Events

The General Council of Official Colleges of Agricultural Technical Engineers of Spain collaborates in the organization of the Youth Forum on Spanish Agri-Food Systems , a national event that will be held on May 8 and 9, 2025 in the city of León , with the aim of giving voice to youth in the debate on the future of the agri-food system . Promoted by the Spanish National Chapter of the World Food Forum (WFF) and organized together with the Global Council on Sustainable Food Systems and IAAS Spain , the forum has the support of institutions such as the University of León , the León City Council , the FAO and various entities committed to the sustainability and development of the food system. Inspired by the WFF's flagship event in Rome , the Spanish forum offers a meeting and exchange space for young people from all over Spain , focusing on the main challenges and opportunities facing the agri-food sector, with a special emphasis on generational change, sustainability, food safety, and the key role of innovation and technology. Main topics and activities of the forum Innovation and technology in agri-food systems Food security and international cooperation The role of young women in transforming the food system Politics, youth and decision-making Inspiring experiences led by young people in the sector The event will include thematic panels, roundtables, networking sessions, and cultural activities , and is expected to attract around 100 attendees from different regions of the country. The General Council's participation in this forum reflects its commitment to youth leadership in agriculture , raising awareness of their role in the agri-food and environmental sectors, and forging strategic alliances to address current and future challenges from a sustainable and inclusive perspective. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

This meeting aims to highlight the opportunities that await those who decide to undertake business in the agricultural and livestock sectors, driven by the power of innovation, technology, and knowledge . The event seeks to be a catalyst for the renewal of the field, exploring how the latest technological trends and scientific advances can optimize production, improve sustainability, and open new paths to profitability. In this endeavor, the role of young entrepreneurs is fundamental. They will be the key players, capable of identifying market niches, developing differentiated products and services, and building resilient and prosperous businesses. It is organized by the Córdoba Technology Park, together with the Higher Technical School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering (ETSIAM), the International Chair of Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture - CIIAA and the Chair of Agricultural and Food Innovation of the Caja Rural del Sur Foundation, of the University of Córdoba, with the collaboration of the Acelera Pyme Office of CETEMET, the Cajamar Foundation and Yara Iberian. At the opening roundtable, expert voices such as agri-food journalist Elisa Plumed and established professionals from companies such as Covap, Yara Iberian, Almazaras Industriales and Fundación Cajamar will present the business and professional development opportunities offered by the agri-food sector . Four subsequent thematic sessions will address how technology, innovation, and knowledge are key tools for the professional development of these young entrepreneurs . Success stories from various fields will also be shared. The sessions are aimed at entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, young professionals in the agricultural sector, researchers and technologists with solutions applicable to the field, and anyone interested in the transformative potential of innovation in agriculture and livestock.

The GO INVASOR-ES - Resilience 4.0 of infrastructure and crops against invasive species program has organized an online outreach event that will take place on April 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The GO INVASOR-ES project seeks to develop advanced technological solutions for the control of invasive alien species (IAS) in water infrastructure, particularly irrigation. This session will address two innovative aspects of irrigation. First, the challenges posed by IAS in these infrastructures will be analyzed, and the progress and initial designs of the main outcome of the GO INVASOR-ES project will be presented: smart dosing stations designed for their effective control. Second, the role of digitalization in irrigation will be explored, and the Smart Green Water project will be presented, promoting innovative solutions based on digitalization for more sustainable and smart irrigation. Agenda: 11:00 a.m. Webinar introduction. Lide Jaurrieta, Project Manager of the Catalan Water Partnership. 11:10 a.m. Keys to understanding invasive alien species (IAS). Nuno Caiola, Eurecat researcher. 11:20 a.m. The problem of IAS from the management of irrigation infrastructure. Miquel Sacrest, General Director of Aigües del Segarra Garrigues. 11:30 a.m. GO INVASOR-ES Project: Resilience 4.0 of infrastructure and crops against invasive species. Javier Bernard/Ángel Martínez of Velaber Consulting. 12:00 p.m. Digital Transformation in Irrigation. David Erice, UPA Technical Office. 12:15 p.m. Smart Green Water Project: Dissemination of innovative solutions and capacity building for smart irrigation. Javier Alejandre, UPA Technical Office. 12:30 p.m. Farewell and closing ceremony. Marisa Fernández, ZINNAE Manager REGISTRATION

