Castilla y León has redoubled its commitment to organic farming, a sector that already covers nearly 136.000 hectares and sum 2.236 certified operatorsTechnical training is considered a key lever for driving this growth.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development places training as a strategic axis: the New Intermediate Cycle in Agroecological Production will be incorporated into the offer of the Integrated Centres for Agricultural Vocational Training (CIFPA), after the visit of the deputy minister Jorge Llorente to the center of Almázcara (León)This measure also responds to the growing interest in areas such as the bierzo.
New training offer in Agroecological Production
The new academic itinerary will train students to produce organic food through agricultural and livestock techniques that improve biodiversity y soil fertility. In addition, it is designed to fit the organic production regulations, animal welfare and environmental protection.
The degree will be taught at the CIFPA of Almázcara (León) y Viñalta (Palencia). The training combines theoretical and practical knowledge to facilitate the sustainable and efficient management of agroecological farms.
For professionals who graduate, this initiative also seeks to offer a real job opportunities what contribution generational relief and strengthen the vitality of the rural environment.
The growing interest in ecology in areas such as the bierzo, recognized for its high-quality agri-food products, demonstrates the opportunity for specialization and added value that provides this training.
CIFPA training and network in Castile and León
The eight CIFPA of the community have registered a 23% increase in applications compared to the previous year. They offer 20 training cycles, distributed in 10 Intermediate Level and 10 Advanced Level, in locations such as Ávila, Albillos (Burgos), Almázcara (León), Viñalta (Palencia), Coca (Segovia), Segovia, Almazán (Soria) and La Santa Espina (Valladolid).
La information on the offer, requirements and deadlines is available from www.formacionagrariacyl.org, which centralizes enrollment and academic updates.
In addition, Courses for Incorporation into the Agricultural Company (CIEA) strengthen the entry of new professionals: in 2025, they have been taught 26 courses to almost 400 students, with 74 participants in LeónDigitalization also plays an important role in this context.
Non-formal training is also on the rise, particularly within the framework of PEPAC 2023-2027In 2024, they were carried out 49 shares 1.271 participants, and in 2025, they were approved 75 shares to 1.920 interested, focused on knowledge transfer and specialization in agroecological practices.
The sector confirms its consolidation trend: in the last year, certified 382 livestock activities y 620 industrialistsThe dedicated surface area is mainly concentrated in permanent pastures (44%), cereals (14%), forage crops (11%) y vineyard (10%)Salamanca and Zamora concentrate the 38% of the organic surface.
Investment and new spaces in Almázcara
The CIFPA of Almázcara will face a remodeling with a investment of 1,1 million euros to expand 236m² of training spaces and update their infrastructure.
The center, which exceeds the 80 enrolled for the next course, has experienced an increase of almost 10% and is positioned as a reference in training in organic farming in Castilla y León in the province of León.
The academic offer will include three itineraries: Intermediate Degree in Agroecological Production (new), Intermediate Degree in Use and Conservation of the Natural Environment y Higher Degree in Forestry and Natural Environment Management.
- New Intermediate Degree in Agroecological Production
- Use and Conservation of the Natural Environment (Intermediate Level)
- Forestry and Natural Environment Management (Superior grade)
The works will be compatible with school activities, allowing for continued training while improvements are made, in accordance with the Regional Government's planning. The strategy focuses on organic production. generate employment, establish population and attract young talent in Castile and León.
