On March 28th, 2025, DEDEP.eu and TRUSTFOOD joined forces for a workshop focused on two essential components of EU project success: effective communication and SME engagement. With a spotlight on the agrifood sector and emerging technologies like blockchain, the session brought together experts and stakeholders to exchange practical insights and strategies.
What is TRUSTFOOD?
TRUSTFOOD is an EU-funded initiative under the Digital Europe programme, designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agrifood chain. The project offers 20 free online training modules in both Greek and English, covering blockchain applications and digital technologies. Participants also receive a certificate of attendance. While the content is rich and practical, the biggest challenge lies in motivating SMEs to engage fully with the training, especially to complete all modules.
To help overcome this hurdle, TRUSTFOOD is exploring strategic dissemination and exploitation methods. Collaboration with other projects under the same thematic umbrella, such as LEADSx2030, is also part of the solution. These synergies aim to build a more unified training ecosystem, with shared resources, validation methods, and stronger impact metrics.
Highlights from the Workshop
Anastasia Vlachou and Angeliki Milioti from TRUSTFOOD opened the session by framing the core issue: SMEs often face a digital knowledge gap, made worse by overly technical language and disconnected outreach. TRUSTFOOD aims to close that gap by offering clear, accessible training content and a strategic communication plan tailored to SME realities.
As a matter of fact, SMEs often struggle with complexity and lack of support in understanding EU project structures. A best practice for this would be simplifying technical materials, partnering with SME associations, and tracking engagement through clear KPIs. A success story from REZOS BRANDS using blockchain in the food supply chain illustrated the real-world potential of these technologies.
Cristian Salis from LEADSx2030 stressed that training must reflect industry realities. Without alignment between training content and actual business needs, SMEs are unlikely to commit their time. Involving stakeholders in the development and accreditation process was flagged as a key step forward.
In connection to this, DEDEP.eu shared some insights from the recent DEP meetings we attended in Luxembourg, followed by an interactive session during which participants had the chance to step into the shoes of SME decision-makers. Key points included the importance of clarity, long-term vision, and understanding SME motivations when planning
outreach.
In conclusion, what truly drives SME engagement is trust, simplicity, local networks, and real-world impact. For initiatives like TRUSTFOOD, the real goal isn't just communication but also connection.
Next Steps
TRUSTFOOD continues to seek new ways to increase SME participation and course completion. A potential webinar is in the works to explore dissemination and engagement best practices. There is also interest in a larger joint workshop involving other projects and possibly the European Commission to share lessons learned and unify efforts across the ecosystem.
The takeaway from this workshop is that if we want SMEs to take part in digital transformation, we need to meet them where they are, with relevant content, straightforward language, and a clear value proposition.