Pilots Greece

In Greece, there are 19 Control bodies for organic products’ certification approved by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food. BIOHELLAS, having brances all over Greece, certifies about 20.000 organic producers in different fields of production (plant producers, producers of animal stock – especially sheep and goats, aquaculture, animal & fish feeds). All the producers are inspected once a year and up to 10% they are inspected additionally with supplementary inspection, according to the National Legislation of Greece. The certificates issued are valued for a year. Additionally, throughout the year, samples are taken from 10% of the clients in each certification field for analysis under a Risk Analysis protocol. These samples are tested for prohibited substances in accordance with European Regulation 2018/848. Greece shares the EU’s objective to ensure that 35% of total production is organic.

In the Greek pilot project, among other participants, is BIONET, a producers’ association primarily cultivating citrus trees. This association is located in Western Greece, with additional areas in Central Greece and the Peloponnese. BIONET consolidates the organic production of its members. The majority of this produce is packaged and distributed to various international clients, while a small percentage is supplied to the juice industry.

BIOHELLAS is the largest certification body in Greece (approval No. GR-BIO-03), certifying approximately 20,000 organic producers. BIOHELLAS as a control body will implement and evaluate the different THEROS tools through the inspection’s and certification process

The regions selected, which include citrus and arable cultivations, are the most representative of these specific types of agriculture.

The THEROS tools that will be implemented are going to be the EO based ecosystem services, Blockchain enhanced traceability system and Dynamic digital product passport and the Mobile application for MEMS in Oranges, through the BIONET’s orange producers (Figure 28).

For the Greek Pilot concerning EO-based ecosystem services, ICC Everis provided the polygons of the cultivated plots in Greece, while BIOHELLAS has provided, through its records, the “cartographic numbers” for plots with permanent crops—primarily citrus trees—in Central Greece and the Peloponnese. Additionally, BIOHELLAS supplied details for arable crops, including species such as maize, alfalfa, vetch, and wheat, from areas in Central and Northern Greece.

Regarding the blockchain-enhanced traceability system, dynamic digital passport, and mobile application for MEMS, since BIONET’s members primarily produce oranges, the focus is on monitoring the products and supply chain associated with oranges.

For the application for MEMS BIOHELLAS has participated to workshops held by AUTH, and BIOHELLAS’ inspectors have been trained to the implementation of the MEMS devices, in order to be able to use it during the inspection process.

Blockchain traceability system is following mainly the product of oranges and among the producers – members of BIONET, there are producers who are certified by BIOHELLAS.

The information provided will be enhanced though the THEROS data harmonization platform and verification engine.

THEROS components implemented in Greek pilot

Architecture of the Data Collection Platform

BIO-NET, as a co-leader in implementing the THEROS toolbox under real-life conditions in Greece, facilitates the data collection process and provides training to farmers during the pilot phase. The traceability platform for organic oranges, from production to export, is meticulously designed to record, analyze, and ensure compliance across the entire supply chain.

Data Flow – Indicative Collection Example

Harvest: The harvesting process is thoroughly recorded with key data such as the harvest date, number of crates, and total weight. Each batch is assigned a unique code, accompanied by organic compliance certificates that validate the origin and quality of the products.

Transport: Transport data includes information about the transporter, vehicle registration number, loading and unloading times, as well as the associated delivery note. These records ensure the integrity and safety of the products during transit.

Packaging: Upon arrival at the processing facility, details such as the date of receipt, packaging batch code, number, and weight of boxes are documented. In addition, ISO certificates and internal quality control protocols are maintained to verify compliance and packaging safety standards.

Export: Export procedures are documented with destination details, loading dates, and accompanying documents such as packing lists and export certificates, ensuring a lawful and smooth export process.

QR Code Monitoring: Each box is equipped with a unique QR code linked to a digital profile. This includes batch information, certifications, dates, transport, packaging, and quality details, along with export documentation. The use of QR codes enhances transparency and consumer trust by enabling easy access to the full traceability history.

The data collection platform offers an integrated and interoperable traceability solution, strengthening the reliability and compliance of organic orange supply chains.

Data collection platform for organic oranges traceability

The BIONET Data Analysis aims to holistically monitor and document the journey of organic oranges, from harvest to export. Data is systematically collected from all stages of the supply chain. At harvest, the date, number of crates, total weight, organic certificates, and unique batch code are recorded. During transport, data such as the name of the carrier, vehicle number, loading and unloading times, as well as the relevant shipping note, are collected. At the packaging stage, the date of receipt, number of crates, and weight are recorded, along with ISO certificates and the results of internal quality controls. At the export stage, the loading date, destination, packing lists, and required export certificates are included. Each carton has a unique QR code linked to a digital profile, where all the above data is collected.

