ModernAKIS promotes the digitalization and sustainability of the agri-food sector in Spain with two days of networking among professionals.

The Spanish 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 took place on October 22 and 30 , exploring the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) and its importance in ensuring that knowledge reaches all agri-food farms so that they can benefit from advances and improve their agricultural practices, sustainability and productivity .

Ultimately, these initial meetings were held under the title "Strengthening the Spanish AKIS: Systemic Approaches to Future Challenges in Agriculture" to promote modernization of the Spanish agri-food system.

First online session: Understanding AKIS and systems thinking in agriculture

On the opening day, October 22, attendees participated in an online session focused on deepening their knowledge of AKIS and the "systems 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 stakeholders: from representatives of regional governments 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 topics 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 results to optimize the impact of interventions in the sector.

Víctor Falguera, coordinator of CIDAF CAT and BioHubCat , addressed the challenges and complexities facing AKIS, such as the lack of synergies between public and private resources and regulations that do not always keep pace with innovation. According to Falguera, " systems thinking " is essential to addressing these challenges, as it allows for better identification and coordination of interactions between actors and overcomes 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 close of the online session, participants engaged in a group discussion to explore the significance of a systems approach in agriculture, identify key stakeholders for sustainability, and suggest improvements for small and medium-sized farms. Among the conclusions, participants highlighted the need to reduce bureaucracy, promote ongoing training, and present digital tools as a support, not a means of control.

In-person 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) , emphasized the importance of placing farmers at the center of knowledge transfer. He stressed the need to "translate" technical knowledge into a language accessible to producers and pointed to field demonstration sessions 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 , offered an overview of the Spanish AKIS and explained the functions of the new AKIS Coordination Body. This body, composed of the 17 autonomous communities and other national stakeholders, coordinates access to knowledge and collaborates on European projects such as EUFarmbook and ModernAKIS. According to Romero, the Spanish AKIS is fragmented, reflecting the country's decentralization, but also represents an opportunity for sector stakeholders 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 Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) to support agri-food advisors. This platform offers training resources, news, digital tools, and connection spaces for professionals who support farmers in implementing innovations at akisplataforma.es . Free registration allows you to access various benefits, such as access to the full content of the lists and visibility of your company, entity, or professional in this "who's who" of the sector.

The event concluded with a presentation by José Miguel Altelarrea on the Tuber Label Operational Group , whose objective is to improve the competitiveness of the truffle sector through collaboration across the value chain. This project has implemented a market 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® environment, participants built models that symbolized the connections between the stakeholders, exploring each individual's contributions to the system. The day concluded with an innovations showcase at La Vega Innova, where attendees were able to see demonstrations of irrigation technologies and other advancements in the test fields.

These first sessions of the ModernAKIS project lay the foundation for a Spanish AKIS that promotes digitalization, 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 modernize and respond to future challenges.