News

• Álava hosts a new meeting of the CAP Network between Operational Groups focused on business models and high-value products in the food chain.

• The exchange of experiences between Operational Groups brought together representatives of Operational Groups, innovative projects and other stakeholders in the rural and agri-food sector, such as research centers, cooperatives and companies interested in implementing innovative solutions in their territories.

The PAC Network held a day of exchange between Operational Groups on September 23 and 24 at the Neiker Center in Arkaute (Álava).   (GGOO), focusing on applied innovation in the agri-food chain. The event brought together stakeholders involved in applied innovation in the rural agri-food sector to share experiences, results, and replicable solutions that drive added value in the agricultural sector.

This meeting is part of the series of conferences   promoted by the PAC Network and expected to run until 2026, with the aim of promoting knowledge transfer, the visibility of results, and the generation of new ideas in rural areas through innovation.

A space to share replicable solutions

The event brought together GGOO from across Spain, stakeholders involved in innovative projects, and other rural stakeholders—such as research centers, businesses, and cooperatives—interested in implementing results, replicating projects, or participating in new initiatives.

Key topics addressed during the event included:

• Improved productivity and differentiated quality

• Increase in added value

• Short marketing channels

• Generation of new products

In addition, contact was facilitated between participants facing similar problems, promoting mutual learning and evaluating the replicability of solutions in different territories.

Connection with the European innovation ecosystem

The event also served to highlight the results of the 2013-2022 RDP and PNDR Cooperation Measure , as well as the 2023-2027 PEPAC intervention on aid to innovation projects of general interest by supra-regional governing bodies.

The importance of connecting the GGOO with other European research and innovation programs, strengthening the knowledge ecosystem around the food chain, was highlighted.

Among the participating GGOO:

• GO HIGOS : Implementing innovative strategies in the Spanish dried fig sector for maximum hygiene and health quality. Supra-regional (Castile and León, Catalonia, Extremadura).

• GO E-LOCALHUB : Digitalization of the commercial process for extensive livestock farming and small producers linked to the MAPA 100% Native Breed logo. Supra-regional (Communities of Madrid, Castile and León, Extremadura, Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, Aragon, and Catalonia).

• GO TRAZCAN : adding value to local agricultural products grown in the Canary Islands (pineapple) to increase their competitiveness in the regional market. Regional (Canary Islands).

• TUBER LABEL : Strengthening the value chain of the Spanish truffle sector by certifying quality standards and developing pilot markets to boost sales. Supra-regional (Castile and León, Catalonia, and the Community of Madrid).

• TRADITIONAL EVOO : Creating a blockchain tool that offers consumers confidence and a quality product. Supra-regional (Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura).

• RES-MAB (PRIMA Foundation): Promoting the transformation of Mediterranean biosphere reserves toward more resilient landscapes that are adaptable to climate change. One of the most important aspects of the project is the development of innovative business models. Transnational.

Logistics and participation

The event was free and in-person, with advance registration required. The PAC Network organized a bus service from Vitoria to the Neiker Center and for the program's internal travel, which included in-person visits to local farms, as well as a sightseeing tour of Vitoria and a networking dinner.