The THEROS Final Event was successfully held on 2 December 2025 in a hybrid format at the Amalia Hotel in Athens and online. Organized by I-SENSE Research Group and SEAB, the event brought together experts, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives to present the achievements of the EU-funded THEROS project, which has developed an integrated toolbox for improved verification and prevention of adulterations and non-compliances in organic and geographical indications (GI) food supply chains. Throughout the day, participants explored how THEROS contributes to more authentic, transparent and trustworthy European food systems.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the THEROS Coordination team, represented by Mr. Valantis Tsiakos, Division Leader for Earth Observation at I-SENSE Group of ICCS. This introduction was followed by a keynote speech from Ms. Patricia Lopez Blanco, THEROS Policy Officer at DG AGRI, who highlighted EU actions that support farmers’ competitiveness. The project overview was then presented by THEROS Project Manager Ms. Dimitra Tsiakou (I-SENSE Group), who showcased how advanced agri-data tools developed within the project can transform organic and GI supply chains.
The programme continued with presentations on the technological pillars of the THEROS toolbox, including satellite-based intelligence for monitoring organic farming and sustainability (Nejc Vesel, Sinergise), portable photonic sensors for on-site adulteration detection (Achilleas Zalidis, AUTH), IoT-enabled networks that enhance transparency and security across the food journey (Michal Kepka, WIRELESSINFO), and DNA-based methods for verifying food authenticity and origin (Lefkothea Karapetsi, CERTH). These contributions demonstrated how THEROS integrates digital, sensing and laboratory technologies to support trustworthy food systems.
In the afternoon, the discussion broadened to include links with wider European initiatives. Experts presented the work of the FishEUTrust project on seafood authenticity and supply-chain transparency (Prof. Nives Ogrinc, Jožef Stefan Institute), the ALLIANCE project on smart solutions for food safety and authenticity in supply chain management (Dr. Apostolis Apostolaras), and the European Food Fraud Community of Practice (EFF-CoP), introduced by Saskia van Ruth of University College Dublin as a frontline network against food fraud. This session, moderated by Elena Krikigianni (SEAB) underlined the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in strengthening Europe’s ability to combat food fraud.
A notable highlight of the event was the announcement by Ms. Vesna Vidić, Executive Secretary to the Group President and Director of Legal and Office Affairs at UNIVEREXPORT, that two products tested within THEROS—organic flour and organic cold-pressed sunflower oil—were awarded the “Best of Vojvodina” label. This recognition confirms the company’s strong commitment to high-quality domestic organic production, carried out entirely on its own fields in Lipar. It also reflects how transparency, quality and local origin are central values for the company and its Organa brand. The award, received for the second time, demonstrates the positive market impact of their efforts and highlights how the results achieved through THEROS can strengthen the company’s competitive position as an organic producer.
The event concluded with final remarks from Ms. Tsiakou, who emphasised that THEROS and its sister projects collectively advance authenticity, transparency and consumer trust across European organic and GI food supply chains. She highlighted the importance of sustaining this momentum to ensure safer, more reliable and more transparent food systems for all.
To learn more about THEROS project visit https://theros-project.eu/
