Estremadura
The agricultural sector is of great importance to Extremadura's economy, contributing almost 6% of the gross added value and accounting for 9% of regional employment. In terms of surface area, 47.7% of the territory is considered rural: cropland occupies 55.4%; pastureland, 15.7%; and forests, 7.4%. The main plant products are cereals, vegetables, fruits, grapes, olives, and tobacco.
Extremadura's livestock population is primarily composed of sheep and pigs, and to a lesser extent, cattle and goats. Regarding livestock, 90% of the region's production is extensive and is located in the "dehesa" agroforestry system, which covers 25% of Extremadura's total territory. This region has 65,230 farms, with an average size of 39.6 hectares ( European Commission (2024)) .
The activity of the agri-food sector is in the midst of an evolutionary process from traditional agriculture to a less polluting one that efficiently manages waste, focused on food production with greater added value and differentiated attributes in the markets ( Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization in Extremadura (RIS3): 29 ).
The regional AKIS is represented by a group of public and private agents grouped together and interacting with each other:
The image shows the groups of public and private agents in a regional AKIS:
- Agents that generate knowledge.
- Public sector agents.
- Agents dedicated to training.
- Agents of the agri-food sector.
- Other AKIS agents.
AKIS agents and interactions
Agents dedicated to the generation of knowledge
- University of Extremadura .
- Scientific and Technological Research Center of Extremadura ( CICYTEX ): A regional government entity focused on improving the coordination of research in the fields of agriculture, livestock, agri-food, and pastureland, and supporting the Extremadura business sector in incorporating R&D&I into its production processes. Institutions affiliated with the Center:
- Agri-Food Technology Institute of Extremadura ( INTAEX ). Affiliated with CICYTEX, its objective is to increase the competitiveness of the agri-food sector by promoting innovation and technological development in SMEs, improving the quality of their products.
- Finca La Orden – Valdesequera Agricultural Research Institute : Affiliated with CICYTEX, its activities focus on supporting the Extremadura agricultural sector in R&D&I through applied research projects tailored to the needs of the field, training of research staff, and the transfer of knowledge generated in its facilities.
- Center for Ecological and Mountain Agriculture ( CAEM ): Affiliated with CICYTEX, the Center's main line of research is fruit growing and irrigation.
- National Agri-Food Technology Center CTAEX : A private organization that aims to offer common research, development, innovation, analytical, training and information services to contribute to the competitive development of companies in the agri-food sector and to consumer safety.
- Iberian Pork R&D Center . This INIA unit focuses on applied aspects, such as marker-based genetic improvement programs or breed and food traceability.
- Animal Selection and Reproduction Center of Extremadura ( CENSYRA ).
Public sector agents
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development : public institution that administers the responsibilities of agriculture, livestock, agri-food and rural development in the Community.
- Regional Agricultural Sections (52).
Agents dedicated to training
- Agricultural and vocational training schools. A list of institutes and centers can be found here .
Agents of the agri-food sector
- Food from Extremadura: products and designations of origin .
- Agro-food Cooperatives of Extremadura (183): agricultural , livestock , supplies and CAP .
- Professional Colleges of Agricultural Engineers , Agricultural Technicians, Cáceres , Badajoz and Veterinarians Cáceres , Badajoz .
- Professional Agricultural Organizations (OPAs):Agrarian Coordinator COAG Extremadura , APAG-Extremadura ASAJA , UPA-UCE Extremadura , Union of Farmers and Ranchers of Extremadura ; Aequum Agrum.
Other agents
- Extremadura Rural Development Network ( REDEX ).
- Local Action Groups (25).
- Operational Groups .
- Extremadura Avante : A group of public companies that aims to provide services to Extremaduran companies in the different stages of their development, so that they can become more competitive, promoting the industrial and business development of Extremadura.
- FENDECYT Foundation - Extremadura Science and Technology Park .
- European Business and Innovation Center ( CEEI ).
