Castilla y León is a Spanish autonomous community with a rich agri-food tradition and a strong commitment to innovation in food systems. As the third largest region in Europe and the largest in Spain, it plays a key role in food production, sustainability, and rural development.
The region faces demographic and climatic challenges, including an aging population and extreme seasonal variations, which impact agricultural and food production systems.
The regional government, Junta de Castilla y León, has extensive experience and resources to implement food strategies that promote the consumption of local and high-quality products. The region is home to 42 Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), reflecting a deeply rooted food differentiation culture. With more than 60,000 farms and 4,000 food processing establishments, Castilla y León contributes significantly to Spain’s agricultural output
Role in VISION4FOOD
As Pilot Project in VISION4FOOD, Castilla y León focuses on enhancing short supply chains, promoting local products, and facilitating their commercialization and production. The region acts as a real-world testing environment for innovative food inspection and marketing strategies, with key responsibilities including:
- Developing and supporting short food supply chains, ensuring that local farmers and food artisans can efficiently reach consumers while preserving product authenticity and sustainability.
- Facilitating the commercialization of local products by creating favorable regulatory frameworks and fostering collaboration between producers, distributors, and retailers.
- Highlighting the quality and uniqueness of Castilla y León’s food products, reinforcing their added value through innovation in labeling, certification, and marketing strategies.
Through its participation in VISION4FOOD, Castilla y León reinforces its leadership in fostering digital innovation, sustainability, and local food system transformation, ensuring that traditional and high-quality products remain competitive in modern food markets.