Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) hosted a dynamic DIGI-Rangeland event on June 12th 2026, where Galician stakeholders gathered in Silleda for discussing the future of grazing systems, land management and the role of digital innovation in supporting extensive livestock farming and rural territories. Together, these participants exchanged experiences, identified key territorial challenges and explored practical solutions for improving coexistence between different land uses.
The day began with an opening session focused on the future of grazing in Galicia, setting the stage for an open dialogue on territorial sustainability and rural resilience. One of the first activities included a “living map” of the territory, where participants shared where they came from, the areas they represent, and share experiences from different grazing contexts across Galicia. This activity helped frame the diversity of conditions and management realities affecting rangeland systems.
A dedicated presentation introduced DIGI-Rangeland as a European network connecting extensive livestock farming, land management and innovation. Participants learned about the project’s objectives and its role in fostering knowledge exchange, digital transition and sustainable grazing practices across Europe.
The programme also addressed the current state of grazing in Galicia, focusing on the challenges, opportunities and future perspectives for extensive livestock farming. Discussions highlighted issues such as land access, generational renewal, profitability, wildfire prevention and environmental sustainability.
Innovation also played a central role in the programme. INNOGANDO, an innovation initiative focused on bringing practical technologies and digital solutions to the livestock sector, supporting more efficient, sustainable and data-informed farming practices, presented new technologies with potential applications for livestock farming and land management, such as GPS systems and virtual fencing.
A dedicated session focused on a discussion of the potential use of DTI solutions for extensive agriculture, prior to the identification of challenges andrealities in a wide range of territories across Galicia, for example, sensors, drones, satellite technologies, mobile applications, cartography and data-driven decision-making tools. To close the morning programme, attendees were invited to share feedback and reflections on the project, helping shape future activities and priorities within DIGI-Rangeland.
In the afternoon, the event concluded with a field visit in Forcarei, providing an opportunity to observe practical examples and continue discussions in a real territorial context.
