BIOCULTIVA Operational Group: Alternative crops for the development of the bioeconomy in agro-rural environments in Spain affected by depopulation

Result 1 - Digitized database with key information on the main alternative industrial crops with bioeconomy potential in Spain. Literature review and technical-agronomic analysis of industrial crops with bioeconomy potential in Spain. Integration of the collected information into a digitized database to be shared on the project website, facilitating consultation by potential stakeholders.

Result 2 - Territorial map showing the agro-rural regions of Spain with potential for developing selected alternative industrial crops, according to agroecological, socioeconomic, and infrastructural criteria. Mapping of suitable areas for promoting alternative crops based on their climatic conditions and levels of depopulation. Identification of optimal areas for implementing alternative industrial crops.

Result 3 - Technical-comparative study of the agronomic and economic viability of the five selected alternative industrial crops. Technical-theoretical evaluation of the agronomic viability of moringa, okra, amaranth, chia, and dwarf palm. Comprehensive study of both agronomic viability and market potential.

Result 4 - Moringa, okra, amaranth, chia, and dwarf palm crops experimentally validated through pilot production trials. Trials in pilot facilities to evaluate the agroeconomic viability of each of the selected alternative crops. Experimental validation of moringa, okra, amaranth, chia, and dwarf palm in pilot production trials.

Outcome 5 - Design of technological routes and processes for obtaining bioactive ingredients/compounds of industrial interest. Selection of ingredients/compounds of industrial interest derived from moringa, okra, amaranth, chia, and dwarf palm. Evaluation of the methodologies and technological processes and obtaining the bioactive ingredients/compounds.

Result 6 - Physicochemical and nutritional characterization of the raw materials, ingredients, and/or bioactive compounds obtained from the crops and evaluation of their industrial and market potential. Physicochemical and nutritional analysis (pH, moisture, fiber content, etc.) of 5-10 samples from each of the 5 crops. Physicochemical and nutritional analysis of 20-30 samples from each of the 5 crops.

Outcome 7 - Business models and innovation dynamics to foster local entrepreneurship and diversification of agricultural activities in rural areas based on alternative bioeconomic crops. Dissemination sessions and workshops with farmers, cooperatives, agricultural businesses, local governments, and other stakeholders to present case studies of these crops and their potential. Activities to co-create local business models and promote entrepreneurship or diversification of agricultural activities in rural areas.

Outcome of Dissemination 1 - Digitized database with key information on the main alternative industrial crops with bioeconomy potential in Spain. The specific dissemination objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with bioeconomy potential. 2. To promote the replicability of the business models derived from the project. 3. To boost rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.

Outcome 2 - Territorial map showing the agro-rural regions of Spain with potential for developing alternative industrial crops. The specific objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with bioeconomy potential. 2. To promote the replicability of the business models derived from the project. 3. To boost rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.

Outcome 3 - Technical-comparative study of the agronomic and economic viability of the five selected alternative industrial crops. The specific objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with bioeconomy potential. 2. To promote the replicability of the business models derived from the project. 3. To boost rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.

Outcome 4 - Report on the results of pilot production trials for moringa, okra, amaranth, chia, and dwarf palm crops. The specific objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with bioeconomy potential. 2. To promote the replicability of the business models derived from the project. 3. To foster rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.

Outcome of Dissemination 5 - Design of technological routes and processes for obtaining bioactive ingredients/compounds of industrial interest. The specific objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with potential in the bioeconomy. 2. To promote the replicability of the business models derived from the project. 3. To boost rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.

Outcome 6 – Evaluation of the industrial and market potential of raw materials, ingredients, and/or bioactive compounds obtained from crops – including physicochemical and nutritional characterization. The specific objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with bioeconomy potential. 2. To promote the replicability of business models derived from the project. 3. To foster rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.

Outcome of Dissemination 7 - Business models and innovation dynamics in rural areas based on alternative bioeconomic crops. The specific objectives are: 1. To disseminate the knowledge generated on alternative crops with bioeconomic potential. 2. To promote the replicability of the business models derived from the project. 3. To boost rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. 4. To facilitate open access to the results through digital tools. 5. To gather feedback on the content produced and support continuous improvement.