Events

On May 8, Sanifruit is organizing a technical workshop dedicated to the post-harvest of tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini at the COEXPHAL Technological Innovation Center (CIT COEX) in La Mojonera, Almería . The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. and is specifically aimed at exporting companies interested in extending the shelf life of their products with natural and effective solutions . The event will feature participation from academic and technical experts. Antonio Mena , Territorial Delegate for Agriculture in Almería, will open the event, followed by presentations by Juan Carlos Pérez Mesa , Juan Luis Valenzuela , Sandra Mañas (Sanifruit), and technicians from the Technology Department of the Tecnova Foundation . Sanifruit CEO Javier Biel will present the company's post-harvest program and close the event. The event will include a coffee break and is free to attend , although prior registration is required. 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.

A conference aimed at all individuals and organizations interested in agricultural testing spaces and the social and solidarity economy. Organized by RETA (Network of Agricultural Test Spaces) in conjunction with the Cooprado Foundation and the Educatierra Association , to promote the Cooprado Farm Agricultural Test Space. COMPLETE PROGRAM

A conference aimed at all individuals and organizations interested in agricultural testing spaces and the social and solidarity economy. Organized by RETA (Network of Agricultural Test Spaces), in conjunction with the Cooprado Foundation and the Educatierra Association , to promote the Arraigados Agricultural Test Space. COMPLETE PROGRAM

Under the motto "Food for Tomorrow: Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable and Healthy Eating," the School of Food Science at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso will host the 23rd Congress of the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Food Science and Technology (ALACCTA 2025) and the 24th Congress of the Chilean Association of Food Science and Technology (Sochital 2025), to be held on April 9, 10, and 11, 2025. The event will bring together leading experts in the food industry, from both Chile and Latin America, to discuss the latest advances in the sector and future challenges. Under the theme "Science and Technology for Sustainable and Healthy Food," the conference will focus on three major themes: Food Science and Technology for Nutrition and Well-being : This theme will cover topics such as food materials science, sensory evaluation, functional foods, specialized nutrition, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and the revaluation of traditional foods, among others. Innovations to improve health and well-being through nutrition will be discussed. Technological Innovation for Sustainable Food Processing : Advances in food analytics, preservation technologies, sensors and biosensors, food biotechnology, and packaging technology will be explored, focusing on a sustainable approach that reduces the water and carbon footprint. Challenges in Food Safety and Regulation : This area will address food microbiology and toxicology, contaminant detection, food fraud, and public policies, with an emphasis on ensuring food safety and legislative harmonization at the regional level. The congress will be a platform for knowledge exchange, promoting innovations and strategies to address the current challenges facing the food industry in the areas of health, sustainability, and food safety.

On April 7 , Madrid will host a new meeting of The Food Changemakers , Europe's largest think tank dedicated to the transformation of the agri-food sector. This expert forum, sponsored by the Spanish organization KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub , seeks to generate a real impact on the development of long-term policies, strategies, and regulations in the food industry. The event, which will take place at the Tramo gastronomic space, will feature various roundtables addressing the sector's main challenges. Topics to be discussed include geopolitics and the supply chain, open innovation, water management, the future of agriculture, decarbonization, advanced nutrition and longevity, food service and retail, food safety, artificial intelligence and market trends, new proteins, and reducing food waste . This meeting will bring together leaders and experts to promote innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of food.

The event, organized by the Royal Academy of Gastronomy of Spain in collaboration with the CEU University Institute "Food and Society," will take place from March 27 to 29, 2025 , at the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid. The central axis of the SPAIN GASTRONOMY CONFERENCE is defined by the fact that the concept of gastronomy as an eminently recreational activity has become somewhat obsolete and that the other dimensions of the value chain of gastronomic activities, which encompass production, distribution, preparation, consumption and waste management, must be taken into account from a multidisciplinary and international perspective. Therefore, the objective of the Conference is to address from a scientific, academic, and professional perspective this new social, economic, psychological, medical, and cultural context of this new interpretation of gastronomy, where the criteria of sustainable production and healthy eating naturally complement the traditional concept of enjoyment associated with gastronomy. For this reason, we will bring together researchers, scholars, and professionals from different fields of science, academic disciplines, research networks, and policy areas to discuss this new framework for defining gastronomy as a holistic activity, with a primary focus on nutrition, health, and sustainability. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

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

This event will focus on the study of the current management of the Asturian and Galician milk production system, considering the joint analysis of the farm and the value chain, which will allow the selection of the best practices associated with the different types of farms. Discussion and sharing of information on the weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities of livestock farms. Discussion and sharing of the most relevant production, environmental and social indicators. About the CLIMALACT Task Force The CLIMALACT project aims to identify and standardise farm/landscape/value chain management practices associated with the “CLIMALACT” brand and to provide, through co-creative processes (multi-actor methodologies), idiotypes of dairy agri-food systems in Asturias and Galicia based on the calculation of simple sustainability and climate neutrality indicators in order to achieve transparency in farm and value chain management and continuous improvement of sustainability.

