• The "LEADER Experience Exchange: Generational Change as a Driver of Rural Development" conference was held in La Alberca (Salamanca) and showcased LEADER projects in sectors other than agricultural ones.
• The event brought together Local Action Groups (LAGs), managers of the LEADER approach and those responsible for generational renewal projects from different autonomous communities in Spain.

Generational renewal is precisely one of the key themes of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 , according to Specific Objective 8 (SO8), which seeks to: “attract and retain young farmers and other new farmers and facilitate sustainable business development in rural areas”. Hence, the CAP Network has organized the day “Exchange of LEADER experiences: generational renewal as a driver of rural development” , held on June 19 in La Alberca (Salamanca) with the aim of showing successful experiences (also called “good practices” ) of generational renewal in LEADER projects in different sectors of activity, not necessarily in the agricultural sector, but in rural areas.

The event brought together key figures in their respective territories leading projects of this nature, allowing for reflection on the obstacles and opportunities presented by non-agricultural generational change, as well as an understanding of the different territorial realities surrounding this issue.

Protagonists

The event brought together Local Action Groups (LAGs), LEADER approach managers and those responsible for generational renewal projects from different autonomous communities in Spain, and, of course, the young people leading these projects.

After learning about the various LEADER initiatives carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) in the area of generational renewal, the program delved into the topic of "the territorial diversity of generational renewal in the non-agricultural sector" through various presentations by institutional leaders from Castile and León, Catalonia, and Aragon.

Following this, attendees heard the testimonies of various Local Action Groups (LAGs) that lead generational renewal LEADER projects in their regions: Asturias, Salamanca, and Lugo, specifically.

The third event of the day featured a showcase of generational renewal projects, both within LEADER and outside of LEADER, with a dynamic, firsthand presentation by the key figures and leaders of each of their projects.

As a culmination, those present were able to visit two good practice projects in the area, specifically, the Quesería EL Cuco and El Roble Glamping , where their managers gave a guided tour of their facilities and explained the start-up and operation of their respective projects.

Conclusions

The event organized by the CAP Network in La Alberca demonstrated that generational change in rural areas is a reality, driven by committed young people, innovative projects, and supported by tools like LEADER. These experiences demonstrate that rural areas offer real opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and building a sustainable future, in line with the objectives of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.