Background The agricultural and livestock sector at local level is characterised by small size operations, with smallholdings being equivalent to the size of a micro-company in 99% of cases. However, the sector has a significant environmental impact and affect on different natural resources (water, land-use and air quality). The agricultural and livestock sector has not up to now made much progress in adopting the new framework proposed by the EMAS Regulation. Furthermore, agricultural smallholdings frequently have similar characteristics and continue to apply traditional production methods. Networking and exchange of knowledge that would allow introduction of innovative management procedures are not being used sufficiently in the sector. Introducing better management procedures would have a direct influence on the creation of new, specialised employment opportunities in the sector. Objectives The general objective of the project is to promote voluntary participation in the new Environmental Management Systems (EMAS Regulation) for agricultural smallholdings. In order to take into account the current structure and characteristics of the sector; this aim would be achieved introducing gradual approach models for the implementation of EMAS. More than 100 small agricultural and livestock farms participated in the project with a view to obtaining notable environmental improvements. The application of Good Practices (GPs) and Best Available Techniques (BATs) on these farms will have a positive impact on ecoefficiency through costs savings. The project also aimed to demonstrate the environment's potential for generating specialised employment through innovative and sustainable joint management models. One of the models will test the formula for joint management of common environmental problems. The other model will test the provision of direct and specialised services through the existing formulae for association in the sector. Results The expected results of this project were achieved: - A gradual programme aimed at facilitating the participation of small-holders in EMAS Regulation was validated and applied, distinguishing between the specific problems of sectors and their products. - More than 100 small-holders participated in the project, and obtained environmental improvements. - Innovative common requirements management models were pursued as an employment creation formula. - A catalogue of applications adapted to the sector with a view to obtaining environmental improvements and economic saving was published. A model for progressive participation in EMAS was designed, implemented and validated. 114 smallholders participated in/implemented this model and obtained environmental improvements A “Catálogo de buenas prácticas y mejores técnicas disponibles adaptadas al sector agropecuario” (Catalogue of good practices and best available techniques in the agricultural and livestock sector) was published, compiling 16 good practices and 77 BATs. Three common requirements management models were designed, implemented and validated. 12 new jobs were created. It is important to highlight the high interest shown in the models used in the project by the farmers of the area, a sector usually very resistant to change.