The agribenchmark Cash Crop network held its annual conference for network members in Valladolid, Spain, between 9-16 June this year, where AKI was represented by Zsuzsa Molnár and Ildikó Edit Tikász. In addition to providing an overview of the 2023 commodity crop production cost and income results at farm and sector level, as well as global and local market trends, the event offered insights and perspectives for experts (consultants, farmers) from around the world on a range of topics, including irrigation, regenerative and conservation agriculture, and precision farming, especially the economics of site-specific fertilisation. Furthermore, the network proposed the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions as a new element in the system, in addition to the collection of cost and income data at farm level. The event provided a forum for methodological review and discussion of the methodology and the possibility of expanding the data collection.
Additionally, each year the host country has the opportunity to provide a more detailed insight into the specifics of its crop production. The high-quality presentations by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Agribenchmark network member Tragsatec provided a comprehensive overview of the situation, as well as insights into the methods and effectiveness of irrigated and non-irrigated crop production, the technologies used for sustainable agriculture and their effectiveness. Furthermore, the presentation offered insights into the operation of the typical farm network in Spain, based on Agribenchmark methods. This network has been established through an effective collaboration between the Ministry and Tragsatec. Its operational structure is considered to be a unique feature within the Agribenchmark network too. The presentations were put into practice by visiting farms: a 200-hectare farm with mixed water management (irrigated and non-irrigated), situated near Valladolid, as well as a 270-hectare non-irrigated and a 580-hectare irrigated farm, near Zaragoza. Additionally, the group visited Pascual, a 100% family-owned dairy and plant-based beverage company, which is one of Spain’s leading dairy and plant-based beverage producers.
The event also offered a rich cultural and gastronomic experience, providing the diverse group with the opportunity to explore the main attractions of Valladolid and Zaragoza and to taste the local wine and cuisine.