From May 6 to 8, 2025, the city of León, Spain, hosted over 50 experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across Europe as part of an international study visit organized under the FOREST4EU project. Over the course of three dynamic days, participants exchanged knowledge, presented innovations, and explored new opportunities in the non-wood forest products (NWFP) sector, including chestnuts, resin, mushrooms, and truffles.
The event was hosted by Cesefor, whose biotechnology department showcased cutting-edge research on the resilience of chestnut trees—one of the key species for both Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. The first day focused on presentations by operational groups from Italy, Portugal, France, and Spain, highlighting practical solutions in value addition, sustainability, and technological innovation.
On the second day, participants took part in a field visit to local forests, where they witnessed the first demonstration of mechanized resin extraction, an innovation developed by the ACREMA operational group. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of work in this traditional sector. The field activities also featured innovations in the chestnut value chain, with the YESWECAST group emphasizing sustainability, added value, and market potential.
The final day featured two parallel workshops—one dedicated to mushroom and truffle innovations, and the other to chestnut-related advancements. Participants engaged in lively discussions, built new connections, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
The study visit in León reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange in advancing sustainable forest management. Non-wood forest products are increasingly recognized as valuable assets for strengthening rural communities, addressing climate challenges, and developing the green economy—this visit marked another step in that direction.
