Events

The BOVIEX 4.0 Operational Group: “Technological improvement in extensive cattle production in Spain” is organizing its final day of presentation of results , during which the partners and subcontractors of the project will present the achievements and progress obtained, as well as the conclusions derived from its execution, which are expected to be of great interest to the livestock sector. This Operational Group was created for the technological improvement in extensive cattle production in Spain.

On February 19th at 6:30 pm , the Madrid College of Veterinarians (C. del Maestro Ripoll, 8, 28006 Madrid) will host the presentation of the results of the EQUIGENOM Operative Group, a key project for the application of genomics in the improvement and selection of the Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE) and the equine sector in general . This is a project led by the National Association of Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders (ANCCE) based on the application of genomics in the equine sector. The presentation will feature prominent figures from the livestock sector, as well as experts in genomics and animal production, who will present the advances achieved and the impact that genomic selection will have on the future of the sector. The results to be presented are based on the development of an economical medium-density (MD) chip (array) that simultaneously allows for the analysis of parentage with SNPs, the diagnosis of hereditary diseases, the detection of economically important traits and genomic selection in the PRE. This advance will facilitate the decision-making of breeders regarding the selection of their breeding stock and represents a significant milestone in the genetic and genomic improvement of the Purebred Spanish Horse and the equine sector. Provisional programme 18:30 h. – Opening. Activities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and application of genomic selection in the livestock sector. Ms. Ana Rodríguez Castaño, Secretary General of Agricultural Resources and Food Security of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 18:50 h. – Results of the GO EQUIGENOM. Importance of genomics. Impact on the equine sector and future prospects. Mrs. Arancha Rodríguez Sainz de los Terreros and Mr. Pedro Azor Ortiz, technical director and deputy technical director of the PRE Genealogical Book. 19:25 h. – Towards a New Era in Equine Selection: From Phenotype to Genomic Selection with EQUIGENOM. Ms. Mercedes Valera Córdoba, Professor of Animal Production at the University of Seville. 19:45 h. – Closing. Mr. Gabriel Rodríguez Alarcón, Animal Health Key Account Manager, Thermofisher. Mr. José Luis Urquijo y Narváez, president of the Royal Spanish Federation of Select Livestock Associations (RFEAGAS). Mr. José Juan...

The following topics will be addressed in this technical session to present the FOSNAT project: Problems with phosphonates in organic crops. Hypothesis of origin and detection; recent studies. Determination of phosphonates: Methods of analysis Project presentation: FOSNAT-Origin of phosphonates in organic crops of economic importance in Andalusia. FOSNAT project. First results COLLOQUIUM AND QUESTIONS

From 10 to 12 December 2024 , Brussels will host the second edition of the EU Agri-Food Days . This annual event brings together key players in the agri-food sector from across the European Union to discuss the latest trends in agriculture, policy options and market developments, as well as the impact of research, innovation and digital technologies on the future of European agriculture. Over three days, the event will provide a unique platform for dialogue between stakeholders in the agri-food system, civil society, academia and policy makers. EU Agri-Food Days Programme The future of agriculture and food in the EU. Farmers' perspectives on modern agriculture. Position of farmers in the food value chain. Agricultural market outlook in the EU. Sustainable competitiveness and trade policies for food sovereignty. Research, innovation and digitalisation in the agri-food sector. Challenges and opportunities for young farmers. Practical information: Dates: December 10 - 12, 2024. Location: Brussels, Belgium. Live streaming: available without prior registration. Organizer: EU Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development. Social media: Follow the event with the hashtag #EUAgriFoodDays . This event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the current and future challenges of the European agri-food sector, and how policies such as the CAP and the European Green Deal can help build a greener, fairer and more competitive agriculture.

The Aragonese Cluster of Agricultural and Livestock Production Means (CAMPAG) and the Technological Institute of Aragon ITA, are pleased to invite you to the Dialogue on “Agriculture of the future: Robotics and new solutions for the agri-food sector ”. We will explore future technologies and solutions for the agri-food sector, with a focus on robotics and automation. We will discuss trends, current business needs and market expectations.

