Learning across borders: Organic farming meets climate action in Spain
During November 25-27th, 2025, the historic city of Córdoba (South Spain) became the meeting point for organic farming professionals from across Europe. As part of the OrganicClimateNET project, Ecovalia organised an International Cross Visit focused on how climate smart practices can be implemented in permanent crops—specifically olives and vineyards. The event combined farm visits with sessions dedicated to knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue and inspiring fresh ideas for adapting farming to increasingly extreme climate.
Day 1: Organic farming, a priority for policymakers
The event began at the Salón de Plenos, Diputación de Córdoba, where Mr. Andrés Lorite, First Vice President for Agriculture of the Córdoba Provincial Council, opened the event. He detailed the relevance farming – and, particularly, organic farming, presents in the region.
Then, Ecovalia delve into the objectives and structure of the cross visit, followed by an overview of Spain’s organic farming sector and its climate-related challenges. Having set the scene, participants bonded over a guided walking tour through Córdoba and traditional local dishes.
Day 2: Visiting pioneer organic producers
The second day, participants boarded a bus for a day of hands-on learning. The first stop was Bodegas Robles, a family-run winery located near Montilla. Their vineyards, resembling a wild and romantic garden with their wildflowers and insects, allowed visitors to explore how to integrate sustainability and carbon farming into organic viticulture. Bodegas Robles explained their climate-resilient management and its impact in preserving yeasts required for traditional wine fermentation.
The afternoon featured a visit to Almazaras de la Subbética, located in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. This organic olive oil cooperative has earned the title of best oil mill in the world 8 times, and their oil is equally impresive: it has won the award for best olive oil in the world… 10 times! The cooperative showcased its commitment to climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity, and innovation in olive grove management. This visit also highlighted the potential societal impact of agricultural initiatives. Almazaras de la Subbética introduced a specialised line of oil products whose benefits are directed to support the physical, mental and emotional struggles that affect members of their olive producer community.
On the return bus trip, participants shared key insights and impressions from the day’s demonstrations, promoting practice exchange among different European regions.
Day 3: From Field to Strategy
The final day in Córdoba shifted the focus from fieldwork to collaborative learning and future activities. Participants gathered at Córdoba’s Regional Administration for a dynamic symposium on knowledge exchange. Local and international farmers shared their perspectives on climate-resilient practices in permanent crops, strengthening their knowledge transfer network.
The session concluded with a forward-looking wrap-up focused on feedback and suggestions for future cross visits, ensuring that the momentum and connections built in Córdoba will continue to inspire innovation across Europe
Why it matters
The Spanish cross visit was more than a showcase of best practices: it was a catalyst for new partnerships and practical solutions tailored to arid climates. This event encouraged participants to rethink how permanent crops can thrive in climate uncertainty. Attendees left not only with new technical knowledge, but also with a network of peers committed to ongoing dialogue and mutual support.
OrganicClimateNET will build on the momentum generated in Córdoba, strengthening the role of organic farming in building a climate-resilient Europe in the near future.
