A way of entry into the agricultural sector
The agricultural test spaces respond to a structural difficulty in the rural environment: joining the sector requires access to land, experience, financing, technical support and marketing channels. For many people, this step is difficult without a previous testing phase. The test spaces offer precisely that framework: a limited time to check if the project is viable before starting a self-employed activity.
Each space is supported by three basic elements. The first is the physical support, which includes the property, facilities and equipment. The second is the legal support, which organizes the relationship between the promoter and the tester. The third is comprehensive support, which includes training, advice and follow-up during the process. This structure makes it possible to reduce risks and better sustain the entry of new profiles into agricultural activity.
A network to extend the tool
RETA is working to ensure that this tool can be implemented in more territories and so that the promoting entities have support, guidance and spaces for exchange. The network accompanies processes of creation and consolidation of new agricultural test spaces and contributes to giving them a common framework for work.
As of December 2024, the network brought together 11 active agricultural test spaces, 10 in the process of creation and 30 requests for information from interested entities since its launch. These data show the progressive expansion of a tool that seeks to facilitate generational renewal and open up new possibilities for incorporation into the agricultural sector.
In 2024, the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation launched together with RETA the first call to support processes of creation and consolidation of agricultural test spaces. The edition received 22 projects from 10 provinces and selected six initiatives for funding. Within this structure, the Association of Rural and Maritime Initiatives of Catalonia (ARCA) is responsible for coordinating the network.