Line of action:

Terrestrial ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Execution date:

2025

End date:

2026 Related call

Among the actions of the project we find:

A first block includes basic and transversal training to address agricultural and livestock production with a holistic perspective and agroecological approach. An introductory course is proposed for those who approach organic farming, to learn about the dynamics of the agrosystem, first tools for resource management and knowledge of current legislation. In addition, a training on conversion to organic farming, for those interested in the process of conversion and certification of farms. To expand specific technical knowledge, two other actions are included. The soil is the protagonist of many elementary functions of the health of the agrosystem, offering training in fertility management and soil improvement in PE. And another activity on biological control. This is a topic of interest and constantly evolving, with new techniques available, which in the history of SEAE we have perceived as a good job niche for technicians and advisors. In addition, ecological agronomic management in greenhouses differs greatly from outdoor management. Sheltered horticulture continues to grow, particularly in the south-east of the peninsula, and deepening its agroecological management ensures environmentally friendly production, including specific training to address this type of management. Finally, we include a final training on agricultural policies and EP, which will cover issues such as eco-schemes, rights to basic payment, aid, and other issues of interest that have an impact on the daily decision-making of the farms, which will be carried out throughout the territory.

A second block will offer specific training focused on specific crops and livestock management. Fruit growing is the main sector in the country’s agriculture, with important social and territorial impacts. An action is included for the organic cultivation of fruit trees. In addition, specific training in organic avocado, an emerging crop in areas of Spain, the only European producing and exporting country, having multiplied its production by 3,800 in recent years, which highlights the need for specific training for its cultivation in a sustainable way and adapted to the territory. Vegetation covers have multiple functions in the agroecosystem, and there is growing interest among farmers to know how to manage them, their effectiveness and opt for the CAP eco-scheme. Thus, we include two specific trainings in the management of covers in citrus fruits and vineyards, crops of great relevance in our country. The olive grove is another main crop in the organic and growing sector. In the case of vineyards and olive groves, training courses are proposed that, in addition to production, also include organic oil production and oenology, respectively. A practice that has been spreading in our country is the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants (PAM). For PE, PAMs have ample possibilities and there is a strong demand for their products, so we include a specific action. We close this block with two actions of extensive and organic livestock, a sector of great value in Spanish agriculture that is at risk of disappearing, but increasingly valued for its ecosystem functions and product quality. The first is in the fundamentals of animal feeding, holistic management and advanced grazing planning. And a second in organic poultry farming, a strategic sector with great growth potential.

A third block dedicated to the production and transformation of organic products, essential to add value to production, but which continue to represent a very small percentage of the agri-food sector, being important to shorten the gap and improve the productivity and competitiveness of small companies. Actions will be carried out to acquire skills for the preparation and transformation of fruits and vegetables, cheeses and bread.

A fourth block will deal with cross-cutting needs to adapt to new times and markets. The organic food market is in full expansion and structuring, with enormous growth potential, and the variables of marketing, distribution, price, communication, and product are significantly different in this sector, which is why we include an introductory training in business management and marketing in PE. New technologies and digital tools can help small producers to improve the efficiency of their farms, so we add training to learn about and train in some of the existing digital tools for the sector.

Finally, we complete the programme with 4 advice/accompaniment to farmers and livestock breeders, on agricultural policies and their consequences for the EP: eco-schemes, rights to basic payment, aid, and other issues of interest that have an impact on the daily decision-making of the farms, which will be carried out throughout the territory.