From 14 to 17 April 2026, the NEXRUR consortium met in Burgos (Spain) to collaborate on innovative approaches for sustainable, community-led business models in rural areas. The host was the University of Burgos, which had organised a diverse and intensive programme.
Representing the BAB were Katrin Hofer (BAB Project) and Oliver Tamme. They were joined by Markus Herndl from the FoodCoop "S’Gartl" Windischgarsten, who provided valuable practical insights from on-the-ground implementation as a practice partner.
Kick-off and Arrival
The meeting began with an informal reception in the historic city centre of Burgos. The relaxed atmosphere allowed participants to network and get to know one another – a successful start that laid the foundation for the following working days.
Focus on CLBM: Exchange, Methods and Further Development
The first full working day was entirely dedicated to so-called Community-Led Business Models (CLBM). In several workshops, experiences from various case studies were discussed and further developed. Particular focus was placed on:
- the application and reflection of the CLBM Canvas,
- the exchange of successes and challenges across the individual regions,
- and the introduction of the Learning History Method to systematically document findings.
Learning on Site: Excursions and Practical Examples
A particular highlight was the excursion day in the region surrounding Burgos. Participants visited two best-practice examples on-site:
- a regenerative farming operation ("DeYerba: La Carne de Pasto") in Zael,
- and a vineyard in the Ribera del Duero region, which presented innovative business models in viticulture.
Securing Results and Future Outlook
The final day focused on securing and sharing the knowledge gained. In a so-called Harvesting Session, key learnings were gathered and reflected upon. Additionally, topics such as communication, dissemination and project management were addressed.
The meeting concluded with a joint reflection on the case studies under the motto: "The seed I take with me" – a symbolic look at the impulses that each participant took away from Burgos.
© Oliver Tamme
Conclusion
The Nexrur meeting in Burgos was characterised by intensive professional exchange, international cooperation and practical insights. It has once again demonstrated the importance of collaboration, knowledge transfer and shared learning processes in developing sustainable solutions for rural areas.
