Under the direction of Miguel Urrestarazu and Tatiana Pagan Loeiro, the summer course at the University of Almería in Dalías has focused on new trends in agricultural infrastructure and crop management, with a special emphasis on the emergence of artificial intelligence. The course title, ‘The greenhouse of the Campo de Dalías is updated’, reflects its aim to integrate digital solutions with traditional knowledge.
Antonio Salvador Matarín, an agricultural technical engineer and Doctor of Environmental Sciences from the UAL, provided a balanced perspective. Matarín, known for his doctoral thesis on controlled vegetable production and his experience as an agro-environmental consultant, stressed the importance of realism regarding intensive agriculture, the economic engine of the province of Almería and its towns.
Matarín positively valued the UAL's initiative to extend its summer courses to various locations across the province, calling it "fundamental" for bringing the economic engine closer to all inhabitants. "The small towns are truly the history and essence of our province," he stated, recalling his own experience as a former mayor of Alboloduy.
The expert highlighted that "protected agriculture" in the Campo de Dalías, which began in the 1960s, has expanded and consolidated, bringing life to municipalities like Berja and Dalías. This expansion is based on investment in research, technology, and growing awareness of environmental impact, with the sector implementing measures to address these issues.
Comparing the current situation with his 2005 doctoral thesis, Matarín noted a positive evolution in the environmental application of intensive agriculture. He emphasized the generational shift in the sector, with young, well-prepared professionals possessing environmental and social awareness, which gives him "great confidence" in the sector's future, always prioritizing sustainability.
In the Andarax region, a successful coexistence between traditional and modern agriculture is observed, models that Matarín considers essential for economic prosperity and landscape preservation. "The Andarax is a jewel," he stated, highlighting how it maintains its essence and combines traditional water management with new technologies.
