Demostrative and experimental agriculture farm, Rural Innovation HUB “El Valenciano”
Objective(s): The Rural Innovation HUB is conceived as a centre for technological and innovation demonstrations to optimise resources, sustainability and productivity in the agri-food sector. Its objective is to accelerate the technological and innovative development of the sector, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge, to promote development of rural areas. It functions as an innovation laboratory, business incubator and business community. It was born out of the need to offer BALAM AGRICULTURE's customers new cutting-edge solutions in the agricultural sector and is part of their commitment to R&D&I.
Result(s): It began its journey six years ago and is a benchmark project at national and European level. In this time, more than 70 events and conferences have been held; and more than 200 meetings with farmers and entrepreneurs from the agri-food sector. In total, it is estimated that more than 8,000 experts from the agricultural sector have visited the facilities of the first Rural Innovation Hub in Spain. Among them, Farmers, Experts, Cooperatives, Researchers, Universities and Entrepreneurs from the sector have seen them first-hand, proving how innovation is the cross-cutting axis of all our projects. As a result, the entrepreneurs accomplished: evelopment of new sustainable agricultural inputs, breeding of new plant varieties, development of sustainable practices compatible with biodiversity and establishment of new trade relations.
Practical implications/recommendations: One of its missions is to connect companies, universities and other organisations to promote innovative projects for the sector. It has its own innovation programmes, events, content and collaborations. This is ensured through agreements with universities, national and international companies; and startups in the agri-food sector. The results obtained allow the partners to move forward towards the development of new projects, the creation of new work synergies and innovation in the sector.
Empowering rural communities to act for change
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine