Events

The international IFFA trade fair, recognised as the leading event in meat and alternative protein technology, will open its doors from 3 to 8 May in Frankfurt. This event brings together experts from the food industry from around the world to present the latest innovations in processing, packaging and marketing of meat products and alternative proteins. With almost 50,000 visitors at its last edition, it is considered one of the most important in its sector. What can you see at IFFA? Advances in plant-based proteins, hybrids and cultured meat . Innovative processes for more sustainable and healthy food . New trends in ingredients and production technology .

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the world's largest seafood trade event. Buyers, suppliers, media, and other seafood industry professionals from 152 countries attend the expo. Attendees come to meet with suppliers, research new products, and network with other industry professionals. It is the global meeting point for the seafood industry, where innovation in the food sector also takes center stage, with examples of robotics, conservation research, and new packaging.

Avocado cultivation continues to grow in Spain thanks to the professionalization of the sector. The 4th Avocado Technical Conference, organized by the Interempresas Group and TROPS, will cover topics such as the evolution of the Avocado and Mango Interprofessional Association, plant health, and cultivation in Levante. The development of digital solutions in the agricultural sector will also be addressed. This year, the event will be held in the Valencian Community, one of the country's main production areas. The Port of Valencia facilities will bring together industry professionals to discuss the profitability and potential for crop improvement, as well as facilitate the establishment of key market contacts. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

EXPOVICAMAN , the Agricultural and Livestock Fair of Castilla-La Mancha, celebrates its 41st edition in 2025. It is, without a doubt, the most important agricultural and livestock fair in Castilla-La Mancha, and one of the most important nationwide. To continue writing its own history, EXPOVICAMAN once again chooses the Albacete Fairgrounds as the venue for the event. The venue, as we already know, was created to host the city's agricultural and livestock fair, making it the most emblematic and unique space to host this fair. A perfect fusion of tradition and innovation that will make this fair, once again, the most important event in the sector in our region. https://expovicaman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EXPOVICAMAN-DOSSIER-2025.pdf

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

The event will allow participants to learn about the latest technologies in the control and automation of agricultural machinery for herbaceous and woody crops , as well as systems for managing inputs (fertilizer and phytosanitary products) tailored to the needs of each area of the land, in what is globally known as "Variable Dosing" (DV) , in addition to new technologies in harvesting, sensors installed in machines and robotics. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION Application period open until 01/05 incl .

On May 8, Brussels will host the "Vision for Agriculture and Food" Conference at The Square. Under the theme "Shaping the Future of Agriculture and the Agri-Food Sector," the event will bring together key stakeholders from the European agri-food sector, civil society, rural communities, and policymakers. The conference aims to strengthen consensus around the vision for the future of EU agriculture and its roadmap, discuss key initiatives, and collaborate on the future direction of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027. Plenary sessions will be streamed online without registration. The "Vision for Food and Agriculture" initiative seeks to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector by ensuring a stable food supply in the EU. It is based on the report of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture and consultations with the European Agriculture and Food Council. The event will take place at La Plaza, Mont des Arts, Brussels, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CEST). Wide participation, both in person and online, is expected for this key event for the future of European agriculture. Social media: #EUAgriVision | @euagrifood

On May 8 , the town of Alcañiz , Teruel, will host a new edition of CULTIVA 2025 , the Winter Grain Transfer Conference , a landmark event on the national agricultural calendar. Held on an irrigated farm, the event will bring together more than a thousand industry professionals to learn firsthand about the latest innovations in grain cultivation. Organized with the support of the Arax Network and the Agro-Food Cooperatives of Aragon , CULTIVA has established itself as the leading platform for the transfer of agricultural knowledge in the cereal sector. Technicians , farmers , researchers , and companies will gather at this event, which combines field trials, technology exhibitions, and opportunities for dialogue on sustainability, productivity, and digitalization in the agricultural sector. CULTIVA 2025 will once again be a key venue for discovering the most advanced solutions in varieties, fertilization, plant health, and agronomic management, with the aim of boosting the competitiveness of cereal farms, especially in irrigated areas. Attendance at the event is free and represents a unique opportunity to stay up-to-date and connect with key players in the agri-food sector.

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

The Spanish Society of Organic Agriculture and Agroecology (SEAE) is organizing its 2025 Technical Conference on May 9 and 10 at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Girona (UdG), in collaboration with the university's Department of Geography and the UdG Agroecology Association. The event will be broadcast live on the SEAE YouTube channel. Under the theme "Ecoterritories for Climate Resilience," the meeting will address experiences, practices, and models of sustainable agri-food production and consumption that promote resilience in territories vulnerable to climate change, from an agroecological perspective. The event on Friday, May 9, will begin with an institutional opening and a conference on the results of the EcoTerres project . Throughout the day, thematic panels will include sociopolitical barriers to resilience, rights and multi-stakeholder cooperation , and successful experiences in eco-territories. An open forum and participatory sessions with the SEAE community will also be held. Saturday, May 10, will be dedicated to technical visits to agroecological initiatives in La Vall d'en Bas, including a presentation on the impact of climate change on agricultural systems by Roberto Ruiz de Arcaute (SEAE-NEIKER), followed by a lunch featuring local products and visits to leading farms. These conferences are designed as a space for meeting and exchange among professionals, researchers, public entities, and local stakeholders committed to the agroecological transition and sustainability.

