On 3 June 2026, a technical workshop entitled “Alternative Crops in the Lower Guadalquivir” was held in Lebrija (Seville, Spain) as part of the European projects CARINA and WATERMELLON. The event was organised by Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Andalucía (FAECA) in collaboration with Spanish Co-ops, Camelina Company (CCE) and Nuseed.

The workshop brought together farmers, cooperative members and agricultural professionals interested in learning about alternative crops adapted to the environmental and market conditions of the Lower Guadalquivir region. The programme explored opportunities for diversification through crops with agronomic, environmental and commercial potential.

The event opened with a presentation of the CARINA and WATERMELLON projects by Juan Sagarna from Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España (Spanish Co-ops), who highlighted the role of innovative crops in helping farmers diversify production, reduce risks associated with market fluctuations and adapt to climate-related challenges. The presentation also addressed emerging market opportunities linked to sustainable aviation fuels, aquaculture feed and other bio-based products.

Technical sessions covered several alternative crops. Participants learned about aromatic and medicinal plants, quinoa, camelina and carinata, with experts presenting cultivation practices, agronomic characteristics and potential applications. Special attention was given to camelina and carinata, with representatives from CCE and Nuseed discussing their suitability for Mediterranean conditions and their role in future bio-based value chains.

The workshop also included a visit to a quinoa demonstration plot established within the WATERMELLON project, providing participants with a practical opportunity to observe crop development and discuss cultivation experiences directly in the field.

Through initiatives such as this, CARINA continues to support knowledge exchange, crop diversification and the development of more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems capable of responding to future climate and market challenges.