AF4EU held its final Regional Event in Santiago de Compostela, marking the end of three years of coordinated work between partners from ten European countries aimed at promoting innovation, advisory capacity, and knowledge exchange in agroforestry systems. The meeting gathered regional actors, researchers, advisors, and representatives from the forestry and livestock sectors to discuss the achievements of the project and explore future paths for agroforestry development in Galicia.
The programme included the presentation of AF4EU’s final outcomes and the demonstration of newly developed agroforestry advisory and management tools. These tools have been designed to support farmers, technicians, and organisations in decision-making processes, helping them to implement agroforestry practices adapted to local conditions. The event also featured a round table on the future of silvopastoral systems in Galicia, where participants shared practical experiences and reflected on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Within this framework, special attention was given to two Operational Groups that share AF4EU’s vision for innovation and sustainability: Ash4Soil and Climalact. Both initiatives were introduced as examples of how applied research and multi-stakeholder collaboration can contribute to regional transformation. Ash4Soil focuses on improving acidic soil fertility and increasing productivity in forest and agricultural plantations through a fertilizer developed from forestry and livestock by-products, supporting circular economy principles and more efficient resource use. Meanwhile, Climalact aims to develop a sustainability and climate-neutrality brand for the dairy sector based on indicators linked to responsible livestock practices, with the objective of recognising farms committed to reducing their environmental footprint and strengthening value chains around sustainable dairy production.
The event concluded with a local catering service provided by Chichalovers, a gastronomic initiative that connects livestock heritage with local cuisine. Their participation highlighted AF4EU’s willingness to foster links with regional businesses, promote local products, and reinforce the relationship between agroforestry innovation and the cultural identity of the territory.
The Regional Event demonstrated the impact of AF4EU in Galicia by strengthening collaboration networks, supporting the emergence of new initiatives, and enhancing advisory systems for farmers and managers. With the project now completed, the knowledge generated and the tools developed will remain available to continue supporting the implementation of agroforestry practices and the development of resilient rural landscapes.