The VOLTAGRO operational group (Study of the integration of photovoltaic production systems in irrigated crops, managed by intelligent irrivoltaic management systems) plans to carry out an outreach activity within the framework of the Castilla-La Mancha Agricultural and Livestock Fair (EXPOVICAMAN) on Saturday, May 10, during fair hours. With the participation of COAGACART (Cooperative of farmers and ranchers of Campo de Cartagena), the planned program includes: - Screening of the informative video - Distribution of graphic materials for dissemination More information: info@coagacart.com

Aimed at rural professionals, the Spanish Society of Organic Agriculture (SEAE) has organized a field day dedicated to "Crop Rotation and Interaction as a Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change." This activity will take place in Girona and will address, among other topics: Impact of climate change on agricultural systems. Vulnerability and management strategies and crop rotations for resilience. Principles of pasture and forage rotation. Crop association for animal feed. This is a free day with limited seating, including a bus ride and lunch. The bus departs from the Girona Bus Station at 9:00 a.m. This is an activity within the EEAS Program "Climate Change Adaptation Strategies through Organic Production and Agroecology," funded within the framework of the CAP Strategic Plan, co-financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) at 57% and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) at 43%.

The subtropical fruit sector will meet on May 13 and 14 at the technical conference "Innovations and Challenges in Plant Health of Subtropical Fruit Trees," organized by Phytoma in collaboration with TROPS and the Regional Government of Andalusia. This essential event will bring together researchers, technicians, advisors, companies, and public administrations to address the main health challenges of these crops and share the latest technological and sustainable management solutions. With an intensive and highly specialized program , the sessions will feature more than 30 top-level speakers, covering everything from integrated pest management in avocado, mango, papaya, and custard apple crops to the most advanced early detection techniques, biological control, and semiochemical applications. Key topics such as functional biodiversity, technical advice, and the impact of new regulations on integrated production will also be discussed. Among the highlights of the 13th: The economic impact of pests and diseases on subtropical fruit trees Regulations and standards for integrated production in Andalusia and the Canary Islands Real-life cases of biological control, mango scale insect management, and avocado diseases New developments in tools such as real-time qPCR , stress sensors, or semiochemicals Three roundtables for technical debate among leading professionals The 14th will focus on ecosystem services: Management of plant cover and pollination in avocado New strategies for biological control and soil biodiversity Emerging cases such as Scirtothrips or Euwallacea fornicatus A final roundtable discussion with advisors and technicians will discuss the challenges facing current plant health: lack of plant protection products, distribution requirements, agro-environmental measures, etc. The sessions will be held at the TROPS Innovation Center , with dedicated moments for professional networking. Finally, an optional guided tour of the TROPS facilities will be offered. Price: Approximately between 100 and 200 euros, depending on the category of entry. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

As part of the "CIHEAM Zaragoza-Aula Dei Campus Conferences" series, Rosa Gallardo Cobos , director of the International Chair of Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture at the University of Córdoba (Spain), will offer the lecture "Challenges of digitalization to promote sustainable food systems." In the current context, marked by a dizzying technological revolution, digital tools in general, and artificial intelligence in particular, offer enormous potential for making better-informed decisions that improve profitability, resource efficiency, quality, market positioning, logistics, and consumer guarantees. REGISTRATION

From May 13 to 15 , the BEC in Bilbao will become the epicenter of food innovation with the celebration of Food 4 Future – Expo FoodTech 2025 , the event that brings together the most cutting-edge leaders, visionaries and companies in the sector to create the future of food . More than an exhibition, Food 4 Future is a transformative journey toward a more sustainable, technological, and innovative food industry, where attendees can discover concrete solutions to adapt their businesses to the new challenges of the global market. Over three intense days, food and beverage industry professionals will be able to: 🔹 Discover cutting-edge technologies in automation, robotics, packaging, air conditioning, refrigeration, agritech, and Industry 4.0. 🔹 Connect with industry leaders , share experiences, and generate key synergies to drive the digital transformation of your companies. 🔹 Access personalized content for every professional profile, from CEOs to those responsible for innovation, production, quality, and logistics. 🔹 Explore new trends such as plant-based foods, personalization, food safety, consumer well-being, and new food sources. Food 4 Future is positioned as the only event in Europe that covers the entire food industry supply chain , offering an agenda tailored to every need and an environment where technological innovation and sustainability converge to redefine the sector. 📅 Dates and times: 🗓 May 13 and 14: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 🗓 May 15: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 📍 Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC) Food 4 Future – Expo FoodTech 2025 aims to highlight a movement toward a more efficient, digital, safe, and sustainable food industry.

