Across the world, salinity is one of the most detrimental environmental stresses that severely reduces agricultural yield and productivity. More than 20% of the world's agricultural soils endure the adversity of salinity stress, and such saline-prone regions are constantly rising, due to human and natural activity. This review paper explores the promising role of nanoparticles (NPs) in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress on crops and offers insights into their potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Salinity stress, primarily caused by soil salinization, disrupts plant growth and development, leading to reduced crop yields and quality. NPs, with their unique physicochemical properties and nanoscale dimensions, have demonstrated remarkable potential in ameliorating the effects of salinity stress. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the various types of NPs, including metallic, metal oxide, and carbon-based NPs, and their effects on plant hormone signalling networks (auxin, giberellins, abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), and applications in enhancing salt tolerance in diverse crop species. This review article examines the physiochemical, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of plants by which NPs alleviate salinity stress, encompassing ion homeostasis, osmotic regulation, and antioxidant defence systems. Moreover, this paper critically evaluates the toxic effects of NPs in plants and outlines the challenges and concerns associated with their widespread adoption. By understanding the potential benefits and limitations of NP applications, we can pave the way for sustainable agriculture practices that improve crop resilience, mitigate soil salinization, and contribute to global food security in an era of increasing environmental stressors.

This study conducts a review of the current practices of bioeconomy education and training in the EU; as well as the associated methodologies; techniques and approaches. In recent years; considerable efforts have been made towards developing appropriate bioeconomy education and training programs in order to support a transition towards a circular bioeconomy. This review separates bioeconomy education approaches along: higher education and academic approaches, vocational education and training (VET) and practical approaches, short-term training and education approaches, and other approaches. A range of training methodologies and techniques and pedagogical approaches are identified. The main commonalities found amongst these approaches are that they are generally problem based and interdisciplinary, and combine academic and experiential. Higher education approaches are generally based on traditional lecture/campus-based formats with some experiential approaches integrated. In contrast, VET approaches often combine academic and practical learning methods while focusing on developing practical skills. A range of short-term courses and other approaches to bioeconomy education are also reviewed.

As the European Union advances its bioeconomy strategy, the agricultural sector emerges as a key domain requiring targeted upskilling in digital and entrepreneurial competencies. This study examines how agricultural professionals perceive the importance of these competencies and identifies related training needs, drawing on the European Commission’s Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) and Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp). Using a quantitative survey methodology, data were collected from 140 respondents, including farmers, agronomists, consultants, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, in four European countries: Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden. Descriptive and non-parametric analyses (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests) revealed strong recognition of digital competencies across all groups, with significant variation by country, while perceptions of entrepreneurial competencies differed mainly by professional role. Moreover, a significant lack of formal bioeconomy-related education was identified. The findings underscore the need for targeted, competence-based education and policy interventions to equip professionals with the skills required for a sustainable and innovation-driven agricultural sector.

The European Union's Green Deal and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda are key strategic frameworks that aim to transform all nations towards a climate-neutral continent. At the heart of achieving this ambitious goal is the need for greater policy coherence, particularly concerning the digital Green Deal. The adoption of digital technologies in green sustainability initiatives requires a comprehensive update of existing policies to properly exploit all the opportunities offered by digitalisation. This study focuses on identifying constraints to environmental and digital advancement in the agri-food sector. In particular, it examines existing policies and those that need to be implemented to facilitate the green and digital transition of agri-food enterprises. The research methodology comprises in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fifteen (15) policymakers at the national, regional, and local levels in Greece, all of whom are responsible for decision-making in the agri-food sector. The findings underline the need for a substantial reform of the current institutional framework to make it more favourable to agri-food enterprises, especially for very small enteprises and SMEs, for whom the barriers are even greater. Improving access to financial support is also highlighted as a critical need. To ensure a smooth twin transition towards environmental sustainability and digitalisation, the study advocates improving the educational background and promoting digital literacy among stakeholders. These measures are considered necessary to increase the competitiveness of agri-food enterprises in today's global landscape. The study essentially highlights the central role of a strong policy framework for the environmental and digital transition of the agri-food sector. By addressing the barriers identified in the study through the implementation of appropriate policies, agri-food entrepreneurs can adopt sustainable practices and harness the transformative potential of digital technologies.

This paper investigates how CAP investment subsidies influence agricultural productivity in Greece using time-series data from 2000 to 2023. The analysis focuses on whether subsidies intended to stimulate investment in agricultural infrastructure and technology have a tangible effect on productivity. Employing econometric methods such as the Vector Autoregressive Model (VAR) and Granger causality testing, this study explores the short- and long-term impacts of these subsidies. Findings suggest that CAP subsidies have a significant and positive influence on agricultural productivity, with more notable effects in regions that have adopted technological advancements. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers looking to optimise CAP reforms and ensure sustainable agricultural growth in Greece.