The pioneering project is designed to promote generational renewal and bolster cooperative leadership
Anecoop has launched the Incubator Programme for Cooperative Agricultural Entrepreneurs (Releva) for young farmers in collaboration with its member cooperatives.
The pioneering project for the Valencian agricultural sector is designed to promote generational renewal, strengthen farmers’ business acumen, and bolster cooperative leadership in the region by fostering a competitive, sustainable, and opportunity-generating model.
Over the next 12 months, a pilot programme will be developed involving 15 young farmers from the cooperatives of Benaguasil, Cheste, Bugarra, Llíria, and Univall (which includes the cooperatives of Llutxent-Otos, La Pobla del Duc, and La Llosa de Ranes).
An inaugural event for the initiative was held at Anecoop’s La Masía del Doctor trial farm in Museros for the young farmers participating in the programme, the Valencian Ministry of Agriculture’s director general of agricultural and livestock production, Mª Àngels Ramón-Llin, Anecoop president Alejandro Monzón, the group’s CEO, Joan Mir, as well as the presidents, directors, and technicians of the participating cooperatives, the Anecoop management committee and Agroa, the team that developed the programme, CEGEA-UPV and other advisors and training partners.
The Releva programme takes place over more than a year in interconnected phases, conceived as a continuous process of training and practical learning, action, and improvement with comprehensive technical support for farmers.
Its focus will be the greater professionalisation of farms; development and implementation of an individualised business plan; adoption of cooperative values and rural leadership models; development of business, digital, and financial skills; and the creation of a community of leading farmers, capable of inspiring new generations.
“Review and evaluation throughout all phases of the project will allow for adjustments to the process and the scaling of the model to other cooperatives within the Anecoop Group, guaranteeing its impact and expansion in an agricultural sector where generational succession is one of the greatest challenges,” Anecoop said.
During the event, Monzón encouraged the young farmers participating in this initiative to make the most of this opportunity for professional growth, commitment to the cooperative model, and promotion of agriculture, noting that “your generation is destined to lead a sector essential for ensuring future food security; a great responsibility in which you have our support and guidance through the launch of this pioneering project”. He also highlighted that “this innovative programme strengthens us as a cooperative community and is destined to become a regional benchmark for generational renewal and business training”.
Mir congratulated the participants in the pilot programme for taking a decisive step to guarantee generational renewal in Valencian agriculture. “We firmly believe that the key lies in providing young farmers with real tools to professionalise their farms and face the future with a solid business vision, completely changing the current perception of agriculture,” he said.
“This programme not only trains farmers, but also cooperative leaders capable of revitalising rural areas and generating opportunities in our regions. It is a commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation.”
