• The RRN is organizing a virtual meeting between Operational Groups and Innovative Projects to improve the management of livestock farms from an environmental, economic, and technological perspective.

• During the meeting, participants were able to exchange knowledge on the use of new technologies and innovative techniques that increase profitability, sustainability, and efficiency in livestock farm management.

Innovation is a key element in improving the management and profitability of livestock farms, as well as their adaptation to the environmental framework of sustainability and the climate change scenario. The meeting presented the new management framework for livestock farms , which regulates issues such as farm registration, zootechnical and health infrastructure, and existing animal welfare and environmental regulations. Various initiatives were also presented, such as the " farm to fork " strategy focused on the circular economy.

Thematic work rooms

The exchange was structured through the launch of three virtual work rooms, where nine Operational Groups and Innovative Projects from the regional, national, and European levels were presented. Participants shared initiatives, results, progress, and experiences in implementing improvements in livestock farm management, focusing on three themes: Quality and economic improvements on farms; Sustainability of livestock farms; and Innovation and advice in livestock farm management .

Room 1: Quality and economic improvements in livestock farms

Participants : “ Economic improvement in suckler cow farms ” , “ selection of Duroc pigs for a pork production model ” and “optimization of beef production, higher differentiated quality”.

Projects and conclusions : The projects presented at this panel focused on improving reproduction, genetic selection, and the valorization of extensive livestock farming and native breeds, through the use of new technologies to optimize the differentiated quality of derived products, such as, for example, superior quality meat.

Among the challenges posed, the key role of extensive livestock farming in Spain and its recognition as a distinctive and territorial seal of quality were highlighted. However, the need to modernize the sector through greater support and recognition within the new CAP 2021-2027 was also emphasized. Furthermore, the involvement of livestock farmers in sector innovation is revealed to be a key element of the strategy to establish a population and ensure generational renewal in a sector that is increasingly experiencing fewer new entrants.

Room 2: Improving the sustainability of farms

Participants : Environmental and territorial rationalization of beef production ; the application of grazing in the Sierra de Madrid ; and EXTRAPASTO: strategies for the competitiveness and sustainability of Galician shepherds .

Papers and Conclusions : This panel addressed issues such as the importance of environmental and economic sustainability for livestock farms, and also highlighted various good practices and research results that are environmentally friendly and economically and socially sustainable. There was also room for discussion on the various environmental regulations and the importance of fostering dialogue between local governments and agricultural offices to transfer knowledge to the local community.

Room 3: Innovation and advice on farm management

Participants : Innovation in livestock management in the sheep sector in the Balearic Islands ; the implementation of an advisory system for the sustainable management of Andalusian goats ; and finally , European research leading to the Chickenboy, a robot to improve poultry welfare and productivity .

Papers and Conclusions This session emphasized the importance of providing guidance for the proper and efficient use of new technologies in the livestock sector, as well as the opportunity they represent for the sector and, in particular, for generational change. Support, familiarizing livestock farmers with ICTs , and openness to innovation must be part of a continuous and progressive process for greater competitiveness.

What is innovation?

The National Rural Network maintains that development in rural areas must be accompanied by sustainable practices, supported by research, development, and innovation. Therefore, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development ( EAFRD ) works with various rural stakeholders, organized around the framework of Operational Groups and Innovation Projects .

Operational Groups (OG) are groups of organizations and experts who work together on a problem to be solved or an opportunity to be exploited , using an innovation perspective. They execute a project to put the solutions obtained into practice. Their work is subsidized by the EAFRD through Measure 16 of the Rural Development Programs (RDP). The calls for proposals and public spending allocated to these innovation- boosting grants are part of the 2014-2020 rural development policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).

At the same time, other policies are being developed in the European context, with which synergies emerge in the commitment to innovation in rural areas. The Horizon 2020 research framework program covers topics related to the agri-food and forestry sectors . Under this umbrella are thematic networks and research projects.

This meeting on improvements in farm management is part of a series of meetings on Operational Groups and Innovative Projects , which the National Rural Network is promoting to disseminate and share the results of R&D&I carried out in rural areas. All information can be found on the website and on the National Rural Network's social media channels: Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube , where you can enjoy this meeting openly.