The Zafra Spring Fair, held from April 4th to 6th, will once again feature cattle. The three-day fair will feature exhibitions and sales of select livestock, three technical sessions, dressage and western competitions, official auctions, and other leisure activities. CONTACT | PROGRAM

The GO MAXI-CoberLEG is planning a demonstration workshop as part of its outreach activities. It will take place on Thursday , April 3rd, in person (10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). at the Pego Agricultural Cooperative, in Alicante. REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM

National technical conference to present the results of the MAXI-CoberLEG Operational Group (Maximizing the benefits of cover crops through the selection of winter legume species and crop management), which will take place in person in Pontevedra and online through TEAMS. This initiative responds to a comprehensive approach that combines aspects of agrodiversity, genetic improvement, physiology, production and plant quality, and links them to the techno-economic demands and preferences of both producers and end consumers, to improve through R&D&I actions the competitiveness of a key export sector for the Spanish agri-food economy. The Supra-autonomous Operational Group MAXI-CoberLEG is made up of the Galician Business-University Foundation (FEUGA), Biological Mission of Galicia (MBG-CSIC), the Centre for Soil Science and Applied Biology of Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), the companies Masía el Carmen SL, Bio Varsella SL and the Agricultural Cooperative of Pego, Coop. V., and as subcontracted members the following entities: University of Valencia (UV), Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA), and Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL Program: 16:15 – Welcome to the Biological Mission of Galicia of the Spanish National Research Council (MBG-CSIC); Registration of attendees and delivery of promotional material. 16:30 – Presentation of the MAXI-CoberLEG Supra-autonomous Operational Group Beatriz Calviño Vázquez , Innovation and National Projects Manager at FEUGA 16:40 – Native biodiversity of legumes: lupine and its potential as winter groundcovers Dr. Marta Santalla Ferradás , Scientific Researcher of the Plant Development Genetics Group (DEVOLEG), of the Biological Mission of Galicia of the Higher Council for Scientific Research. 16:55 – Role of winter legume covers in the conservation of natural enemies in citrus Dr. César Monzó Ferrer, Senior Researcher at the Entomology Unit, Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research, Moncada (IVIA). 17:10 – Questions and answers 17:20 – Visit to the experimental test plots and germplasm bank of the seed collections 18:10 – Networking Aimed at farmers, cooperatives, production companies, companies related to increasing citrus productivity, business associations in the sector and clusters, Designations of Origin/Protected Geographical Indication, Public Administrations related to agriculture, the environment and/or rural development, universities, Research Groups and Technology Centres, end consumers and the general public. REGISTRATION

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas , will present the Agrifood Training Strategy "Sow, Grow, and Harvest Your Future" at an event to be held on Thursday, March 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the ministry's headquarters. This strategy is an initiative of the Ministry to promote the professionalization of the agri-food sector through training, capacity building, and talent attraction, within the framework of the ecological and digital transition. The meeting, which will be closed by the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food, Begoña García , will feature professionals from various fields participating in a panel discussion that will address the sector's challenges , entrepreneurship opportunities, and showcase success stories. The importance of using technology as an incentive for new generations will also be analyzed. Participating in the panel will be Gabriel Trenzado , director general of Cooperativas Agroalimentarias, and José Emilio Guerrero, professor of Animal Production at the University of Córdoba. Also participating will be the director of the ES San Isidro Secondary Education Institute in Talavera de la Reina (Toledo), Teresa Valero , whose school teaches the new higher level training cycle in Livestock and Animal Health Assistance, the young entrepreneur Sergio Arribas , who will present his vision of new crops in Castilla La Mancha, and the director of Talent at Hispatec, Inma Trapero, a human resources specialist.