The 2nd Congress of Agricultural Engineering, organised by the Council of Official Colleges of Technical Agricultural Engineers of Spain and the Official College of Technical Agricultural and Forestry Engineers of Catalonia, will take place on 13 and 14 November at the Higher Technical School of Agri-Food and Forestry Engineering and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lleida. The central themes of its seven sessions include water management, the food chain, agrivoltaics, green spaces and urban trees, hydrological forest management and plant health. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

The Regional Centre for Animal Selection and Reproduction (CERSYRA-IRIAF) is organising a course on the latest technologies applied to the genetic improvement of small ruminants. The event will take place next Monday at the CERSYRA facilities, located at Avda. del Vino 10, Valdepeñas (Ciudad Real) , and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The aim of the course is to present the services that laboratories can offer to the livestock sector and how to adapt them to their specific needs. During the course, there will be a visit to the CERSYRA facilities, which will include the Reproduction, Molecular Genetics and Lactology departments, as well as its experimental cheese factory. The topics to be discussed include the application of molecular genetics in the genetic improvement of small ruminants, genetic identification and genealogical control, genetic improvement programmes and the achievements made, as well as the analytical tools that support these advances. This course is an excellent opportunity for those looking to stay up to date with advanced technologies that enhance genetic development in sheep and goat farming. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

Synergy Days is the leading conference connecting digital innovators in the European agri-food sector . The event provides a space for the agri-food community to meet, discuss and exchange knowledge by bringing together EU projects, policy makers, European and digital innovation hubs, farmers and more. Over two days , discussions, workshops, live demonstrations and presentations of EU projects will take place, designed to create more networking connections than ever before. You can register by clicking here . You can watch the program (in English) by clicking here .

Until September 5, those professionals who want to get started in promoting R&D&I projects can apply to participate in the new Seminar for Advisors on R&D&I Projects of the European Union , which the CDTI is organizing between October 14 and 17, 2024. This is the 29th edition of an event aimed primarily at organisations with the capacity to participate in Horizon Europe , and specifically, at people whose main activity is supporting the participation of Spanish entities in research, technological development and innovation activities financed by the European Union through Horizon Europe and related initiatives. The aim is for participants to acquire the necessary skills to advise their researchers, their organisations or other entities in order to guide and adapt their proposals to the calls for Horizon Europe , working in a network with other organisations. Additionally, for those attendees familiar with R&D&I projects, the Seminar contributes to training them to prepare and elaborate proposals in their area of competence. The Seminar consists of five modules: Module I.- Overview, structure and content of Horizon Europe . Module II.- The participation process . Module III.- Thematic priorities of Horizon Europe . Module IV.- The process of preparing proposals . Module V.- The evaluation process . The registration fee per participant will be €375 (VAT included). INCIDENTS AND QUERIES | INFORMATION AND AGENDA | REGISTRATIONS UNTIL 11PM ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Fruit Attraction is the meeting point for fruit and vegetable professionals. Fruit Attraction has become the reference commercial tool for the WORLDWIDE marketing of fruit and vegetables . Its capacity to promote global exports in the sector makes it the commercial connection point for all the professionals that make up the entire value chain, in addition to having consolidated itself as a framework for innovation in the fruit and vegetable market.

The Andalusian Living Lab is established as an entity aimed at promoting and implementing innovative and sustainable technological solutions aimed at improving the health of olive grove soil. It is part of the European LIVINGSOILL project (Healthy Soil to Permanent Crops Living Labs) funded with 12 million euros, of which 2 million are destined for Andalusian olive groves. The University of Jaén will be responsible for coordinating this Living Lab, which also includes 15 Andalusian entities with recognised R&D&I activity related to olive growing. The programme for the presentation event includes three round tables that will focus on the following topics: Soil health, challenges and ecosystem services. Innovation projects: Utilization of olive grove by-products within the framework of the circular economy. Pilot experiences of olive oil companies aimed at improving soil health. In addition, a conference will be held on digitalisation in the olive sector.

