The Gandesa and Alfarràs Agricultural Schools can still accept students for the next academic year.

The primary sector is key to the sustainability of our region. In a time marked by climate change and its ravages, the lack of generational leadership in the agriculture, livestock, and fishing sectors, and the neglect of forest management, it is necessary to lay the foundations to ensure a better future. This involves encouraging young people to train in these fields at Agricultural Schools (EA).

The Agri-Food Training Service (SFA), managed by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food of the Generalitat (DARPA), is a benchmark in training and professionalization in the agri-food, forestry, and rural sectors. This public network It currently has 15 training centers distributed throughout Catalonia, each with its own specific specialization.

Last May, the deadline for pre-registration for intermediate and advanced training courses at Catalan Agricultural Schools ended. This process will culminate on September 4 with the formalization of the third and final round of registrations for the 2025-2026 academic year. However, there are still some schools that have free places, such as, among others, the Gandesa Agricultural School (Terra Alta) and the Alfarràs Agricultural School (Segrià).

The EA Gandesa offers the Intermediate Training Cycle (CFGM) in Olive Oil and Wine Production, which trains specialized technicians in the production, processing, and quality control of these products.

Students will learn how to extract, process, and package oils, wines, beers, spirits, and specialty wines, as well as how to use the appropriate machinery and equipment and perform top-level maintenance.

The center of Gandesa It also teaches the Higher Level Vocational Training Cycle (CFGS) in Viticulture, which prepares professionals for advanced winery management, grape and must analysis, as well as marketing and innovation in the wine sector.

For its part, theEA of Alfarràs It specializes in fruit growing and is also notable for its commitment to agroecological production, a training program that responds to the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly production.

The school offers two training courses. The intermediate level, the CFGM in Agroecological Production, trains students in organic farming techniques, sustainable crop management, and corresponding certifications. The advanced level, the CFGS in Landscaping and the Natural Environment, aims to train professionals who manage and conserve natural and urban spaces, combining technical knowledge with environmental awareness. These courses will serve to learn sustainable agricultural techniques, develop analytical skills, manage farms, understand the agrosystem, and know how to improve and preserve it.

The school has a residence with full board that facilitates access to students from outside the country.

All centers in the Agricultural Schools network work together to optimize resources, share knowledge, and ensure high-quality training. The program offers practical and personalized training in small groups, specialized faculty, collaboration with companies in the sector, and technical visits to farms and agri-food industries. Furthermore, these programs have a high job placement rate, given the growing demand for qualified professionals in the sector.

Continuing education and internships abroad

In addition to the training cycles, the Agricultural Schools offer a wide range of continuing education courses and technology transfer workshops. In 2024, more than 8,700 students participated in these courses.

In addition to all this, there is theMentoring for Young Farmers and Farmers, for young people between 18 and 40 years old who apply to join an agricultural company and for initial installation assistance, as well as the Open Mentoring program to support people of all ages in their integration into the sector.

Furthermore, with the recent designation of five groups of Agricultural Schools as integrated vocational training centers, the educational offer is expanded beyond initial vocational training. In this way, the centers can offer professional certificates, accredited training aimed at people who want to acquire or improve specific professional skills. This training allows for requalification (reskilling) or the improvement of the qualification (upskilling), adapting to different moments and challenges of working life.

Finally, and as a future project, the centers are focusing on the internationalization of their studies. Several projects are currently underway to allow students to travel to other countries for internships or stays in companies to learn about other realities of the agri-food world.