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

The Royal Spanish Federation of Select Livestock Associations (RFEAGAS) has launched the Innovation Week , an initiative that will take place from January 27 to 30 in virtual format through the Zoom platform and that will have different sessions scheduled at 12:00 noon. The purpose of this event is to present the progress and results of the Supra-autonomous Operational Groups in which the Royal Federation participates and, therefore, the programme includes the presentation of these groups, as well as presentations by experts in innovation and a round of questions open to attendees. The fourth of these talks focuses on the E-LocalHUB Operational Group. Digital technological innovations to improve the commercial competitiveness of extensive livestock farming and promote short distribution circuits. The planned program is as follows: 12:00 : Presentation of project objectives – Teresa Antoñanzas, RFEAGAS technical department. 12:10 : From the Field to the Screen: Opportunities and challenges of e-commerce for our breeds – Jose M. Perea (UCO) and Fernando Lianes (Teckpyma). 12:30 : Native breeds on labels: A gateway to responsible consumption – Rosa Díez, Deputy Director General of Livestock Production Resources at MAPA. ZOOM LINK

The Royal Spanish Federation of Select Livestock Associations (RFEAGAS) has launched the Innovation Week , an initiative that will take place from January 27 to 30 in virtual format through the Zoom platform and that will have different sessions scheduled at 12:00 noon. The purpose of this event is to present the progress and results of the Supra-autonomous Operational Groups in which the Royal Federation participates and, therefore, the programme includes the presentation of these groups, as well as presentations by experts in innovation and a round of questions open to attendees. The second of these talks focuses on the Equigenom Task Force. Development of an economical MD Chip for parentage, disease diagnosis, genomic selection in PRE and digital tools for its use. The planned program is as follows: 12:00 : Presentation of project objectives – Juan Mª Gallardo, technical director of RFEAGAS. 12:10 : Genomics: The hidden language of DNA – Arancha Rodríguez Sainz de los Terreros, technical director of the PRE Horse Genealogical Book. 12:30 : Applications and advantages of genomics in the equine sector – Pedro Azor, technical deputy director of the PRE Horse Stud Book. ZOOM LINK

The Royal Spanish Federation of Select Livestock Associations (RFEAGAS) has launched the Innovation Week , an initiative that will take place from January 27 to 30 in virtual format through the Zoom platform and that will have different sessions scheduled at 12:00 noon. The purpose of this event is to present the progress and results of the Supra-autonomous Operational Groups in which the Royal Federation participates and, therefore, the programme includes the presentation of these groups, as well as presentations by experts in innovation and a round of questions open to attendees. The first of these talks focuses on the BOVIEX 4.0 Operational Group and is entitled Technological Improvement in the Production of Extensive Bovine Livestock in Spain . The programme is as follows: 12:00 Presentation of project objectives , by Juan Mª Gallardo, technical director of RFEAGAS. 12:10 Extensive cattle farming: Keys to sustainable well-being , presented by Marta Elena Alonso, professor at the Department of Animal Production at the University of León. 12:30 Remote sensing to characterize the spatial and temporal evolution of pastures , with Julio Villodre, PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from AgriSat Iberia. The day will conclude with a round of questions to encourage the exchange of ideas and perspectives. ZOOM LINK

On December 17, the Ernest Lluc Hall of the Ministry of Health will host a conference organized by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on various aspects of the control of Listeria monocytogenes in food and the challenges it poses for food safety. Registrations are reopened due to increased capacity. A link to follow the event online will be published a few days before the event, for which registration is not required. Final program

New consumer trends are evolving rapidly, driven by changes in technology, sustainability and consumer preferences. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and mental and physical health is a priority, favoring the consumption of products that promote well-being, healthy foods and self-care experiences. New alternative ingredients are being introduced into food manufacturing, food analogues (meat) whose consumption is decreasing, as well as new cooking/consumption practices that could have a direct impact on consumer food safety. The webinar “Shelf life of food: adapting to new consumer trends” to be held on December 10 will present these changes in habits and new developments, as well as their associated microbiological and physical-chemical risks and how to deal with them. Goals To raise awareness about new purchasing, consumption and cooking habits, as well as new alternative ingredients and similar foods, according to the latest AINIA 2024 Barometer. To delve deeper into the microbiological risks associated with new food consumption trends. To delve deeper into the physical-chemical risks associated with new ingredients and analogous foods. Addressed to R&D and Quality technicians from food companies. Webinar for professionals only. Methodology 1h15 webinar, starting at 11:00 CET (Spanish time) and ending at 12:15. Registration closes on December 9th at 16:00 . After registering, you will receive a first confirmation email from us, and another from the GoToWebinar platform with the link to connect. If you have not received it the day before, please contact us. Program Introduction and presentation of the AINIA Consumer Barometer «Microbiological shelf-life studies. Risks associated with new consumption habits». Laura Verdú, Microbiology Laboratory. Food Quality and Safety, AINIA «Physical-chemical shelf-life studies. Stability of foods with new ingredients». Sandra Leiva, Chemical Laboratory. Food Quality and Safety, AINIA Questions and conclusions

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 co-funded European Partnerships are associations of national and regional R&D funders, research organisations and the European Commission. Their mission is to promote the advancement of science in specific sectors. Several partnerships have been launched in the field of agri-food, including FutureFoodS and Agroecology . One of its activities is to launch calls for funding for R&D&I projects in the agri-food sector through which both public and private institutions can obtain funding to participate in international R&D&I projects . Join us on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. , for an online event where the latest developments in these partnerships will be explained, as well as the conditions and requirements for Spanish institutions to participate in the first call for FutureFoodS and benefit from its financing grants. Join us via Teams: https://bit.ly/WebinarFutureFoodS

CARINA is a four-year transnational Innovation Action (until October 2026), supported by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme. The project focuses on new sustainable and diversified agricultural systems, including two new oilseed crops, carinata and camelina, capable of providing multiple low-iLUC feedstocks for the bio-based economy.