Meeting point between researchers and professionals related to organic waste management to analyze and debate the situation of its treatment from a technical and social point of view, highlighting the transfer of knowledge to the industrial sector . The Conference has the collaboration of the Spanish Composting Network and is organized by the RNM271 group of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Córdoba. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION | HEADQUARTERS | Information and contact: 957485848 / 667833701 email: rec24@piccongresos.com

Under the title "SembrAI: intelligence that feeds tomorrow", a play on words that refers to sowing AI as seeds are planted for the future harvest, the II International Congress on Artificial Intelligence applied to the Agri-Food Chain will be held in Córdoba between September 19 and 20. Organized by INTEC (European Foundation for Innovation and Application of Technology) in collaboration with the Andalusia Agrotech Digital Innovation Hub, and co-financed by the EU and the Andalusian Government , the event is focused on digital transformation and the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the agri-food sector . Digital transformation and use of AI in agriculture On Thursday 19 September, following the opening ceremony, there will be panels on topics such as digital transformation and the future use of AI in agriculture, with spaces such as the Call for Papers , where selected works will be exhibited, and the DemoZone , dedicated to technological demonstrations. There will also be talks, round tables on international experiences, and networking and investment opportunities in the B2B space. Friday 20 September will continue with inspiring talks and panel discussions focused on food cybersecurity and the challenges of AI in the agri-food supply chain. The day will also include an international AI startup competition, talks for students, and an awards ceremony before the closing event. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

On September 18, the Cortijo El Puerto farm, located in Lora del Río, Seville , will be the setting for the presentation of the results of the Tic4bio operating group, with an innovative ICT tool designed to improve the efficient management of water and biodiversity in the agricultural sector. This project seeks to integrate digitalization into agri-food processes, optimizing the use of natural resources and promoting sustainability. In this way, decision-making will be favored both to make efficient use of irrigation water and water used in agroindustry, and to calculate the degree of biodiversity on the farm and be able to improve it, responding to the environmental concern and conservation of natural resources of the most demanding market. The event, organised by Ecovalia and other entities in the sector, will begin at 10:00 am with the opening by leading figures in the field of agriculture and innovation. Speakers will include Cristina de Toro Navero , from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Álvaro Barrera Fernández , president of Ecovalia; Lola de Toro Jordano , manager of CeiA3; Emilio Camacho Poyato , from the University of Córdoba; Enrique de la Torre Liébana , CEO of Ingeoliva; and Pablo Reina López , responsible for the development of the ICT tool at Dacartec. At 10:30 a.m., Auxiliadora Vecina Jiménez , director of Innovation and Training at Ecovalia, will present the operating group and a documentary showing the development of the project. Later, at 10:45 a.m., researcher Carmen Flores Cayuela from the University of Córdoba will share the results obtained by this innovative project. The day will continue at 11:30 a.m. with a guided tour of the pilot experience, led by Enrique de la Torre , where attendees will be able to see first-hand how the "tic4bio" tool contributes to a more efficient use of water and biodiversity in crops. Finally, at 12:30 p.m., there will be a tasting of Cortijo El Puerto oils and a tasting of organic foods , highlighting local and sustainable products. This event is a key meeting point for professionals in the agricultural sector seeking advanced...

From September 18 to 19, 2024 , the National Food Center, dependent on the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), will host a Symposium on Materials in Contact with Food at its headquarters in Majadahonda (Madrid). The event is organized by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM) , belonging to the Council of Europe and the AESAN , under the title “Recent developments in food contact materials and articles”. The event is intended for all professionals in the food contact materials industry , official control laboratories, European and national authorities, as well as national policy makers. Participation in person is free of charge (subject to registration and availability) for staff of the competent national authorities, European authorities and representatives of official control laboratories; while for in-person attendees from the private sector it will cost €400 per delegate. PROGRAM

Dolors Villegas Tor , a renowned CSIC researcher at the Aula Dei Experimental Station (EEAD-CSIC), will be in charge of giving the third lecture of the first cycle of CSIC lectures "What do we know about...?" in Jaca , Huesca. Villegas specializes in non-destructive selection methods in wheat, using advanced techniques such as remote sensing of temperature and spectral reflectance. These methods are essential to support genetic selection in wheat improvement programs. In addition, his research is complemented by the study of the natural variability of wheat rusts , particularly in relation to the endemic species present in Spain . The What do we know about...? lecture series allows scientists to share the latest developments in their research, explain their processes and discuss their impact on everyday life. Admission is free until capacity is reached.

