Spain: The Basque Government brings together the potato sector to unveil its new strategic innovation plan

Next Thursday, March 5th, the Arkaute Campus will become the heart of the primary sector in the Basque Country with a new edition of the AKIS Forum. This event, established as an essential space for knowledge transfer, will focus on the presentation of the Potato Sector Plan, with special emphasis on the R&D&I Plan for seed potatoes, a strategic tool designed to address current competitiveness challenges.

Amaia Barredo, Minister of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries, highlighted the importance of this professional forum, emphasizing that innovation is only meaningful when built in collaboration with stakeholders. According to Barredo, the meeting aims not only to inform but also to listen and gather contributions that will strengthen the Potato Plan.

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Program and knowledge transfer in the agricultural sector 

The day will begin with an institutional opening by the regional minister. Following this, the general director of NEIKER, Olatz Unamunzaga, will share how advances in research can be directly applied to agriculture. Oneka Zaballa, director of Agriculture and Livestock, will then present the most relevant guidelines of the sector plan

One of the most anticipated moments will be the presentation by Amaia Ortiz, Head of Production and Plant Protection at NEIKER, who will outline the details of the R&D&I Plan for seed potatoes. In addition, expert Fernando Alonso Arce will analyze the market prospects and opportunities for this crop within the Basque Country.

Dialogue and collaboration in the value chain 

Starting at 11:00 AM, the focus will shift to a round table discussion featuring key representatives from companies such as Grupo Udapa, Garlan, Ocon, Alavesa de Patatas, and HAZI. This forum will aim to foster effective collaboration among the various stakeholders in the value chain, from production to marketing.

The Department is calling on producers, businesses, unions, and management centers to join this participatory forum. The day will culminate in a session dedicated to gathering proposals that will ensure the final strategy specifically addresses the needs of the agricultural sector in the Basque Country.