The Barcelona Provincial Council publishes today the eighth instalment of BCN Smart Rural Stories, a series of short films that give voice to people who are leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable agri-food system in the Barcelona province.

With the title 'Land of Opportunities', the eighth instalment of the BCN Smart Rural Stories offers an enriching view of the state of the agricultural landscape in the demarcation and the possibilities that open up for new rural entrepreneurs. The protagonists of the short film are Joan Raventós, a veteran fruit farmer with more than four decades of experience and a pioneer in organic production in the Baix Llobregat county, together with the two young people who are taking over La Beneta, his orchard. We will also get to know the vision of Marcel Tort, a farmer, agricultural engineer and professor of agricultural training at the Salines Secondary School, in El Prat de Llobregat. In addition, Sònia Callau, head of the Territorial Agrarian Directorate (DTA) of the Barcelona Provincial Council, offers us her opinion as an expert.

This production by BCN Smart Rural, in collaboration with Broadcaster Content Agency, has been possible thanks to the co-financing of the Barcelona Provincial Council and the FEDER funds of the European Union.

An advance of the Action Plan for Agrarian Renewal

With 'Land of Opportunities', BCN Smart Rural aims to highlight the importance of training, generational collaboration and innovation for the future of agriculture in the Barcelona province. This vision has emerged throughout this year, thanks to the days of reflection and debate that the DTA has organized to understand in detail the situation of generational change in the territory. As a result, the need to adopt comprehensive and inclusive public policies at the local level has been identified to promote the most relevant actions that will promote a new generation of farmers. Among these actions, two stand out: mentoring and training. According to DUN data from the year 2022, people over 65 will account for 40% of farming in Barcelona counties, and this opens up great possibilities for new rural entrepreneurs. Sònia Callau highlights this fact: "If we want the new generations of farmers and food growers to succeed in their entrepreneurial projects, they need training and access to specialized professionals and technicians who guide and accompany them throughout the process of setting up their businesses".

To facilitate the incorporation of young people into the primary sector, the Barcelona Provincial Council is working on a specific action plan for the agrarian parks of the Barcelona counties. For more information about this plan, please contact Sònia Callau.

— BCN Smart Rural Editorial —