I am pleased to welcome you to the website of the  Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), a major channel to access information on research, innovation and competitiveness policies the Government develops.

This website has been designed to provide general information about the Institute and its activities, and contains two additional main areas to disseminate the generated knowledge: one dedicated to companies and organizations, and the other focused on research and technology.

Surely, research and innovation are two basic pillars of the new global society, for which, at the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and Natural Environment, we think betting on innovation and research is essential to ensure the competitiveness of agrofood in Catalonia, especially in these times of profound change.

Adapting to this new scenario requires new projects and new initiatives that encourage the modernization of agrifood companies, with the aim of being able to meet the new market and consumer requirements in an increasingly globalized economy.

Thus, through IRTA, the Department will encourage research as a tool and engine for innovation, competitiveness and value creation, as well as for the generation of  knowledge and wealth for the agrofood industry and, ultimately, for our country.

In many cases, IRTA carries out cutting edge research, and the broad agricultural sector normally benefits from it, from production to industry sectors, being a clear example of collaboration between public administration and private initiative.

I trust you will find the information you need in this website and its navigation will become a useful tool for you.

Josep Maria Peligrí Aixut

Minister