The upcoming edition of the Expoliva International Scientific, Technical and Knowledge Transfer Symposium , which is being held for the twenty-second time within the framework of EXPOLIVA 2025, is consolidating its position as the main meeting point for researchers, technicians, and professionals in the world of olive groves and olive oil. Organized by the Olive Grove Foundation, the event will address the challenges and opportunities of the sector with a firm commitment to sustainability, health, and innovation. With more than three decades of history, this forum has become a benchmark for knowledge exchange and the promotion of advanced technologies in the olive oil sector. The 2025 edition will also be notable for the participation of several operational groups that will showcase their results during the symposium. These include the GO Simbioliva (Simbioliva Group) in a dedicated program space, along with innovative projects for the olive and olive oil sectors. The symposium thus reaffirms its role as a platform of excellence for connecting science, technology, and sustainable development around olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and an economic engine for many regions. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

Expoliva 2025: The great event for the global olive sector The International Olive Oil and Related Industries Fair, Expoliva, is celebrating its 22nd edition from May 14 to 17. This event, considered the most important in the sector worldwide, aims to boost the olive oil economy by promoting trade between producers and consumers. With an estimated attendance of 50,000 professionals at each edition, Expoliva is not only a commercial showcase but also a leading forum in key areas such as research, health, and technology applied to olive groves. Throughout the fair, conferences, seminars, and scientific meetings will be held to address the sector's challenges and opportunities. Key topics of Expoliva 2025: Smart agriculture and its impact on production. Utilization of olive by-products for a circular economy. Quality and innovation , essential elements for the competitiveness of olive oil. Internationalization and export , keys to market expansion. Strengthening domestic consumption by promoting the olive oil culture. Gastronomy and new trends in cooking with olive oil. Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its implications for the sector. Environment and sustainability , the priority focus of this edition. This year, Expoliva will place special emphasis on the sustainability of olive groves , highlighting the need for them to be a profitable and sustainable crop from three perspectives: economic, ensuring the viability of farms; innovative, optimizing scarce resources like water; and environmental, ensuring biodiversity and respect for the natural environment.

The Teruel town of Blancas will host a transfer event focused on the cultivation of Brassica Carinata , an oilseed plant with great potential as a sustainable agricultural alternative and source of biomass. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature the participation of Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Aragón , Cereales Teruel Sociedad Cooperativa, and Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España , who will present the European CARINA project . This initiative seeks to promote and encourage the cultivation of carinata in rural areas as a viable and environmentally friendly option. During the event, key aspects related to the agronomic management of carinata will be discussed, its evolution during the current campaign will be analyzed, and a farmer will share his experience with this crop. The activity is aimed at farmers , technicians, and agricultural professionals interested in incorporating innovative and sustainable crops adapted to the conditions of the Aragonese region. About the CARINA project Funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program, the CARINA project focuses on the development of emerging crops such as carinata and camelina. These oilseeds stand out for their low impact on indirect land use change (ILUC) and their suitability for generating sustainable raw materials for the bioeconomy. In addition to its applications in the production of oils and biobased products such as bioplastics, bioherbicides, and biostimulants, the project also contemplates the use of crop byproducts, such as protein-rich meal for livestock use and valuable compounds extracted from the mucilages and glucosinolates present in the seeds.

FUTURAL (Powering the Future through Smart and Innovative Solutions for Rural Areas) is an EU-funded innovation project led by the Agricultural University of Athens, involving 21 partners from across Europe. The project seeks to test and pilot a set of community-led social, technological, and business innovations designed to generate lasting change through collaboration with rural communities. In this context, the project will organize its first EU-wide Rural Innovation Forum , a two-day networking event bringing together stakeholders from the rural ecosystem (such as FUTURAL multi-stakeholder pilot projects -MAPs-, rural innovators, rural networks, policy makers and implementers, EU-funded projects, organizations and entrepreneurs) with the aim of laying the groundwork for capacity building and experience sharing on smart community-led innovation in rural areas. Goals To increase the capacity of rural communities to implement and adopt social, technological, and commercial innovations by organizing a series of workshops on capacity development and policy and governance frameworks. Present and share experiences of co-creating innovations in multi-stakeholder pilot projects (MAPs). Introducing the Alpha version of the FUTURAL Smart Solutions and Metasearch Platform. Maximize interaction and knowledge exchange among FUTURAL's MAPs, partners, and participating experts within and outside the project. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

On May 16, 2025 , the OCA Puerta del Camino Hotel in Santiago de Compostela will host the 1st Congress of Young People and Women in the Agri-Food and Forestry Sector , an initiative promoted by Unións Agrarias-UPA that will bring together more than a hundred participants in a key event to address the future of rural areas. This in-person conference, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , aims to raise awareness about the abandonment of rural areas and agroforestry activities , one of the determining factors in the depopulation process affecting many areas of the country. The event also seeks to offer innovative solutions and management practices aimed at halting this abandonment , with special emphasis on new formulas for generational transfer and farm succession . The conference is part of a biannual program, which includes a second edition of the congress in May 2026 , and responds to the need to highlight the key role of youth and women in revitalizing rural areas and strengthening the agri-food and forestry sectors. This meeting will be an opportunity to share experiences, access up-to-date knowledge, and create networks that promote the sustainable future of rural Galicia and the entire region. Registration is full, but a waiting list is available. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION