We want to boost the transformation of the agri-food sector by adopting new disruptive digital technologies. These tools may be the key to solving the sector’s current challenges, improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural and livestock processes. At IRTA, our team of researchers has sound knowledge of the available technologies and we want to position ourselves as a leading player in the digitalisation of the agri-food sector.

Our objective is to optimise agricultural water management, aware of its importance as a scarce resource. Over the last 30 years, we have led several initiatives to improve water use efficiency and we will continue to promote innovation that enables more sustainable management. We are committed to advising irrigation communities and developing platforms that facilitate water needs monitoring, with a view to a more efficient and responsible future in the agricultural sector.

At IRTA we are working to improve soil health and promote carbon sequestration, recognising its fundamental role in environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. This improvement benefits biodiversity and contributes to the resilience of agricultural ecosystems and the production of quality food. We want to promote practices that encourage a more responsible use of resources and contribute to soil regeneration.

IRTA is committed to transforming these resources into sustainable solutions that not only reduce environmental impact, but also generate added value for the agri-food sector. Through innovation and the use of advanced technologies, we contribute to a more circular and efficient system, where waste becomes raw material for new products and services.

We want to boost the alternative protein sector, aligning ourselves with the European Union’s strategy for the protein transition, which seeks to improve the sustainability of the food system and health. With a legal framework established for insect, plant and microalgae proteins, together with interest from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food in the development of these alternatives, we are determined to foster protein ingredient innovation and biorefinery processes, creating a more sustainable and competitive future.

Our aim is to ensure animal health and welfare in a context of reduced antibiotic use, following European policies that set clear targets for such a reduction. We focus on animal welfare while looking for effective solutions to current challenges.

We are working to tackle emerging biological risks through close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food. With sound expertise in animal health and food safety, we are extending our actions to soil and plant health.

The wine sector is fundamental for Catalonia, but it is currently affected by a lack of specific research into viticulture and insufficient understanding of the effects of climate change. At IRTA we combine expertise in agronomy, pathology, water management and plant material, and we are committed to the i4Vi Alliance to boost our research into viticulture.