Workshop on tools to improve biological control of two very important pests in tomato crops, the moth Tuta absoluta and the scab mite Aculops lycopersici . During the workshop, data obtained from two projects in which the IRTA Sustainable Plant Protection Programme participates will be presented. On the one hand, the results of studies carried out within the framework of an Operational Group to promote the use of parasitoids in the management of lepidoptera will be shown. On the other hand, a visit will be made to an experimental greenhouse where, within the framework of the European ADOPT-IPM project , two biological control tools have been integrated to combat the two most important pests affecting tomato crops. PROGRAM

Knowledge transfer day on the Operational Group “Improving nitrogen fertilization in rice cultivation through the use of spectral images (Rice FertiSAT)” , created in 2021. During this event, the motivations and objectives of the project will be detailed and a technical visit will be made to the IRTA pilot test fields in Amposta and another to the commercial pilot test fields . Research for more efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers The objective of this pilot project is to treat the normalized differential vegetation index extracted from satellite image bands and relate it by spectrometry to the nitrogen needs of rice crops in search of a more efficient and rational use of nitrogen fertilizers while achieving optimal yields in rice production in Catalonia. With this relationship, it is intended to establish a suitable and simple methodology to improve fertilization plans, increasing the efficiency in the use of nitrogen fertilizers and reducing the possibility of nitrates being released into the environment outside the crop.

On Tuesday, July 9, CDTI is organizing a Q&A workshop, aimed at proposal coordinators for the 2024 calls for: Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment. Calls 2024 – PHASE 2 Missions – Adaptation to climate change, oceans and waters and soils – Calls 2024 Circular Bio-Based Europe (CBE) Partnership – Call 2024 It will be a face-to-face event, in which, following the structure of the Horizon Europe evaluation criteria (excellence, impact and quality and efficiency of implementation) and the structure of the template, participants can ask the National Contact Points (NCPs) any questions they may have when preparing their proposals in each of these sections. Proposals until July 1st Participants must send a draft of their proposals to the email address lydia.gonzalez@cdti.es with a deadline of Monday 1 July (at 12pm). Only those who have previously submitted their proposals will be admitted to the workshop. One participant will be admitted per coordinated proposal and the participation of a second participant will be considered, depending on the applications received. In the afternoon or after the workshop, the NCPs will arrange bilateral meetings with the participants to discuss their proposals and clarify any questions they may have. Program 9:30 – 9:40 Opening of the workshop. Objectives and operation. 9:40 – 10:20 1.-The evaluation process and the evaluator's vision. Ana Tardón (NCP Cluster 6 – CIEMAT) and evaluator (pending confirmation) Questions from participants. 10:20-10:40 2.- Part A of the proposal. Marta de Diego (NCP Cluster 6 and Spanish Representative in the JU Circular Bio-based Europe (CBE)- CDTI) Questions from participants. 10:40-11:05 3.- Excellence section. Lydia González (NCP of Cluster 6 and the Climate Change Adaptation Mission) Questions from participants. 11:05-11:35 COFFEE BREAK 11:35-12:00 4.- “Impact” section of the proposal. Juan Carlos García (Cluster 6 Delegate and NCP Mission for Oceans, Seas and Inland Waters - CDTI) Questions from participants 12:00-12:40 5.- Rules of participation. Legal and financial matters. Cascading financing. Gustavo García Turiño (NCP of legal and financial matters – FECYT) Questions from participants. 12:40-13:05 6.- Section on “Quality and efficiency in implementation” Marta Conde (NCP Cluster 6 and...