From Field to Policy: How Agricultural Advisory is Shaping the AKIS Agenda in Spain and Europe

On April 28, the AKIS Platform in Spain hosted a milestone event on the future of the AKIS system in Spain and Europe. The meeting, hosted by La Vega Innova and the National Agricultural Training Centre (CENCA) in San Fernando de Henares, Madrid, convened a group of leading agricultural advisors under the theme “Agricultural Advisory Services as the Cornerstone of AKIS in Spain and Europe.”

Patricia Mora, EU4Advice project coordinator, from Innogestiona Ambiental, was on hand to promote the EU4Advice project, an occasion to discuss this project in a forum dedicated to the sharing of knowledge and strengthening of agricultural advisory services, the very same goals of the EU4Advice project.

The event, jointly organised by the AKIS Advisors Platform and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, provided a platform for sharing insights and opinions on the future of agricultural advisory services. A key theme emerged throughout the day: agricultural advisory is the link to action.

This was reiterated by Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food, Begoña García Bernal, who highlighted “advisory services and training should be a priority for the future of the agricultural sector.” Her message set the tone for the event: to make the sector more innovative and sustainable, more prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The work continues. The AKIS Advisors Platform is looking forward to further strengthening the role of advisory services in AKIS and to creating a space for knowledge to flow and connect stakeholders to bring about change in the agri-food sector.