The JARC trade union organises a conference at the 67th Sant Miquel Agricultural Fair – Eurofruit
The Segrià Hall in Pavilion 1 of Fira de Lleida today hosted the conference “Olive and nuts: aid from the new CAP and maximum use of natural resources”, which explained the benefits of the Keyline technique for the use of rainwater and to prevent erosion of rainfed fields. The conference, organised by the Catalan Government’s Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda and the Young Farmers and Ranchers of Catalonia (JARC), was held as part of the 67th edition of the Sant Miquel Agricultural Fair (National Agricultural Machinery Show) and the 36th edition of Eurofruit (Professional Trade Fair for Fruit Industry Suppliers).
The presentation on the Keyline technique was given by the olive grower and agricultural engineer Ivan Caelles, who explained his experience with olive groves in the Vall de Barcedana, in the Pallars Jussà region of Lleida, to the many people attending the event. Caelles reported that this technique, created a century ago by the Australian farmer and engineer P. A. Yeomans, is particularly interesting for rainfed crops on land with a slope of between 4 and 8%.
Basically, it involves analysing the orography of the terrain using satellite technology and laser devices to create key lines in the fields to allow rainwater to flow through them and irrigate the land evenly. This avoids the furrows that erode the soil and waste water in areas with low rainfall, which are increasingly affected by climate change.
Caelles encouraged producers to apply this system, which he considers simple and profitable. According to him, it is very suitable for olive, almond and pistachio plantations, but also for extensive cereal crops. In fact, he added that the technique even offers advantages in irrigated crops, optimising the functionality of the supply through the plastic tubes.
On the other hand, the conference also provided information on the new European CAP subsidies, which are expected to be implemented in 2023. In this regard, Jordi Vidal, technical secretary of JARC, was critical of the future regulations because “they have always told us that they want to make it easier, but it is increasingly complex,” he said.
Basically, Vidal explained that from 2023 the CAP will change its model and will benefit farmers who are affiliated to Social Security as self-employed or those who can prove that more than 25% of their total income comes from farming. He also said that the new aid is expected to be a minimum of 300 euros and a maximum of 100,000 euros, while he called for the controls to reach everyone.
