News

• The publication includes 24 projects that stand out for the triple profitability they have demonstrated in rural areas: economic, environmental and social.

• These projects have proven to be profitable through diversification, partnerships, excellence, or the circular economy

• The publication includes experiences supported by European funds EAFRD or EAGF

How do you build a rural business that is sustainable in every sense? The new report published by the CAP Network – a report on good business practices and agri-food projects in rural areas – offers 24 real-world examples of projects that have achieved triple bottom line profitability: economic, environmental, and social. These projects inspire and demonstrate that the future of rural areas lies in innovation, cooperation, and the intelligent use of resources.

Each project is presented with a complete technical sheet , photographs and an in-depth interview with those responsible, to learn firsthand how they have achieved business stability in their businesses.

Innovation, diversification and partnerships: keys to growth and sustainability

The report shows how many initiatives have found diversification and networking to be the formula for ensuring their viability. From family farms that have incorporated agritourism to cooperatives that have opened new lines of business, these cases reflect that unity and innovation are drivers of rural development.

Projects like Los Caserinos   (Asturias) have transformed their dairy farm into an organic cheese factory and incorporated agritourism—through a school farm—as a business line, demonstrating that diversification is key to economic stability. Similarly, Finca Enxebreza (Lugo) has combined extensive livestock farming with technological innovation using drones and GPS collars to improve grazing management.

The Viver Cooperative (Castellón) is a prime example of how unity is strength: it has expanded its operations to include supermarkets, renewable energy projects, and services for members, generating employment and boosting the local economy. Mutur Beltz (Vizcaya) also stands out, having revived the Carranzana sheep (a Basque breed in danger of extinction) through cultural and tourism initiatives in collaboration with local producers.

Excellence and circular economy to generate value

Other projects have embraced quality and sustainability as their defining characteristics. Examples such as the transformation of by-products into new resources or the application of technologies to optimize processes demonstrate that the circular economy is not just a trend, but a real opportunity for the agri-food sector.

Birbizi   (Navarra) has innovated in the production of functional beverages from agro-industrial by-products, reusing waste to create organic feed.

Similarly, projects like LLARETSS (Balearic Islands) are transforming wool, previously considered waste, into agricultural amendments and sustainable textile products.

European funds driving change

Behind these experiences lies a common element: the support of the EAFRD and EAGF funds, which have enabled the modernization of facilities, the incorporation of technology, and the opening of new markets. The importance of these funds is also reflected in the "Europe is felt" Awards , which year after year recognize exemplary projects financed by the CAP and which inspire all of Europe.

This report not only compiles best practices, but also offers ideas for those seeking to start businesses in rural areas with a comprehensive vision.