Events

The European SOILGUARD project will hold its final online webinar on May 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will provide the latest update on the project's findings and results, followed by an open discussion to jointly assess overall progress over the years: from engagement strategies to knowledge sharing. As SOILGUARD draws to a close, this webinar will help us shape the project's impacts and legacy. Your participation and feedback are essential to concluding this collaborative journey and to assisting and supporting future soil-related research projects. Program: Introduction and welcome Opening remarks by Marion Picot, Secretary General of CEJA SOILGUARD Findings and Results Question and Answer Session Presentation of the SOILGUARDIANS app, which integrates the project's results and offers practical and direct access to the knowledge generated. Soil Health Assessment: The Future Soil Monitoring Law Open debate on the collaborative trip 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

The Fertiberia Chair of Agro-Environmental Studies will hold its 16th conference on April 10th under the theme "Healthy Soils for Productive and Climate-Resilient Agriculture." The event, which will take place at the ETSIAAB (Educational Institute of Agriculture and Fisheries) in Madrid, seeks to explore innovative strategies and technologies that improve agricultural productivity without compromising soil health or the sector's profitability. It will feature the participation of leading experts and an institutional address by Elena Busutil , Director General of Agricultural Production and Markets at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food . During the conference, key topics will be addressed, such as the role of carbon in agricultural soils , the importance of the microbiome for fertility , and the impact of microorganism-based fertilizers on human health. Additionally, specialists from institutions such as CEBAS-CSIC , the University of Lisbon , and the Ministry of Health will share their knowledge on biotechnology and soil regeneration. An innovative soil digitization project in Spain using artificial intelligence will also be presented. The event will conclude with a presentation by Augusto Arce , director of the Fertiberia Chair , and a cocktail reception to encourage the exchange of ideas among attendees. Moderated by Luis Montoto Rojo , this event will establish itself as a leading forum for discussing agricultural sustainability and soil conservation in the context of climate change. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

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 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

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 objective of this technical workshop is to deepen knowledge of the mechanisms that facilitate soil improvement, the factors that increase organic matter, understand how they work and how we can enhance them, as well as point out which practices can be negative. The results of studies on vineyard soil management, carried out by INCAVI, will be presented with the aim of defining sustainable strategies that promote the quality of grapes and wine. IRTA will consider introducing new molecular analysis technologies that allow us to understand soil biology, better understand how it works, and improve its management. Furthermore, the natural mechanisms that plants use to obtain nutrients and other benefits through active exchanges with soil microbiology will be presented. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

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

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.

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.