• The Higher Centre for Scientific Research is the main scientific advisor for the new CAP in Spain through a triple approach: social, environmental and economic.
• To this end, it will have an Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform in which various CSIC research centers and public organizations (universities, NGOs, etc.) will operate.

The application period for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027 opened on March 1, 2023. Approximately 650,000 farmers and ranchers across Spain will be eligible to benefit from a total of €4.875 billion in direct CAP aid. Applications close on May 31, 2023.

Within this framework, the signing of the collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and the State Agency Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) for the scientific advice of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 of Spain has been celebrated. (PEPAC) from a triple perspective: environmental, economic, and social. It will also carry out other tasks beyond evaluation, such as training and communication activities.

The agreement also materializes in the creation of an Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform , called CSIC (PTI) AGRIAMBIO , which will allow the participation of the different research centers and organizations attached to the CSIC itself, such as: INIA , MNCN , IEGD and others such as EBD , IREC , EEZA , CREAF , IMIB and will have specific collaborations with universities and NGOs.

Planned actions

In addition to the PTI-AGRIAMBIO platform, the incorporation of the CSIC as a scientific advisor to the Spanish PEPAC will contribute to the following:

• Sampling planning and validation of data collection.
• Corresponding information and samples, when produced by other entities.
• The design of indicators to know the status of:
  • Organic matter content of soils.
  • Birds linked to agricultural habitats.
  • Pollinators .
  • Other biodiversity indicators.
  • Ecosystem services.

The agreement, which is expected to run until 2025, has a total estimated cost of €1,800,000, of which both parties will contribute 50% of the total.

The planned staff for the PTI-AGRIAMBIO platform will be three CSIC researchers, each with a 50% dedication. In addition, a full-time graduate will be hired to perform management and administration tasks, as well as three postdoctoral researchers who will be assigned to the three main research centers involved in this agreement: the MNCN, the INIA, and the IEGD.

The day on which the signing of the agreement between the two entities was presented can be followed here .