The innovation sector was highlighted during the exchange as key to farm management. As a new feature, the MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) call for grants for the implementation of innovative projects of general interest (measure 16.2) was presented. The budget exceeds 17 million euros and includes funding for 12 strategic lines. More information here .

Thematic work rooms

The knowledge exchange at this meeting took place in three virtual breakout rooms, where nine Operational Groups and Innovative Projects from the regional, national, and European levels were presented. Participants shared ideas and progress on their work, and showcased their results and experiences implementing improvements in farm management.

Room 1: Use of new technologies

Participants : OLEOPRECISIÓN 4.0 , GO SEMINIS and SIATCA .

Projects and Conclusions : The agricultural sector is undergoing an accelerated process of updating and adapting to a digital model, driven by the incorporation of information and communication technologies. The projects in this room seek to raise awareness among farmers about the need to use data to inform decision-making regarding the daily management of their farms. For example, precision agriculture can improve economic results while also benefiting the environment.

The members of this room have concluded the need to adapt the technological applications they are designing into a user-friendly format for the farmer, guiding him through training .

Room 2: Improving the sustainability of farms

Participants : FATIMA , INNOVATRIGO and SURE-FARM

Papers and conclusions : The members of this panel agreed that innovative solutions offered to farmers must combine environmental sustainability and the economic sustainability of farms. They also reflected on the need for regulatory standards and quality seals that support and enhance sustainable food production systems. It was stated in the room that "the best technological innovation is not the most complex or sophisticated, but rather the one that is adopted almost imperceptibly."

Room 3: Applications in the wine sector

Participants : VITINNAT , SMART MANAGING WINE and Integration of multispectral and agroclimatic data in vineyard management as a support for decision-making in precision viticulture .

Papers and Conclusions: In this room, wine industry technicians and researchers emphasized the need to work on knowledge sharing within the sector, for example, regarding the application of phytosanitary treatments. They reflected on the importance of innovative projects involving the collaboration of all stakeholders in the sector: farmers, suppliers, wineries, technology and research centers, among others. Furthermore, they considered it necessary to have a network of professionals who can communicate advances in the field of innovation to farmers and the rest of the sector.

What is innovation?

The National Rural Network maintains that development in rural areas must be accompanied by sustainable practices, supported by research, development, and innovation. Therefore, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ( EAFRD ) works with various rural stakeholders, organized around the framework of Operational Groups and Innovation Projects .

Operational Groups (OG) are groups of organizations and experts who work together on a problem to be solved or an opportunity to be exploited , using an innovation perspective. They execute a project to put the solutions obtained into practice. Their work is subsidized by the EAFRD through Measure 16 of the Rural Development Programs (RDP). The calls for proposals and public spending allocated to these innovation- boosting grants are part of the 2014-2020 rural development policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).

At the same time, other policies are being developed in the European context, with which synergies emerge in the commitment to innovation in rural areas. The Horizon 2020 research framework program covers topics related to the agri-food and forestry sectors . Under this umbrella are thematic networks and research projects.

This meeting on improvements in farm management is part of a series of meetings on Operational Groups and Innovative Projects , which the National Rural Network is promoting to disseminate and share the results of R&D&I carried out in rural areas. All information can be found on the website and on the National Rural Network's social media channels: Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube , where you can enjoy this meeting openly.