• Six projects receive "excellence" in the 8th and 9th editions of the "Entrepreneurship Course in Rural Areas"

The PAC Network's "Rural Entrepreneurship Courses" have just concluded their eighth and ninth editions, and are on their way to becoming a classic for all those wishing to implement a project in rural areas. These two courses were held, for the first time, simultaneously, between November and December 2023.

Approximately 45 people participated in each of the courses, of which 18 ultimately passed the eighth edition, and 14 participants passed the ninth. Of all those who passed, three projects stood out in each of the courses, being recognized as "excellent" by the faculty.

The course instructors considered those initiatives that work on a personal brand and have developed a structured, sustained, and sustainable business plan in rural areas to be the most qualified.

In any case, this training aimed to strengthen the capabilities of anyone interested in starting a business or activity in rural areas.

Special mentions

During the final days of the 8th and 9th "Rural Entrepreneurship Course," all students' projects were presented and discussed. After evaluation by the course instructors, the following projects were selected as outstanding:

1. Organic garden – Gabriel Cuallado (La Torre de Esteban, Toledo)

An organic garden specializing in leafy crops (lettuce, arugula, mizunas, mustard, etc.), as well as herbs and root crops (spring onions, beets, radishes, etc.). The crops will be packaged in 100% compostable, plant-based plastic bags for consumption and dressing at home. The garden is designed with permaculture and regenerative agriculture tools, techniques for soil regeneration and improved water management.

2. Buenosquesos.com – Macarena López (Salas, Asturias)

The business will focus on the sale and distribution of cheeses and dairy products produced by small-scale producers. The products will be supplied directly by the producer to the extent possible, and will be seasonal. Customers will be able to find the products at fairs and markets in the Principality of Asturias, at distribution points in the Principality of Asturias, and through e-commerce nationwide.

3. Rural Brava - María José Fernández Rodríguez (Soria)

It's a community created to support rural agri-food producers and reach more urban audiences. To this end, it provides locations at women's conferences held in major cities so attendees can taste and purchase local products made by women: cheese, wine, sweets, beer, sausages, and so on. The project is nationwide and seeks partnerships.

4. Jatera Handmade Ceramics - Marta Marcos (Liébana, Cantabria)

A project born with a dual purpose: on the one hand, the artisanal production of ceramic pieces, and on the other, the organization of creative experiences where nature and ceramics come together. Thus, Jatera offers visitors the opportunity to participate in a guided activity in the natural environment, then don an apron and mold their own ceramic piece, thus transforming their time in Liébana into art.

5. Cultivate Solutions – Mercedes Álvarez (Seville)

CULTIVA Soluciones S. Coop. And. is a specialized agricultural consulting firm with an innovative and technological focus on modern agriculture, helping farmers manage their farms efficiently. Its work aims to optimize the operations of each farm to achieve maximum profitability, with a focus on the digitalization of the agricultural sector.

6. Campo Briman Artisan Cheese Factory – Rebeca Grimaldos (Albares, Guadalajara)

A family-run cheese factory that produces cheeses from raw and pasteurized milk from the family's livestock. The production process is artisanal and natural, handcrafting each piece individually, offering unique, unrepeatable, high-quality cheeses with traceability throughout the entire process, from feeding the cattle to bringing the cheese to your table.

The PAC Network will soon announce the dates for the new editions of the "Rural Entrepreneurship Course."