Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Soil Management in Castile and León, Spain

The OH-FINE project continues to expand its network of technicians and producers, focusing on sustainable soil management practices in Castile and León. A recent workshop brought together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on experimental trials and explore innovative approaches to rainfed crop management.

A rustic meeting room with exposed wooden beams and stone walls. A presenter is standing near a projection screen displaying a presentation slide with a pyramid diagram. A roll-up banner with informational content is positioned to the right. Attendees are seated at tables, attentively listening to the presentation. The setting is warm and inviting, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and soft lighting.

Technical insights from Roberto Ruiz de Arcaute (NEIKER). Photo: Alejandro Durán, 2026

A group of participants seated at tables in a cozy, rustic room with warm lighting and wooden furniture. The attendees are engaged in discussions, collaborating in small groups. A roll-up banner and a projection screen are visible in the background, indicating an organized workshop or seminar setting. Coats and bags are placed on chairs and a rack along the wall.

Co-creation workshop. Photo: Alejandro Durán, 2026

Organised by the Spanish Society for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology (SEAE), the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), and the Mesetaria cooperative, the event took place at El Corralón de Perahuy in Salamanca. Producers, researchers, and technical experts gathered to discuss the strategic direction of the OH-FINE initiative and its European objectives.

Key Highlights of the Conference

Inaugural Session: The day began with an overview of the OH-FINE project, presenting its primary goals and milestones for the coming years. The session emphasized the importance of building a robust and open innovation network among all stakeholders involved.
Co-Creation Workshop: Led by the IRNASA-CSIC team, this interactive session fostered collaboration between scientists and producers. Together, they defined experimental trial designs aimed at addressing real-world challenges faced by farmers in the region.
Technical Insights: Roberto Ruiz de Arcaute, a researcher at the Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development (NEIKER), shared his expertise on soil management for rainfed arable crops. His presentation highlighted techniques to regenerate soil fertility and reduce reliance on external inputs, offering practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.

A Model for Organic Production and Local Networks

The conference concluded at La Alquería de Perahuy, where participants explored a successful example of organic production and marketing in the province. The day ended with a shared meal featuring local products, underscoring the importance of fostering strong local networks.

This meeting marked a significant step for the Castile and León group of OH-FINE, solidifying a working structure where producers play a central role in driving agricultural innovation. By actively involving the production sector, the project aims to create solutions that are both practical and impactful for the future of sustainable farming.