monitoring Legislation Committee.

Keynote NMK MAP- Mr Riste Zlatevski | Organic Almond Grower & Agricultural Entrepreneur

Riste Zlatevski is an organic almond grower and agricultural entrepreneur from Kavadarci, North Macedonia. He manages perennial orchards following regenerative and climate-resilient principles, focusing on sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity. Riste integrates innovative approaches in his orchards, including the use of cover crops to improve soil fertility and water retention, reduced tillage to preserve soil structure and carbon storage, and organic fertilization to maintain nutrient balance naturally. His work demonstrates the practical application of carbon farming and regenerative agriculture, promoting resilient and sustainable food systems in the region. Through his experience, Riste advocates for the adoption of environmentally conscious farming practices that simultaneously improve farm profitability, ecosystem services, and climate resilience.

Keynote Greek MAP- Mr Elias Papanikolaou | Senior IT Professional 

Senior IT Professional with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation and business development, specialising over the last 15 years in software and data-driven solutions for agribusiness. Holding a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Data Science, with focus on optimizing business processes and enhancing decision-making through LLMs, machine learning, and digital tools. Proven track record in conceiving and managing high-impact digital projects across the agri-food chain. He has more than 15 years of experience in business development in the agrifood sector, through digital services. Mr Papanikolaou will talk about how the current EU climate laws translate into action within the agrifood chain, from a business perspective.