“Tierra de campos” reference farm

By project EAGER

Published on 19 February 2025

Spain

Castilla y León

Palencia

About this good practice

The loss of population in rural areas entails the need to generate new production models in the province, to stimulate economic activity and retain population. New agricultural species, which are not commonly grown in the region, present greater possibilities of being productive due to the climate variations caused by global warming.
In the project "Tierra de campos: reference farm" the Palencia Provincial Council and the technological center Itagra. CT aim to analyze the viability of nut production through the planting of three species: almond trees, hazelnut trees, and pistachios, as well as olive trees, which are uncommon in the region. This will involve long-term monitoring of their development and production.
Once the success or failure of the plantations is analyzed, local producers, farmers, or cooperatives can be encouraged to invest in these types of crops in their farms.

Resources needed

The project is part of the collaboration agreement between the Palencia Provincial Council and Itagra.CT. For the installation of the crops and later the intelligent irrigation system, approximately 32 thousand euros have been allocated, covering both material and human resources.

Evidence of success

The collaboration between the Diputación of Palencia and Itagra CT has been established to address technical issues, provide training, and conduct research on innovation in the region. The drafting of manuals, public participation, and the dissemination of results in local media highlight the success of this agreement. Since its launch in 2018, the Tierra de Campos project has conducted more than 15 field visits, involving over 300 agricultural producers and interested participants.

Potential for learning or transfer

Designating a representative space from the productive areas of the province to analyze the viability of new agricultural species is an exemplary initiative by the Diputación of Palencia, which is supported by Itagra.CT for the technical management of the exploitation.
Similarly, other sector demands submitted to the Palencia Provincial Council, whether by farmers, cooperatives, or associations, such as the implementation of APV systems in the province, could be addressed under a collaboration agreement similar to this one from Tierra de Campos, other public administrations could also be inspired by this type of collaboration to solve technical problems that they cannot address with their own team or infrastructure.