Purpose of the programme and strategic context
Sustentta accompanies Spanish agri-food cooperatives interested in consolidating practices consistent with sustainable food. The programme responds to the need to equip these organisations with technical and strategic tools to design their own sustainable transition roadmaps.
Cooperatives occupy a strategic position in food systems, as they connect agricultural production with processing, marketing and consumption. Their local roots and collective dimension make them key players in driving change along the food chain. In addition, they play an essential role in many rural areas: they generate economic activity, support employment, drive generational renewal and help keep agricultural activity alive.
Its design is part of a context in which European public policies are driving the sustainability of food systems and in which cooperatives are fundamental for the continuity of agricultural activity and the vitality of rural areas.
The initiative is part of the work that the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation carries out in the field of Sustainable Food to accelerate the transition towards fairer, more resilient food systems that are more respectful of people and ecosystems.
A support programme tailored to each cooperative
The Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation and Red2Red jointly coordinate the call, the selection of participants and the technical support.
The work is developed based on the needs of each cooperative. To respond to them, the programme combines personalised advice with collective activities that encourage collaboration among participants.
Each participating cooperative has:
- Situation diagnosis
Assessment of each organisation’s situation to identify needs and priorities. - Technical
supportDesign of strategies and action plans focused on sustainable practices. - Thematic
adviceSupport in areas such as production, transformation, logistics and marketing linked to sustainability. - Training and connections
Adapted training sessions and opportunities for linkage between cooperatives.
First edition: a community of connected cooperatives
The first edition of the programme ran from 2023 to 2025. During this period, 12 agri-food cooperatives from different areas of Spain took part in a process of diagnosis, planning and improvement of their practices and working models.
Sustentta also promoted in-person meetings and exchange spaces among participants to share experiences, identify common challenges and explore possible collaborations.
In this way, this community is one of the programme’s main assets, as it facilitates peer learning and strengthens connections between cooperatives working in diverse contexts.
Building capacities for the future
In the long term, Sustentta seeks to expand and consolidate a network of cooperatives committed to transforming food systems. The programme encourages the development of innovative initiatives, knowledge exchange and the launch of projects that help strengthen the role of cooperatives in their areas.
The call is aimed at agri-food cooperatives across Spain that want to move forward in improving their practices in production, processing, marketing and management, and that show commitment to driving these changes in their environment
Learn more
Information on calls, participation criteria and resources associated with the programme is available on the Sustentta website.
