... THE PROJECT

ANCARES is an innovation project that promotes the digitalization and sustainability of the dairy sector through the development of an advanced tool for land management and carbon quantification in livestock farms.

The project facilitates the transition to a sustainable livestock farming model , supporting professionals in the sector in making data-driven decisions , improving soil management and contributing to climate change mitigation .

The dairy sector plays a key role in the economy and territorial cohesion of regions like Galicia and Asturias, being fundamental for job creation and keeping people in rural areas. However, it faces significant challenges related to reducing emissions, adapting to European climate policies , and the need to improve the sustainability of its production systems.

In this context, one of the main challenges is the lack of tools that allow for the accurate measurement and management of carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, as well as the evaluation of the impact of management practices on soil health and farm efficiency.

ANCARES responds to this challenge by developing an innovative solution that integrates digital mapping, soil analysis, data obtained through remote sensors and predictive algorithms , allowing the characterization of the territory, monitoring of key variables and estimation of the carbon sequestration potential in dairy cattle farms.

The project brings together key players from across the value chain —cooperatives, industry, technology centers and research entities— to ensure the development, validation and transfer of solutions applicable in real-world conditions.

General objective

Develop and implement an integrated digital tool that allows for the characterization of the territory , the evaluation of soil health , and the quantification of carbon sequestration potential in dairy farms , facilitating decision-making and promoting more sustainable management practices.

Specific objectives

1. Development of digital spatial tools for land management

Develop digital spatial tools for the characterization of the territory and dairy farms, as a basis for environmental assessment and sustainable planning.

1. Generation of reference data for the European carbon framework

Obtain reference data on the different types of dairy farming in green Spain (Galicia and Asturias), aimed at the future implementation of the European Regulation on Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Culture (CSCC).

1. Promotion of innovative livestock systems and good practices

Promote innovative dairy farming systems, along with the development of associated best practice guidelines that contribute to improving the sustainability of the sector.

The ANCARES Operational Group is made up of entities with extensive experience in the dairy sector, applied research and technological development , mainly from Galicia and Asturias , and with a track record in innovation and sustainability projects.

AGACA (Galician Association of Agricultural Cooperatives), CAPSA FOOD and CLAS (Asturian Dairy Center) participate in the representation of the sector and the implementation in livestock farms , contributing their knowledge of the sector, access to farms and capacity to transfer results.

In the field of research and generation of scientific knowledge , the USC (University of Santiago de Compostela) and the UNIOVI (University of Oviedo) are involved, responsible for the characterization of the soils, the analysis of data and the development of applied technical knowledge.

In the development of digital technologies, territorial analysis and remote sensing , CETEMAS (Forestry and Wood Technology Center) participates , responsible for generating maps, integrating spatial data and developing predictive algorithms.

Finally, MEDRAR SMART SOLUTIONS participates in the coordination of the project, strategic analysis and communication and dissemination activities , responsible for supporting management, promoting the project and transferring results.

The collaboration between these entities allows the project to be approached in a comprehensive way, combining scientific knowledge, technological development and practical application in the sector, thus guaranteeing the usefulness and scalability of the results.

More about representing entities 

• AGACA (Galician Association of Agrarian Cooperatives)

The Galician Association of Agricultural Cooperatives (AGACA) is a non-profit organization that unites and represents agricultural cooperatives in Galicia, acting as a key entity in structuring the agricultural and livestock sector in the region. Its work focuses on defending the interests of cooperatives, providing technical services, and promoting innovation and competitiveness in rural areas.

AGACA plays a fundamental role in knowledge transfer, boosting the sector and promoting initiatives aimed at sustainability and modernization of agricultural holdings, with special relevance in the dairy sector.

In the ANCARES project, AGACA actively participates in field implementation, connecting with livestock farms and dissemination and transfer activities, facilitating the arrival of the results to the entire sector.

• CAPSA FOOD

CAPSA FOOD is a leading company in the dairy sector, with strong ties to farmers and the local area. At ANCARES, it participates in validating solutions under real-world conditions and evaluating sustainable management practices.

CAPSA FOOD is a leading dairy company in Spain, integrating the entire value chain, from milk collection to the processing and marketing of dairy products. Through its widely recognized brands, the company maintains a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The company works closely with thousands of farmers, promoting more efficient and environmentally friendly production models, as well as initiatives aimed at the continuous improvement of the dairy sector.

In the ANCARES project, CAPSA FOOD contributes its knowledge of the sector and its network of farms, participating in the definition of production models, the validation of solutions in real conditions and the evaluation of management practices aimed at improving sustainability.

• CENTRAL LECHERA ASTURIANA (CLAS)

Central Lechera Asturiana (CLAS) is a leading cooperative in the Spanish dairy sector, made up of dairy farmers and focused on the production, processing, and marketing of milk and dairy products. Its cooperative model strengthens its ties to the region and contributes to the economic and social development of rural areas.

CLAS stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, promoting initiatives that improve productive efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock farms.

At ANCARES, CLAS participates in the implementation of field activities, the definition of management practices and the validation of innovative solutions, ensuring their applicability in the real context of farms.

more about Research and scientific knowledge

• USC (University of Santiago de Compostela)

The University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) is a leading academic institution in scientific research, with extensive experience in the agricultural, environmental and soil analysis fields.

Their research groups work on the characterization and evaluation of agricultural systems, contributing key scientific knowledge to improve sustainability and the management of natural resources.

At ANCARES, USC is responsible for the physical, chemical and biological characterization of the soils, as well as the analysis of the data obtained, contributing to the generation of knowledge about soil health and carbon sequestration.

• UNIOVI (University of Oviedo)

The University of Oviedo (UNIOVI) is a public institution with a solid track record in research and knowledge transfer in the agri-food and environmental fields.

Participates in projects focused on sustainability, the analysis of production systems and the evaluation of the environmental impact of agricultural activities.

In the ANCARES project, UNIOVI collaborates in the characterization of the soils and in the analysis and interpretation of the data, contributing to the study of carbon and the evaluation of sustainable management practices.

more about TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

• CETEMAS (Forestry and Wood Technology Center)

CETEMAS is a technology center specializing in the development of innovative solutions based on the sustainable use of natural resources, with experience in digital technologies, territorial analysis and remote sensing.

It has advanced capabilities in the processing of geospatial data, modeling and development of technological tools applied to land management and sustainability.

In the ANCARES project, CETEMAS leads the technological development, including the generation of cartography, the integration of spatial data and the development of predictive algorithms from remote sensors and satellite data.

mORE ABOUT COORDINATION AND PROMOTION 

• MEDRAR SMART SOLUTIONS

MEDRAR SMART SOLUTIONS is a company specializing in strategic consulting, innovation, and project management in the agri-food and rural sectors. It has extensive experience in facilitating operational teams, designing innovation strategies, and communicating projects. At ANCARES, its activity focuses on facilitating connections between the various stakeholders in the sector, promoting knowledge transfer and the development of innovative solutions with real impact.