• The two new dossiers, dedicated to livestock and agriculture respectively, collect the research carried out by institutions, companies and Operational Groups for rural development.
• Innovation is one of the fundamental pillars of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is used to ensure the sustainability of rural areas.

The PAC Network has published two dossiers compiling the work carried out by various research institutions, public administrations, private companies, and Operational Groups on rural development at the national and European levels.

The objective of these dossiers is to present real-life innovation practices so that those who use them can delve deeper into those of greatest interest for their use. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge from the research field to practical application in rural areas.

The publications compile a series of innovative research projects and initiatives that are the work of a diverse group of stakeholders — farmers, ranchers, foresters, agri-food and forestry industries, public and private R&D and training and advisory centres, technology centres, and non-profit associations — who come together to find a solution to a problem through the implementation of an innovative project, or to put an idea into practice to improve rural areas.

Dossiers

The two dossiers published by the PAC Network address some innovations in the livestock and agricultural sectors:

1. Dossier of innovative elements for improving the competitiveness and sustainability of livestock farms . The process of transformation and intensification experienced by the livestock sector in recent years has resulted in the creation and development of new production systems, which has allowed, among other things, to improve the economic profitability of farms. These innovations are not only reflected in new techniques or technologies , but also in transformations of production systems for the benefit of society and the environment.

Thus, the dossier compiles five elements of innovation in different areas of the sector that can serve as inspiration to other livestock farmers:

• Precision livestock farming and rotational grazing .
• Short marketing channels .
• Prevention against wolf attacks.
• Early detection of diseases .
• The management of excrement .

2. Dossier of innovative elements for improving the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural holdings . Today, agriculture must face challenges such as the scarcity of natural resources, the impact of climate change, and the growing demand for food. In order to mitigate the potential effects of these problems and also improve the productivity and competitiveness of agricultural production, a series of innovative elements have emerged, compiled in this dossier. These elements address three key pillars: adaptation to climate change and resource management, such as water in situations of scarcity or soil; partnerships ; and agricultural transformation focused on digitalization and plant biotechnology for sustainability.

Each dossier explains the technologies and tools available to implement each innovation presented, as well as specific examples of practices that have resulted in successful experiences.

Innovation

Innovation remains one of the priorities of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 . These innovative measures contribute to environmental protection and promote farm competitiveness and profitability. The main instrument for accelerating and promoting innovation in rural areas is the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP - agri ). EIP-agri also aims to help create robust knowledge flows to connect the various stakeholders in rural areas .

Another tool used by the PAC Network as a meeting point and exchange of knowledge on innovation in Spain is the AKIS Advisors Platform. (an acronym for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems). This program, created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, disseminates new discoveries in the agricultural sector from research centers to farms.