project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
"INNOVATIVE PROJECT FOR THE CLIMATE INTELLIGENT IMPROVEMENT OF CORN CULTIVATION".
Contexte
El proyecto de innovación planteado tiene un carácter
NACIONAL, ya que tanto el PROBLEMA a resolver como las
SOLUCIONES planteadas serán de aplicación supra autonómico. Los integrantes del GO tienen sede en 4
comunidades autónomas y la ejecución técnica del proyecto
será desarrollado simultáneamente en 3 CC.AA.,
concretamente Castilla y León, Extremadura y Andalucía,
principales zonas productoras de maíz a nivel nacional.
Objectives
The objective of the Project is to improve the environmental
sustainability and profitability of corn cultivation, through the
use of digital technologies and tools and to promote its
environmental certification throughout the entire value chain.
To do this, a sustainable production certification for the
cultivation of national corn will be developed and made
available to the Spanish farmer, allowing producers to
differentiate themselves competitively from other countries,
currently better positioned in the national and international
market
Activities
Identification of agricultural practices and zoning of corn production in Spain
Economic analysis of the current profitability
Comparison of certified LCA calculation tools used in Spain for corn cultivation
Design of the LCA methodology and certification
Adaptation and fine-tuning of agronomic innovations identified by region and climate
Preparation of the alpha version of the Precision Agriculture Techniques Protocol (PTAPa)
Validation of the LCA calculation methodology under PTAP criteria with the experimental data obtained
The impact of the project: environmental, economic and social sustainability
Conclusions and sustainability recommendations for the corn sector
Additional information
The proposed innovation project has a NATIONAL character,
since both the PROBLEM to be solved and the SOLUTIONS
proposed will be of supra-autonomous application. The
members of the GO are based in 4 autonomous communities
and the technical execution of the project will be developed
simultaneously in 3 Autonomous Communities, specifically
Castilla y León, Extremadura and Andalusia, the main corn
producing areas nationwide.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014ES06RDNP001 España - Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Rural
Emplacement
- Main geographical location
- Madrid
- Other geographical location
- Navarra
EUR 538 156.00
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
Ressources
Audiovisual materials
7 Practice Abstracts
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report on Corn Cultivation analyzes the effects of implementing the Precision Agricultural Techniques Protocol (PTAP), providing farmers with key information to optimize their practices in a sustainable manner.
The use of technologies such as smart irrigation and soil yield mapping reduces water and input consumption, generating economic savings and improving production efficiency. The application of slow-release fertilizers reduces water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, helping farmers to comply with environmental regulations and improve their market positioning.
The report confirms that the implementation of PTAP not only prevents soil degradation, but also improves soil conservation in the long term, increasing productivity. The use of variable application machinery reduces operating costs and fuel consumption, making farmers more competitive.
Efficient management of agricultural residues ensures regulatory compliance, avoiding penalties and favoring farm sustainability.
In conclusion, this report helps farmers understand the impact of their practices and how the adoption of sustainable techniques can translate into increased profitability and competitiveness.
The Report on the identification of key points for the different agents in the corn value chain analyzes the actors involved in the production, processing and marketing of corn in Spain, highlighting key aspects for improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.
Five key links are identified: farmers, input industry, processing industry, distribution and consumption. Farmers, as the basis of the system, must optimize production with sustainable practices and precision technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint. Sustainability certification is key to accessing demanding markets and improving competitiveness vis-à-vis imported products.
The input industry supplies seeds, fertilizers and phytosanitary products, prioritizing the efficient use of resources and reducing environmental impact. The processing industry needs to guarantee quality raw materials while optimizing its processes to meet sustainability standards.
Distribution and consumption require efficient management of the supply chain, promotion of sustainable products and adaptation to market trends, ensuring traceability and quality of the final product.
In conclusion, collaboration among all actors is essential for a more sustainable, competitive sector that is prepared for global challenges.
The Evaluation Report on Increasing Farmer Profitability by Applying Certification analyzes the economic benefits of implementing the Precision Farming Techniques Protocol (PTAP) in maize cultivation in Spain. The results show that, although optimized management through PTAP has higher costs due to specialized inputs, it brings significant environmental benefits such as a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The profitability of the optimized crop has been calculated under the assumption of a selling price equal to that of conventional corn. However, certified corn offers a differential value in terms of sustainability, which could translate into better business opportunities in the future.
In economic terms, the trials conducted indicate that the net margin of optimized management is slightly lower than that of conventional management, with differences of between €73.86 and €138.59 per hectare. This is due to higher costs in specialized fertilization and advanced technology to improve production efficiency.