The analysis is based on data completeness checking, batch matching, time tracking, and verification of compliance with standards. The tools used include the digital platform for the Greek pilot. The result is the production of traceability reports per batch, notifications for possible errors or delays, and the provision of full transparency to the end consumer via QR.

With MEMS based photonic system the primary goal is to give first of all the opportunity to the inspectors to verify the data collected during the inspection by the farmer and in the case that MEMS readings are not the expected can lead the inspector to decisions and actions, such as taking a sample of the product and analyzing it  for the presence of prohibited substances. This fact permits to the inspection body to discover a possible violation of the European Regulation and Greek Legislation for organic products.

On the other hand the use of MEMS based photonic system by the farmers gives them the opportunity to verify the organic cultivation practices and to monitor the soil quality and to proceed in different actions, within the framework of organic farming,  in order to optimize and maximize their production

Greek pilot project, coordinated by BIONET, actively engages a wide range of stakeholders across the entire organic orange supply chain.

Key Stakeholder Groups:

Organic Producers: Certified organic farmers provide primary data at the harvest stage. Their direct involvement ensures that the traceability system captures real-world practices and documentation of compliance (e.g., organic certificates, harvest records).

Logistics and Transporters: Local transport companies (e.g., AgroTrans AE) contribute to traceable logistics by providing vehicle data, loading/unloading times, and delivery documentation. Their integration into the platform supports quality assurance during handling.

Processing & Packaging Facilities: BIONET’s packaging station (BIONET WEST HELLAS) records critical post-harvest data such as intake weights, packaging lot codes, Organic and  ISO certificates. This stage is crucial for maintaining product transparency and integrity.

Exporters & International Buyers: Stakeholders such as BioMarket GmbH (Germany) receive full traceability documentation, including QR codes linked to digital product profiles. Their feedback helps align the system with international market requirements.

Control Bodies: Control Body plays a vital role in verifying the organic status of the products through the inspection and certification process.

Consumers and End Users: Through QR code access, consumers can see the entire product journey, reinforcing trust, authenticity, and brand value.

Engagement Methods:

• Regular interviews and feedback loops with producers and processors
• On-site visits and training on data entry and traceability tools
• Piloting the digital platform in real harvest and export cycles
• Co-designing dashboards and QR profiles with end users

Impact: Stakeholder engagement in the Greek pilot enhances the acceptance, usability, and scalability of the THEROS traceability model, while creating a strong network of stakeholders committed to transparency and sustainable agri-food systems.

The implementation of THEROS tools gives to the producers the chance to ensure the follow up of their organic products through the supply chain, avoid food fraud and give the opportunity to the consumers to verify the identity of the product they buy. Also is given the change to demonstrate their compliance with the European and National Legislation for organic products and to monitor different aspects, which help them to optimize their production.

To the Certification  Bodies gives the ability to ensure that the data given by the producers are accurate and based on the THEROS tools indications  can lead the Certification Bodies’ inspectors to quick and targeted decision regarding the integrity of the inspected products.

In Greece the different producers, most of them, are not fond of the novel technologies, that are used for the implementation of THEROS tools. This has resulted in difficulties in understanding and implementing them, which is an obstacle to the immediate response of the participants to requirements from the THEROS project’s demands.

The Greek THEROS pilot addressed persistent challenges in organic compliance assurance and fraud mitigation, particularly in supply chains with high shipment frequency and rapid product turnover, where reliance on annual visual inspections and supporting documentation may leave extended monitoring gaps. In Greece, this limitation is amplified by the scale of the sector (19 certification bodies overseeing ~20,000 producers), and by producers’ limited mechanisms to demonstrate ongoing compliance between audits.

To respond to these constraints, the pilot implemented an integrated THEROS workflow combining Earth Observation (EO) and machine learning (ML) services, MEMS photonic sensing with a mobile application, blockchain-enabled traceability, a dynamic Digital Product Passport (dDPP), and the Green Accountability Tool (GAT). The pilot centered on organic orange production and distribution, extending traceability from farm-level operations through handling and market-facing transparency.

Evaluation approach

The Greek pilot was evaluated using the common KPI-based assessment framework defined in THEROS D5.1, combining quantitative evidence from system outputs and traceability records with qualitative insights from Learning History workshops, hands-on demonstrations, training sessions, and structured stakeholder feedback. The assessment captured both technological performance (accuracy, traceability completeness, interoperability) and user acceptance (ease of use, transparency, trust, perceived usefulness).

