2024 has been a breakthrough for innovation and sustainability in the European agri-food sector. From disruptive technologies to initiatives that seek to revolutionise the bioeconomy, 2024 has positioned itself as a turning point for the countryside. Spain, as the agricultural leader in southern Europe, has not been left behind.
The revolution in agriculture and its drive towards sustainability
The digital era has taken over the agricultural sector, and 2024 is the year when precision agriculture reaches a new level. Tools such as advanced sensors, drones and IoT (Internet of Things) systems, which not only monitor the weather and soil, but also predict the exact needs of each crop. In Spain, these technologies are fundamental for managing the most critical resource: water. With the threat of climate change, every drop counts, and solutions such as data-driven automated irrigation are making a difference. Another example is the use of nanobubbles, which are becoming new allies for farmers. These tiny bubbles improve quality, save resources and increase agricultural yields.
The agricultural sector is not only looking to become more productive, but also greener. This year, the energy transition in European agriculture is gaining ground. Modern, energy-efficient machinery and more sustainable practices are replacing traditional methods. All this is backed by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which, with 386.6 billion euros, not only modernises the sector, but also supports farmers in their transition to a cleaner future.
European support to reach sustainability objectives
The European Commission is clear that innovation needs investment. Programmes such as Horizon Europe are channelling millions into projects related to the bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture. In addition, initiatives such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the CAP offer funding for startups, SMEs and large farms that want to make a technological leap.
In parallel, the European Commission has launched a strategic dialogue aimed at redesigning the future of the agricultural sector. This forum brings together farmers, businesses, NGOs and policymakers to create a food system that is sustainable, competitive and adaptable to global challenges, from population growth to the climate crisis. The idea is to build a model where technology and tradition work together for a more resilient future.
Spain as a leader in innovation in the European agricultural sector
Spain is a leader in collaborative projects financed by the European Union, as Spanish entities coordinate 16% of the projects financed and one out of every three proposals financed has Spanish participation. In this way, technology centres, companies and entrepreneurs can access these funds to develop and test new technologies, explore the circular economy and modernise their farms. From optimising water use to solutions to reduce carbon emissions, Spanish agriculture is proving that sustainability can be profitable.
Innovarum has contributed to the progress towards innovation and sustainability in the Spanish and European sector, participating in the drafting or execution of projects such as SISTERS (on reducing food waste in the food chain), MainstreamBIO (on boosting the rural bioeconomy), RAINS (on alternative irrigation systems), NPOWER (on reducing N and P inputs and their traceability), or LILAS4SOILS (on sustainable carbon farming practices in Living Labs). In this way, Innovarum is committed to technology, sustainability and international collaboration.
Moving towards the future
2024 marks a turning point for agriculture and the bioeconomy in Europe. The combination of technological innovation, sustainability and strategic financing is transforming the sector at an unprecedented pace. Spain, with its commitment to digitalisation and efficient use of resources, is set to be a benchmark in this new era.