Exciting Innovations Ahead: Algarve's Tavira and Faro Innovation Hubs Secure Over €2.3 Million Investment

Major Investment Announced

The Board of Directors of the Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) of Algarve has approved investments totaling €2,362,508.41 for the Innovation Hubs in Faro (Patacão) and Tavira, with an expected completion date by the end of 2025.

Funding Details

These initiatives were presented to Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries José Manuel Fernandes and Secretary of State for Agriculture João Moura during their visit to regional agricultural services. The funding comes from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), specifically under Component 5 – Business Capitalization and Innovation, which includes the Innovation Agenda for Agriculture, approved by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 86/2020.

Innovation Hub Projects

The projects include:

• Tavira Innovation Hub: Approved with an eligible investment of €1,677,789.53.
• Faro Innovation Hub: Approved with an eligible investment of €684,718.88. Both projects are scheduled for execution by December 31, 2025.

Key Actions

The proposals focus on:

• LA1: Infrastructure and equipment modernization within experimental agricultural stations.
• OP1: Enhancing research, innovation, training, demonstration, and technology transfer capabilities.

The modernization of the Innovation Network aims to rejuvenate scientific laboratory infrastructure, pilot structures, and collections of regional varieties.

Tavira Innovation Hub Highlights

• The Tavira Hub, located at the Agricultural Experimentation Center (CEAT), is set for rehabilitation, including modernizing the main building and improving its facilities to better serve the agricultural sector.
• It houses unique collections of Mediterranean fruit varieties, crucial for future improvement programs, which are at risk of extinction due to changing agricultural practices.
• Planned rehabilitation works include roof covering, interior and exterior painting, and irrigation network renewal.

Faro Innovation Hub Highlights

• The Faro Hub is positioned to become a national reference for sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity preservation.
• It spans approximately 12 hectares and will focus on enhancing agricultural social practices and promoting local resources.
• Rehabilitation works will include exterior painting, repairing leaks, and renewing the irrigation system originally installed in 1990.

Overall, these projects aim to significantly boost the agricultural innovation ecosystem in the Algarve region, enhancing sustainability and productivity.