Traditional knowledge shapes OH-FINE field trial in Salamanca

As summer droughts are reducing the availability of pasture more and more, it is becoming increasingly important to identify alternative feed sources for livestock. A co-creative session held on 17 September 2026 at the Juzbado Botanical Centre in Salamanca, Spain, addressed this challenge by bringing together livestock farmers, experts, and local residents to share traditional knowledge on plants and shrubs used in livestock farming.

CSIC organised the co-creative session as part of the OH-FINE project, in collaboration with the Poctep RECORDARE project.

A total of 28 people took part in the event.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to share their traditional knowledge. This emphasised both the value of local knowledge and interest in the OH-FINE field trial.

Combining community knowledge with research findings is an important step towards making agriculture more resilient.

Organised by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in collaboration with the Poctep RECORDARE project, the event brought together 28 participants to support the final design of the OH-FINE field trial, which aims to extend the period during which livestock can graze. The trial will test the effectiveness of establishing patches of native vegetation in the dehesa to provide additional forage during the dry summer months.

The day began with a presentation by David Pérez del Molino, an agricultural adviser and goat farmer, on the traditional uses of native Mediterranean shrubs in livestock farming. Participants then took part in a workshop where they exchanged knowledge using plant information sheets and photographs. The discussions focused on plant identification, traditional uses, and the value of the plants as livestock feed.

This session successfully captured valuable local knowledge, particularly from older community members, and confirmed strong interest in the OH-FINE field trial. The insights shared by participants helped inform the final selection of plants to be tested in the trial, combining practical farming experience with long-held local traditions.

By combining scientific research with community knowledge, this initiative is an important step towards developing more resilient grazing systems and supporting biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

Further information and contact

For more information, please contact Victoria Gonzalez Rodriguez.