Spanish OGP Network launched to strengthen collaboration among organic greenhouse producers in Spain

Within the BIOGREENET project, COEXPHAL successfully launched the Spanish Organic Greenhouse Production (OGP) network in Almería, bringing together organic greenhouse producers and relevant stakeholders to exchange experiences, identify common challenges and define priorities for future collaboration.

Eight people standing in a meeting room beside a BIOGREENET banner and presentation screen.

On September 17, 2026, the first meeting of the Spanish OGP Network took place in Almería. (Photo: COEXPHAL, Laura Ruiz)

Building a network for knowledge exchange

The kick-off meeting, held on 17 September 2026 at CIT COEX in Almería, marked the beginning of a practical and participatory platform for knowledge exchange among experienced organic greenhouse producers, farmers applying integrated production systems with a strong focus on biological control for pest and disease management, and a farmer currently transitioning to organic production.

The event opened with an introduction to the BIOGREENET project and the objectives of the OGP Network. This was followed by a round of introductions, during which participants shared their experiences in organic greenhouse production and their expectations for the newly established network.

Key challenges facing organic protected horticulture

The main part of the meeting focused on identifying the current challenges and opportunities faced by organic protected horticulture in Spain, with particular attention to the Almería production area. Participants identified several key challenges, including pest and disease management, competition from third countries, market trends influenced by social media and influencers, the need for greater professionalisation of the sector, agricultural waste management, and stronger coordination between institutions and producers.

Participants also stressed the need to further improve awareness and implementation of integrated pest management strategies. Discussions highlighted the importance of biological control, early detection and continuous monitoring of pests and diseases, as well as the value of reviving traditional agricultural practices that have proven successful in the past.

Identifying opportunities and future priorities

Alongside these challenges, producers also identified several positive developments and opportunities for further improvement. They noted the growing recognition of the importance of biological control, the paradigm shift in irrigation management in recent years, and the increasing focus on soil health, moving from viewing soil solely as a support structure to recognising its essential role in sustainable production systems.

Participants also observed that younger generations of farmers are more open to peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and that private agricultural advisors are playing an increasingly important role alongside the advisory services provided by cooperatives.

The discussion concluded with the identification of priority topics for future OGP Network meetings. Participants agreed on the importance of maintaining a collaborative space where practical challenges can be discussed, experiences exchanged and solutions explored together. Future activities may include farm visits, field demonstrations and discussions around concrete cases to support knowledge exchange and strengthen collaboration among network members.

The Spanish OGP Network will continue its work within BIOGREENET to strengthen cooperation among organic greenhouse producers and contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient organic horticultural systems.

Contact

Dr. Laura Ruiz Jiménez, COEXPHAL - Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers Organisation of Almería