In conclusion, this report provides the farmer with a useful tool to assess the impact of certification on his profitability. It allows a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits associated with optimized management, helping to make informed decisions on the adoption of sustainable practices that can improve long-term competitiveness.
The Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Report of the GO MAIZ SOSTENIBLE project analyzes the economic profitability of growing corn with the Precision Farming Techniques Protocol (PTAP) compared to conventional practices. The results show that the profitability of optimized management presents a slightly lower margin due to the additional costs of specialized inputs that reduce the carbon footprint. However, it is highlighted that this model brings long-term benefits through improved sustainability and resource use efficiency.
At the social level, sustainable maize certification contributes to population fixation in rural areas by generating skilled employment and encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies. This enables farmers to access new markets and improve their competitiveness by offering a differentiated product with less environmental impact.
The project is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting its contribution to areas such as climate action, responsible production and sustainable economic growth. It also recognizes its positive impact on capacity building in the agricultural sector, promoting technical knowledge and the adoption of digital tools.
In conclusion, sustainable corn certification not only boosts the profitability and sustainability of the crop, but also strengthens the socioeconomic fabric of rural areas, improving the sector's resilience in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
The verification report of the PTAP certification for corn cultivation in Spain confirms that the protocol complies with the established sustainability requirements. Its implementation enables farmers to effectively manage key aspects such as the use of soil, agrochemicals, water and greenhouse gas emissions.
Verification has shown that the CO2 emissions calculation tool, developed by Vertex and validated by Control Union, provides accurate carbon footprint results. This tool helps farmers to measure and reduce their emissions, enabling them to comply with environmental regulations and improve their reputation in sustainable markets.
PTAP certification not only ensures environmental sustainability, but also facilitates access to economic incentives and European emission reduction regulations. Its adoption allows producers to improve their brand image and differentiate themselves in the market with a certified and more environmentally responsible product.
In conclusion, the verification of the PTAP reinforces for farmers its value as a key tool to promote a more efficient and responsible agricultural production, aligned with the global objectives of emission reduction and long-term sustainability.
The certification of sustainable corn production in Spain, in accordance with the Precision Farming Techniques Protocol (PTAP), is a key tool for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating environmental impact. This process includes the adoption of techniques that favor soil conservation and biodiversity, as well as the efficient use of water and nutrients.
The PTAP also requires monitoring and reduction of the carbon footprint, as well as the implementation of climate change adaptation measures, such as drought-resistant varieties and efficient irrigation systems. Producers must collect data, upload it to specific tools and coordinate audits with the independent certifier Control Union to obtain certification.
Among the benefits highlighted is the reduction of environmental impact thanks to practices such as proper soil management and reduced use of chemical fertilizers. In addition, certification provides added value for consumers and improves the competitiveness of producers by offering a differentiated product.
In short, certification not only promotes environmental sustainability, but also increases long-term profitability, reducing costs and improving crop productivity. It is a valuable initiative for both producers and society in general.
The Precision Farming Techniques Protocol for Sustainable Corn Production (PTAP) provides farmers with a key tool to optimize corn production more efficiently and sustainably. Offers a practical approach to optimize production through technologies such as soil sensors, irrigation monitoring and variable seeding techniques. This allows for more efficient use of inputs, reducing costs and increasing profitability..
For farmers, PTAP offers tangible benefits such as precise zoning of plots using electromagnetic induction sensors, allowing inputs (fertilizer and water) to be applied only where they are actually needed. This translates into a more efficient use of resources, avoiding waste and reducing operating costs.
The smart irrigation system helps farmers adjust water consumption according to the specific needs of the crop, improving productivity and ensuring a sustainable use of the water resource. In addition, satellite tracking and prescription maps facilitate continuous monitoring of crop condition, enabling timely interventions that improve profitability.
Another key benefit of the protocol is the possibility of certifying production in terms of carbon footprint, which opens up new commercial opportunities by offering a differentiated and sustainable product. Farmers can use this certification to access more demanding markets and improve their image with consumers, who increasingly value sustainability in agricultural products.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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SALVADOR MARTOS BARRIONUEVO (VERTEX BIOENERGY S.L.)
Project coordinator
Project partners
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AN S.Coop
Project partner
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CU WG SPAIN (Control Union Spain)
Project partner
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Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León
Project partner
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Pioneer Hi-Bred Spain S.L.
Project partner
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TIMAC AGRO ESPAÑA S.A.
Project partner
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Universidad de Sevilla
Project partner