Instruments and tools for the dynamization of the AKIS
EXTREMADURA 2030. ACTION PLAN OF THE GOVERNMENT OF EXTREMADURA
The operational objectives of thematic axis 3 of the Action Plan are to promote the incorporation of new technologies, research and the transfer of results to the agricultural sector to improve productivity, facilitate relations between research centers and farmers for the transfer of new knowledge and the establishment of training plans aimed at farmers and ranchers for the modernization of farms, sustainable management and transition to the economy.
This Action Plan articulates 24 Strategic Lines. Among them, related to the agri-food sector, are 9. Agriculture and Livestock, 16. Sustainable Rural Development, and 22. Healthy Eating, Responsible Green Consumption.
Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization in Extremadura (RIS3) 2021-2027
The Extremadura specialization pattern of the RIS3 Strategy identifies the agri-food sector as a priority for promoting a smart and economically sustainable food chain.
PACT FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN EXTREMADURA
Tripartite agreement in which the parties commit to promoting innovation and knowledge transfer within the framework of the Extremadura Science, Technology and Innovation System (SECTI).
CAP 2023-2027
Within the scope of the common agricultural policy, Extremadura allocates the following budget and actions to three of the interventions most directly linked to AKIS:
- 7161 (Cooperation of EIP operational groups): €4.94 million. Eligible expenditure: This intervention may finance, among others, the following expenditure categories:
- Project preparation phase:
- Costs of personnel assigned to the project
- Indirect costs: non-justifiable general costs (e.g. rent, water, electricity, etc.), up to 15% of eligible direct personnel costs
- Provision of services
- Other expenses: travel, consumables, etc.
- Project execution phase:
- Costs of personnel assigned to the project
- Indirect costs: non-justifiable general costs (e.g. rent, water, electricity, etc.), up to 15% of eligible direct personnel costs
- Provision of services
- Capital goods, infrastructure and prototypes: purchase, rental or amortization in case of purchase
- Expendable material
- Travel and maintenance
- Other expenses: intellectual and industrial property, audits, translations, event registrations, expenses for disseminating project results, coordination expenses, etc.
- 7201 (Training): €1.80 million.
- 7202 (Consulting): €7.5 million.
TOOLS FOR DYNAMIZATION
The synergies established through public-private collaboration give dimension and character to the Extremadura regional AKIS system. In this sense, the development of the agricultural sector requires continued innovation to increase the added value of Extremaduran foods, specialization in quality products, and integration of small-scale producers through cooperation or alliances that expand the possibilities for innovation, processing, and marketing.
Understanding current situations, trends, and structural circumstances encourages public-private partnerships through innovative projects involving large and small producers, processors, marketers, and researchers. In this regard, the governance of the regional knowledge and innovation transfer system (AKIS) within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CASP) strengthens the goal of increasing sector competitiveness and sustainability through modernization and digitalization activities, training, expert advice, and the dissemination of ready-to-use experiences and knowledge.
Finally, the dynamics of the regional system also contribute to the territorial coordination and consolidation of the social fabric through initiatives and undertakings involving public and private organizations, consultants, and Local Action and Rural Development Groups ( RedPAC Operational Groups and Innovative Projects Viewer ). These actors, within their framework and resources, facilitate the transfer of knowledge, experiences, and innovations, impacting the productivity and competitiveness of the sector and the social economy.
INTEGRATION OF ADVISORY IN AKIS
Advisory support is an important lever for improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings. Entities providing advisory services must extend their activities from diagnosing the situation to proposing and implementing improvements in various areas: legal management requirements related to public health, animal health, plant health, the environment, and animal welfare; sound agricultural and environmental conditions; initiation of business by young farmers; farm modernization; optimization of water and energy resources; conservation of production resources; occupational safety; promotion of technological tools and innovations; marketing; business management and diversification of the agricultural economy; promotion of crops and techniques that combine greater agricultural productivity and competitiveness with environmental preservation; reduction of greenhouse gases and adaptation to climate change; replacement of fossil fuels and improvement of energy efficiency; more efficient use of water; conservation of biodiversity; and improvement of the competitiveness of the dairy sector.
In Extremadura, grants can be applied for by entities with legal personality that meet a series of requirements and include in their corporate purpose the provision of assistance and advice to farmers and ranchers.