A webinar will be held on March 18th to present the GO PREVINOVIC project , focusing on extensive livestock farming as a tool for fire control and prevention. During the session, which will be broadcast live on YouTube, the initiative's progress since its inception will be discussed. The event will open with the presentation "Extensive Livestock Farming and Fires: The PREVINOVIC Action Plan" by Ana Olaizola, senior lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Natural Environment Sciences at the University of Zaragoza. It will continue with a roundtable discussion entitled "The Commitment of All Stakeholders to Save Our Forest Ecosystems," with the participation of: RAMIRO PALACIOS - Head of Pastoralism and Rural Development at AGROVIDAR Antonio Jesus Garcia - Veterinarian in CorSevilla LETICIA RIAGUAS - Head of R&D+i Oviaragón REGISTRATION

Second of three days of dissemination of the results of the project “ Moving towards a digital model for zero waste in the agri-food sector ” developed by the PDApp Operational Group . The conferences are aimed primarily at representatives of entities throughout the value chain, but also at other interested parties such as innovation and research centres, public administrations and the specialised press. Details will be provided on the support service that the GO PDApp has developed to digitize Loss and Waste Prevention Plans , with testimonials from companies that already work with the digital platform. The next dissemination day is scheduled for February 12 in Palafolls (Barcelona) . PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

GENERAL OBJECTIVES We live in times where the sustainability of our farms and their resilience to climate change and other external factors is key to ensuring that, tomorrow, we continue to have profitable crops. The application of the 2030 Agenda and the principles of sustainable development are key, not only in our farms, but also to access the markets in which we operate today. More and more customers are demanding strategies in this regard in order to be able to buy our products. People who are dedicated to producing food and their cooperatives, through marketing, have been working for years to safeguard and protect natural spaces, create employment, guarantee quality products, improve energy efficiency, in short, guaranteeing that agriculture and livestock continue to be sustainable sectors and therefore comply with the 2030 Agenda, but often, little is communicated about everything that is done. In addition, precision agriculture is of the utmost importance, since with the arrival of new technologies (sensors, satellites, drones, GPS, etc.), the field and our crops are constantly changing, and it is necessary to analyze and understand all the variations and particularities of the environment in order to be able to provide the exact inputs for the optimization of the harvests. The application of technology in agriculture allows us to obtain the information necessary to understand variations in soil and crops , and this, together with the principles outlined in terms of sustainability, can become a competitive advantage, much needed in these times.

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.

On the occasion of World Soil Day 2024: Take care of soils. Measure, monitor, manage. Speaker: Manuel López Vicente, Professor of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. EPS Huesca In-person for students requesting credit recognition/ Online. Register here Collaborators: Official College of Agricultural Engineers Aragon-Navarra-Basque Country and the Territorial Delegation of Aragon of the Spanish Society of Soil Science (SECS) PROGRAM 13:00h Presentation by Dr. María Videgain, member of the governing board of the College, professor and researcher at the EPS of Huesca, University of Zaragoza. 13:05h Presentation of the DMS by Dr. David Badía Villas, professor of the Area of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, at the EPS of Huesca, and President of the DT Aragón-SECS. 13:10h Talk by Dr. Manuel López Vicente, PPL at EPS Huesca entitled “Sustainable soil management in woody crops” . This talk presents the changes that living and inert covers generate in agricultural soils for permanent crops, such as olive groves and vineyards. Special emphasis is placed on the measurement and monitoring of the hydrological properties of the soil, complemented by aspects of soil fertility and biology; case results will be offered both for Aragon and other communities. With the data obtained, it is possible to achieve better agronomic management, which is essential for environmental sustainability, to optimize management, resources and to boost the profitability of farms. 14:00 h. Appetizer, courtesy of the Official College of Agricultural Engineers of Aragon, Navarre and the Basque Country.

