PROLEGARA Operational Group: Promoting the cultivation and marketing of unique legumes from Aragon
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2024 -2027
- Assigned Budget 83.646,22 €
- Scope Autonómico
- Autonomous community Aragón
PROLEGARA aims to promote Aragon's unique legumes. New varieties are planned, along with optimized cultivation through field trials and a manual, as well as shared machinery. The main benefit is diversification with crops of high ecological value. The results will be used to increase profitability, access niche markets, and preserve local biodiversity.
The application of the knowledge generated by PROLEGARA offers farmers several benefits: Increased farm competitiveness through the valorization of legume biodiversity in Aragon. Increased profitability due to the production and marketing of traditional legume varieties. Access to specialized markets, due to the excellent nutritional and organoleptic qualities of some traditional legume varieties. Greater production efficiency through the shared use of agricultural machinery. Increased land area dedicated to legume cultivation. Reduced dependence on external inputs (fertilizers and plant protection products). Improved soil fertility.
The PROLEGARA project focuses on promoting the cultivation and marketing of unique legumes from Aragon.
The PROLEGARA project is in its initial phase. Progress has been made in the selection, multiplication, and experimentation of unique legumes. A database of legume varieties from Aragon conserved in the CITA Germplasm Bank was created. The conservation status and availability of each variety was identified, and those with the greatest agronomic and commercial potential were selected for trials in experimental plots managed by Gardeniers and Apadrina un Olivo. Agronomic data was collected, and an agronomic user manual was developed. The project has a broad impact on farmers, cooperatives, the agri-food industry, and rural regions. Communication meetings have been held, and logo designs have been commissioned. A presentation day is currently underway.
- Activity 1:
- Agronomic Activity: Selection, Multiplication, and Trials of Unique Legume Varieties from Aragon: Analysis and Initial Selection: The current state of legume cultivation was analyzed, and varieties from the BGHZ-CITA (Horticultural Germplasm Bank of the Center for Agrifood Research and Technology of Aragon) were selected for testing. 724 legume samples were reviewed and cataloged, classifying them into original and multiplied seeds. The selection was carried out in a participatory manner between CITA and producers.
- Variety Multiplication: The selected varieties were multiplied in the CITA experimental plot to obtain sufficient seed for the trials. In addition, a primary seed characterization was performed.
- Field Trials: Trials are being conducted in different locations in Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel to evaluate the performance of legumes under local conditions. Crop monitoring is conducted, recording sowing and harvesting dates, treatments, irrigation, pest and disease incidence, and production estimates.
- Quality Analysis: Quality parameters of the tested legumes will be analyzed, such as water content, lipids, protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and caloric value.
- Bases for the Agronomic Use Manual: Agronomic management data will be collected to develop an "Agronomic Use Manual" to support other producers.
- Activity 2:
- Boosting the Marketing of Unique Legumes from Aragon:
- Creation of an Association: The creation of an "Association of Producers and Marketers of Unique Legumes of Aragon" will be promoted.
- Legal Analysis: A legal analysis will be conducted to determine the best marketing formula for legumes.
- Variety Registration: Procedures will be initiated for registering the most important varieties as "Conservation Varieties."
- Resource and Machinery Network: A "Shared Machinery Network" will be established to facilitate farmers' access to resources. Technical exchange sessions with producers from other autonomous communities are planned.
- Outreach Activities: Development of the project's image. Development of content for the website and media. Organization of presentation and culinary events in Huesca, Teruel, and Zaragoza. Organization of meetings to share resources and tools. Outreach activities in agricultural schools and training centers. Management and Coordination: Group coordination meetings to address technical and administrative aspects. Monitoring of schedules and budgets.
The PROLEGARA project promotes the cultivation of Aragonese legumes. It addresses the shortage of producers, the loss of biodiversity, and the lack of machinery. Seeds are being multiplied, and a machinery network and a producers' association are being created to promote their commercialization.
The main benefit is diversification with high ecological value crops. The results can be used to increase profitability, access niche markets, and preserve local biodiversity.
The application of the knowledge generated by PROLEGARA offers farmers several benefits: Increased farm competitiveness through the valorization of legume biodiversity in Aragon. Increased profitability due to the production and marketing of traditional legume varieties. Access to specialized markets, due to the excellent nutritional and organoleptic qualities of some traditional legume varieties. Greater production efficiency through the shared use of agricultural machinery. Increased land area dedicated to legume cultivation. Reduced dependence on external inputs (fertilizers and plant protection products). Improved soil fertility.
- Coordinator/entity name: GARDENIERS SL
- Postal address: Ctra. Cogullada, 65 Calle-K, Nave - 4
- Coordinator/entity email: notificaciones.gardeniers@atades.org
- Telephone: 876551555
- GARDENIERS S.L.
- MENSA CIVICA (info@mensacivica.com)
- Asociación para la recuperación de olivos Yermos de Oliete (sira@apadrinaunolivo.org)
- CITA - Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (mgutierrezl@cita-aragon.es)
- FITA - Fundación de Innovación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria de Aragón (info@fita-aragon.es)
- GARDENIERS S.L.
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