Key impact findings

1) Continuous compliance monitoring improved beyond annual inspections (EO + ML validation)
A core impact of the Greek pilot was strengthening the ability to monitor compliance in fragmented and small-scale plots, a common limitation of traditional organic control approaches. Farmers and members of BIONET, together with the certification body BIOHELLAS, responded positively to EO services because the tools enabled monitoring of small and fragmented parcels that had been difficult to assess through conventional inspection practices.

At the same time, the pilot identified that targeted training is essential to ensure that farmers correctly interpret EO/ML outputs and recommendations, reinforcing the importance of capacity building as a prerequisite for operational uptake.

2) Faster and more practical verification through MEMS photonic sensing (field-ready checks)
The MEMS photonic sensing component delivered added value by enabling rapid on-site evidence collection for both soil monitoring and product verification, supporting a more continuous assurance model. Producers (BIONET) used the MEMS device for soil scans, generating key soil property reports accessible through the THEROS mobile application, while certification bodies (BIOHELLAS) applied the same system to scan agricultural products such as oranges, supporting the identification of potential organic non-compliances.

This functionality strengthened inspection readiness by complementing documentary checks with field-derived indicators, while also supporting producers’ own self-monitoring and compliance documentation practices.

3) Stronger traceability integrity and transparency through blockchain + dDPP
The traceability component delivered measurable improvements in end-to-end transparency by integrating harvest, transport, packaging, and export records into the dDPP, enabling verified traceability across the supply chain.

In implementation, blockchain served as the trusted backbone, ensuring tamper-proof traceability and immutable audit history, enabling cross-verification from multiple independent sources (EO, MEMS, certificates) and supporting detection of potential fraud or organic non-compliance.

Operationally, the KPI evaluation confirmed that:

• Traceability completeness (TC-007) achieved near-complete recording from parcel to consumer,
• Blockchain transaction speed (TC-002) remained within acceptable limits for real supply-chain operation, and
• Digital Passport integration (TC-013) improved accessibility of verified information for certification bodies and consumers.

4) Environmental accountability strengthened via GAT and quantified sustainability indicators
A major differentiator of the Greek pilot was the operational integration of environmental monitoring and accountability through GAT. Two GAT demonstrations (summer and mid-November) combined training, on-site use on farms, and online data analysis, integrating EO, MEMS, and in-field measurements into a unified interface.

Data were collected and visualised on soil health, vegetation status, carbon footprint, and compliance with EU organic regulation, and the evaluation validated both the accuracy and usability of environmental indicators and recommendations.

Quantitatively, the D5.3 impact assessment highlights that continuous EO-based monitoring and ML processing reduce reliance on frequent on-site visits, indirectly reducing the carbon footprint associated with control procedures, while GAT supports reliable estimation of environmental performance indicators and sustainability metrics.

5) Strong stakeholder acceptance and increased trust in verified evidence
The participatory approach—engaging farmers, certification bodies, technical partners, and consumers—was decisive in ensuring that tools were adapted to operational needs and used effectively in practice.

Stakeholder feedback confirmed that the tools strengthened transparency in certification processes and reduced administrative burden during inspections, while user acceptance remained high across the deployed components (EO, MEMS, dDPP, blockchain, GAT). User acceptance KPIs reported in D5.3 further reinforce adoption readiness:

• UR-001 (Ease of Use) and UR-002 (User Satisfaction) were high, indicating functional and understandable tools,
• UR-010 (Data Transparency) confirmed improved trust relationships between producers and consumers, and
• UR-011 (Fraud Detection Trust) highlighted increased confidence by certification bodies, especially when EO data were combined with on-site measurements.

Lessons learned and scaling considerations

The Greek pilot confirmed that THEROS can substantially improve organic control robustness by supplementing annual audits with continuous monitoring and verified evidence streams. However, scale-up will depend on addressing practical adoption barriers raised through workshops and operational experience—especially digital literacy gaps, unclear cost–benefit expectations, and compatibility with existing certification systems.

At governance level, broader uptake also requires stronger alignment on shared data standards among stakeholders to ensure interoperability and long-term institutional embedding.

Overall, the Greek pilot delivered measurable multidimensional impact, demonstrating that a combined EO–MEMS–blockchain–dDPP–GAT ecosystem can enhance fraud resilience, raise traceability integrity, support environmental accountability, and strengthen trust between producers, certification bodies, and consumers in high-throughput organic supply chains.