ModernAKIS promotes the digitalization and sustainability of the agri-food sector in Spain with two days of connection between professionals

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) , within the framework of the European ModernAKIS project , has launched a Community of Practice (CoP) that seeks to modernize the agri-food production system in Spain with the aim of facilitating farmers' access to knowledge, innovation and digitalization . The first sessions of this CoP were held on October 22 and 30 , exploring the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), and its importance for knowledge to reach all agri-food farms so that they can benefit from advances and improve their agricultural practices, sustainability and productivity .

In short, under the title “Strengthening the Spanish AKIS: Systemic Approaches for Future Challenges in Agriculture” , these first meetings have been held to promote modernization in the Spanish agri-food system.

First online workshop: understanding AKIS and systemic thinking in agriculture

On the opening day, on October 22, attendees participated in an online session aimed at deepening their understanding of AKIS and the "systemic thinking" approach. Juan Pedro Romero Trueba , representative of MAPA , opened the event by presenting the CoP as a platform for creating added value in the agri-food sector. According to Romero, the CoP will act as a think tank for the AKIS Coordinating Body in Spain , generating debates, learning and synergies between various actors: from representatives of regional administrations and agri-food cooperatives to NGOs, universities, technology platforms and agrotech companies. These meetings, which will be held twice a year, seek to create a space for networking and collaboration that addresses issues such as governance, advice on sustainable practices, access to knowledge and education .

The session continued with a presentation by Rebeca Díez , from the FEUGA team, who detailed the objectives of the ModernAKIS project . According to Díez, the goal is to create a European AKIS network through the digital platform akisconnect.eu, which will provide tools and methodologies to strengthen the agricultural innovation system in Europe. This project not only facilitates the exchange of experiences between countries , but also measures the results to optimize the impact of interventions in the sector.

Victor Falguera, coordinator of CIDAF CAT and BioHubCat , addressed the challenges and complexities faced by AKIS, such as the lack of synergies between public and private resources, and regulations that do not always keep pace with the pace of innovation. According to Falguera, “ systemic thinking ” is essential to address these challenges, as it allows for better identification and coordination of interactions between actors and overcoming traditional barriers between disciplines and sectors. Falguera shared the Food Systems Map of Catalonia as an example of how this approach can facilitate the visualization of connections in the agri-food value chain.

At the end of the online session, participants developed a group dynamic to explore the meaning of the systemic approach in agriculture, identify key actors for sustainability and suggest improvements for small and medium-sized farms. Among the conclusions, the need to reduce bureaucracy, promote continuous training and present digital tools as a support, not as a means of control, was highlighted.

Face-to-face meeting at La Vega Innova: towards identification and positioning in the Spanish AKIS

On October 30 , the event continued with an in-person session at La Vega Innova , which aimed to train attendees to identify their role within the Spanish AKIS and recognize the connections within this system.

Javier Alejandre , representative of the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers (UPA) , stressed the importance of placing the farmer at the centre of knowledge transfer. Alejandre stressed the need to “translate” technical knowledge into a language accessible to producers, and pointed to demonstration days in the field as one of the most effective forms of knowledge transfer. He also drew attention to resistance to change and the lack of field technicians, factors that hinder the adoption of innovation.

Juan Pedro Romero , from MAPA , gave an overview of the Spanish AKIS and explained the functions of the new AKIS Coordinating Body. This body, made up of the 17 autonomous communities and other national actors, coordinates access to knowledge and collaborates on European projects such as EUFarmbook and ModernAKIS. According to Romero, the Spanish AKIS is fragmented, which reflects the country's decentralisation, but also represents an opportunity for actors in the sector to contribute based on their specific needs.

The day also included a presentation by Carlos Salamanca Fresno on the AKIS Advisors Platform , a tool promoted by the MAPA to support agri-food advisors. This platform offers training resources, news, digital tools and connection spaces for professionals who support farmers in the implementation of innovations on akisplataforma.es . With free registration, you can access different advantages such as access to the entire content of the lists or the visibility of your own company, entity or professional in this “who's who” of the sector.

The event ended with a presentation by José Miguel Altelarrea on the Tuber Label Operating Group , whose objective is to improve the competitiveness of the truffle sector through collaboration in the value chain. This project has implemented a “Fair” that allows producers to obtain a fair price at source, thanks to cooperation and a positioning strategy.

Building and networking to strengthen AKIS connections

In a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® dynamic, participants built models that symbolized the connections between the actors present, exploring the contributions of each one to the system. The day closed with an innovation showroom at La Vega Innova, where attendees were able to see demonstrations of irrigation technologies and other advances in the test fields.

These first sessions of the ModernAKIS project lay the foundations for a Spanish AKIS that promotes digitalisation, sustainability and collaboration . Through the CoP, MAPA seeks to create an environment where knowledge flows efficiently to all corners of the agri-food sector, helping farms to modernise and respond to the challenges of the future.