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OH-FINENews

International Forum “Cultivating the Future: Organic and Regenerative Agriculture in Action” Held in Zamora, Spain

On October 10, 2025, the international forum “Cultivating the Future: Organic and Regenerative Agriculture in Action” took place at the IFEZA Exhibition Centre in Zamora, Spain, with simultaneous online participation. Organised by OH-FINE, the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainable agriculture in Europe.

A speaker is presenting at a podium with a large screen displaying a slide titled "Regenerative Measures." The slide outlines practices and strategies related to regenerative agriculture. The podium is branded with the event's theme, "Cultivating the Future: Organic and Regenerative Action," and decorated with a floral arrangement. The venue branding "IFEZA" and "Diputación Zamora" is visible on the wooden wall behind the speaker, emphasizing the event's location and organizers.

Opening session: What is regenerative organic agriculture? Photo: Alba Mompó, 2026

A conference room filled with attendees seated in rows, actively listening to a panel discussion. The room features wooden walls with the logo "IFEZA" prominently displayed, indicating the venue. A screen at the front shows visual content, and the panelists are seated at a long table, engaging in discussions about the event's theme. The setting suggests a professional forum or seminar.

Panel debate on regenerative agriculture beyond organic. Photo: Alba Mompó, 2026


A speaker is presenting at a podium with a large screen displaying a slide titled "Regenerative Measures." The slide outlines practices and strategies related to regenerative agriculture. The podium is branded with the event's theme, "Cultivating the Future: Organic and Regenerative Action," and decorated with a floral arrangement. The venue branding "IFEZA" and "Diputación Zamora" is visible on the wooden wall behind the speaker, emphasizing the event's location and organizers.
A conference room filled with attendees seated in rows, actively listening to a panel discussion. The room features wooden walls with the logo "IFEZA" prominently displayed, indicating the venue. A screen at the front shows visual content, and the panelists are seated at a long table, engaging in discussions about the event's theme. The setting suggests a professional forum or seminar.

The forum united farmers, researchers, advisors, policymakers, and civil society organisations from across Europe to explore how organic and regenerative agriculture can contribute to resilient food systems, climate mitigation, and long-term farm profitability. By combining scientific evidence, practical experience, and knowledge exchange, the event fostered strategic dialogue on advancing sustainable farming practices.

Opening Session and Keynote Address

Raquel Arroyo (IRNASA-CSIC) opened the forum by introducing the OH-FINE project, highlighting its mission to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of organic farming, particularly for small and medium-sized producers, through innovation and European learning networks.

The opening keynote was delivered by Jürgen Hess (FiBL Germany), who provided an in-depth analysis of regenerative organic farming. He addressed its conceptual foundations, regulatory context, and synergies with organic agriculture, while emphasising the importance of scientific rigour and clear frameworks to combat greenwashing and maintain credibility in sustainable farming.

Panel Debate: "Regenerative Agriculture Beyond Organic?"

A high-level panel debate moderated by Gabriel Molina (A Regenerar) explored the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of regenerative and organic agriculture. Panellists Sarah Compson (Soil Association), Nuria Madeo (European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture), and Jürgen Hess discussed the need for clarity, coherence, and robust standards to support farmers and consumers alike.

Case Studies and Workshops

The forum showcased practical experiences through case studies on regenerative organic farming, moderated by Gonzalo Palomo (SEAE), featuring contributions from farmers and practitioners working in diverse territorial and production contexts.
Parallel workshops encouraged focused discussions on key themes:

  • Theme 1: Techniques, Management, and Post-Production
    Moderated by Roberto Ruiz de Arcaute (NEIKER), this session addressed technical and managerial aspects of organic and regenerative farming systems, including farm practices and post-production considerations.
  • Theme 2: Young Population in the Agricultural Sector
    Moderated by Juan Luis Fradejas (Universidad Pontificia Comillas), this workshop focused on generational renewal, the role of young people in agriculture, and fostering their long-term engagement in the sector.
  • Theme 3: Building Bridges – Sharing Experiences in European Projects
    Moderated by Lieve De Cock (ILVO), this session highlighted the value of cooperation and networking across European initiatives. Conducted in English, it showcased perspectives from various projects.

Market Opportunities and Closing Reflections

The afternoon featured a roundtable discussion titled "Regenerative Organic Farming and Opportunities in the Market", moderated by Aina Calafat (SEAE). Speakers Camino Fernández Álvarez (Mesas que Nutren) and Marina Morán (Network for Promoting Small-Scale Food Transformation) shared insights into market opportunities for organic and regenerative products. Although Giacomo Packer (INNER) was unable to attend in person due to health issues, his video presentation provided valuable perspectives on food systems and territorial initiatives.

The forum concluded with a summary of key takeaways and closing remarks by Victoria González (IRNASA-CSIC), who reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based approaches to advance organic and regenerative agriculture across Europe.

The "Cultivating the Future" forum demonstrated the growing momentum behind organic and regenerative agriculture, offering actionable insights and fostering connections among stakeholders committed to building resilient and sustainable food systems. 

Further information

More information about the forum and videos of several sessions are available at the links below. 

 

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