The VIII National Fair for the Repopulation of Rural Spain, known as Pressurewas held from October 18 to 20 in Madrid for the first time in its history. The Crystal Palace became a hive of ideas, proposals and solutions to combat depopulation and promote urban-rural dialogue. The goal? Face one of the great challenges of Spain: the revitalization of rural territories, which are at serious risk of disappearance.
The fair featured 100 speakers, more than 40 exhibitors, and various activities, including debates on topics such as employment or housing in depopulated areas and technological innovation, which allows rural companies to access international markets without having to leave their natural environments.
But why Madrid? After its first five editions in Soria, Presura evolved into a traveling format, stopping in cities such as Sigüenza or Pamplona. This year it has found its speaker in the capital. Roberto Ortega, Communication Director of the fair, explains that it seeks to “preach the secular gospel of repopulation, present the Rural Spain as a good place to start a life project. “We come to Madrid precisely because it is the place where perhaps there are people willing to listen to this message.”
Madrid represents, more than any other place, the melting pot of interests among those seeking new life opportunities in the countryside and those who see the revitalization of towns as an opportunity to combat national problems such as access to housing and employment. At one of the tables, Idealista presented its report on the real estate market in the provinces of Soria, Teruel and Cuenca, the territories most affected by depopulation.
Broadly speaking, the portal sees the demand for housing from foreigners as an opportunity for repopulation. Although the percentage of foreign demand is low, it is higher in small towns, where rent is already more expensive than in large towns. The report also reveals that 15% of the homes in these provinces are empty (Teruel has the oldest housing stock) and sales prices are much lower than the national average.
Despite these obstacles, possible solutions were discussed, from public policies to private incentives, to encourage the rehabilitation and occupation of properties. The Soria Chamber of Commerce, for its part, attracted attention by presenting a great offer of jobs that companies in the province cannot cover due to lack of population. This fact showed that there are opportunities in the field and that many positions, qualified and not, are waiting to be filled.
One of the key moments of Presura were the dialogues on the future of the rural world, with round tables with more than 50 speakers including representatives of institutions, experts and entrepreneurs.