• The objective of this event was to connect various stakeholders in the agri-food, livestock, and forestry sectors to discuss their work on innovative and technological solutions to improve traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
• During the meeting, nine innovative projects were presented in a wide variety of fields, including durum wheat, rice, cheese, fruit and vegetable, olive oil, meat, and wood.

The key role of innovation in the use of new technologies, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and sensors was highlighted during the exchange to modernize traceability processes throughout the agri-food and forestry sector's value chain. The digitalization sector was also considered key to optimizing traceability and the competitiveness of Spanish companies.

Thematic work rooms

The knowledge exchange at this meeting took place in three virtual work rooms , where nine Operational Groups and Innovative Projects from the regional, national, and European levels were presented.

Participants shared their experiences, progress, and results in the application of innovative technologies, such as blockchain and software, to improve traceability throughout the agri-food and forestry value chain.

Room 1: Blockchain technology to improve traceability in the agri-food sector

Participants: TIMBERTRACK, IBERCHAIN and BLOCKTAC .

Works and conclusions :

All three projects have demonstrated how blockchain technology can improve transparency and combat fraud thanks to its secure and decentralized system for recording information throughout the value chain . It also facilitates quality monitoring and control, as well as product authenticity and safety, which generates consumer trust and increases the international competitiveness of companies. Blockchain technology is highly versatile and can be adapted to sectors as diverse as olive oil, wood, and meat.

Room 2: Transparency in the value chain through new technologies

Participants: INNOQUESAR , ARROZOREX and DURCAT .

Works and conclusions :

In this room, the importance of using sensors and remote sensing technology in production was highlighted , in order to optimize the traceability process and transparency in the agri-food sector. Attendees agreed that new technologies applied to traceability represent an opportunity to make local products visible and differentiate them and highlight their origin , something beneficial for the consumer . However, the use of these tools can represent a challenge for SMEs and farmers , which is why support and advice are necessary to bridge the digital divide .

Room 3: ICT tools for traceability

Participants: TICS4FRUIT , TRACK and ICT Tools for Labeling

Works and conclusions :

Since the COVID-19 health crisis, there has been an acceleration in the digitalization and use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) tools , which represents an opportunity to improve traceability in the sector. However, there has been a certain reluctance on the part of small farmers and ranchers to apply these tools to their production processes. To address this challenge, a multi-stakeholder approach is proposed, involving producers in the design of a tool tailored to their needs and limitations.

The progressive incorporation of young people , through an effective generational renewal strategy, opens a window of opportunity to accelerate the digital revolution in the agricultural, livestock, and agri-food sectors.

What is innovation?

The National Rural Network promotes rural development accompanied by sustainable practices, supported by research, development, and innovation. Therefore, through co-financing from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ( EAFRD ), we work with various rural stakeholders, organized around the framework of Operational Groups and Innovation Projects .

Operational Groups (OG) are groups of organizations, professionals, and experts who work together on a problem to be solved or an opportunity to be exploited through an innovation perspective. They implement the solutions obtained through a project. 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 grants, which promote innovation , 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. This is the case of the Horizon 2020 research framework program and the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) program, which cover topics related to the agri-food and forestry sectors .

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.