Trufforum is an international cooperation initiative, conceived and promoted by the European Mycological Institute ( EMI ), which was created with the aim of promoting the responsible use of the European truffle in domestic and professional kitchens. Having become an international reference meeting in the truffle sector, Trufforum is held annually with the aim of giving maximum diffusion to the values and culture of the truffle. Whether you are passionate about truffles or have never had contact with them, you are in the best place to learn everything you need and enjoy one of the most iconic products of world gastronomy. Don't miss the opportunity to dive with us into the depths of the earth to discover everything about truffles. Welcome to Trufforum!

The 1st National Meeting of Young People and Hosts participating in the Cultiva Program will take place in Madrid on November 27. This program promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food provides young people from rural areas with access to on-site training, guided by the managers of model farms, examples of good practices and the implementation of innovation in the sector. In order to bring together the participants of the CULTIVA Programme (young people, hosts of model farms and management entities) from the 2020 to 2023 editions, and to create a network among all of them to discuss this initiative and the generational change in the agricultural sector, this meeting will take place, which will include discussion panels and activities that promote the exchange of experiences. REGISTRATION until Friday, November 15th.

On the verge of its 40th edition, BioCultura Madrid will once again show that “bio” is not/was not a fad and that it is here to stay. The fair will be held in November at the Feria de Madrid-Ifema venue. The sectors will be: Organic food; Certified eco-natural cosmetics and hygiene; Healthy home; Sustainable fashion; Eco Lifestyle; Health and Wellbeing, NGOs… It is expected that 400 exhibitors will participate and that more than 50,000 visitors will once again be expected. More than 300 activities will be held in parallel to the exhibition. Ángeles Parra, director of the fair, commented that “it would be very difficult to summarise these almost 40 years of fairs, activism, rebellion and social awareness. We have never been a fad. Time has proved us right. The future will be ecological or it will not be.”

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

Iberflora is the great professional gardening event . The largest commercial and educational offer within the business of plants, flowers, landscaping, gardening, technology and DIY gardening in the professional calendar of the sector. To consult the event program click here

On September 27 , at the IFAPA Rancho de la Merced facilities in Jerez de la Frontera, the second open day of the seminar will be held. This session, which will begin at 9:00 a.m. , will feature a series of technical presentations focused on innovation and sustainability in Andalusian horticulture. Highlights include: BIHOX® oxygenation technology and its impact on zucchini and watermelon crops. The biomass potential of Andalusian horticulture and the challenges for the circular bioeconomy. New advances in biotechnology and the development of virus-resistant rootstocks. Safety in the use of phytosanitary products and the safest and most sustainable technologies in horticulture. After a break, the day will continue with the presentation of the seminar's new website and a session on collaboration between institutions. The event will conclude with the official closing ceremony by the president of IFAPA, Marta Bosquet Aznar, followed by a closing drink at 12:30 p.m. Attendance is free , upon registration. For more information, please contact us by email at: jerez.ifapa@juntadeandalucia.es; or by phone at 956.03.46.00. Registration | Program

This is the fourth and last of their series of webinars on the role of the agri-food sector in the European Union. A series of talks that focus on the more strategic vision of the sector in terms of its policies, profitability, the farms themselves and the people who are part of the sector. On June 25, the day will take place that addresses an open debate on the role of innovation and new technologies . It will feature the direct participation of young farm owners and agri-food industries. The following will participate in the webinar: Ignacio Atance Muñiz, Director of the Research Department of Grupo Cajamar. Marcos Garcés Lizama, Farmer and head of the Agricultural Youth of COAG. Marta Llorente, cattle breeder and farmer. Andrés Montoya Sánchez, Director at Bio Campojoyma. Miguel Antona San Millán, Managing Director of INNOPORC. Manuel Lainez Andrés, Director of Innovation and Agri-Food Development at Cajamar.

The 4th World Agriculture Conference will offer the opportunity to hear the latest in digital innovation, discover revolutionary deep tech solutions, network with key players from industry, research and academia, establish new business relationships and, ultimately, make your mark in the agricultural world. Ecosystem conservation, plant genomics, agricultural biodiversity, farm management, agricultural and environmental crises and artificial intelligence in agriculture are just some of the topics that will be addressed at the international conference on agriculture.