The Board approves the creation of the Andalusian Academy of Agriculture

Source: Regional Government of Andalusia

• The entity will be based in Almería and will promote research, innovation and knowledge transfer in the agricultural sector.

The Governing Council has approved the decree creating the Andalusian Academy of Agriculture, headquartered at the Almería Science and Technology Park (PITA), and its integration into the Institute of Academies of Andalusia. The new institution aims to foster innovation in agriculture, promote and facilitate knowledge transfer, contribute to the dissemination and enhancement of the scientific, human, and cultural heritage linked to Andalusian agriculture, act as an independent scientific and technical advisory body, and promote the comprehensive, sustainable, and strategic development of the agricultural sector in Andalusia.

Furthermore, in accordance with its statutes—also approved by the Andalusian Government—the Academy, which will be registered in the Electronic Registry of Agents of the Andalusian Knowledge System, will have among its functions the research and analysis, from an interdisciplinary perspective, of lines of innovation and scientific-technological development that contribute to the progress of agriculture. It will also prepare and publish reports, opinions, and documents of technical and strategic analysis; it may establish and award prizes, scholarships, distinctions, and recognitions; and it will actively collaborate in the implementation of plans and programs for innovation, modernization, and knowledge transfer.

As for its composition, it initially consists of 15 full members, which may be increased to 20, and who must hold a doctoral degree in areas related to agricultural sciences, agricultural engineering, biotechnology, or the environment. It will also include corresponding and honorary members. The latter will be appointed from among individuals of outstanding prestige who have made significant contributions to the development, promotion, or protection of agriculture.

The Andalusian Academy of Agriculture, whose governing bodies are the Presidency, the General Secretariat, the Treasury, the Plenary Assembly, and the Governing Board, will be comprised of five sections: Dissemination and Scientific Culture of Agriculture; Research, Development, and Innovation in the Agri-food Sector; Agricultural Training and Capacity Building; Transfer of Agricultural Knowledge; and Collaboration and Institutional Relations. Likewise, permanent or temporary committees may be created to investigate or scientifically address specific issues or thematic aspects where the institution's opinion is relevant.

Furthermore, it will establish permanent channels of collaboration with the Andalusian Regional Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, as well as with the professional associations of agricultural engineers and agricultural technical engineers, promoting joint initiatives that contribute to the development, modernization, and strengthening of the Andalusian agricultural sector. It will also maintain relationships with universities, especially those in Andalusia, that teach or conduct research in the field of agricultural sciences, through the exchange of staff, joint activities, the promotion of scholarships, and co-participation in research or scientific outreach projects.

Academies are public law corporations with their own legal personality, dedicated primarily to promoting research, development and innovation, as well as, specifically, to promoting and disseminating knowledge in any of its forms.