Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), Spain

Research Capacity & Development​

IRTA has been driving forward R&D and innovation in the agri-food industry since 1985 and is the leading scientific body in Catalonia. It is a public enterprise attached to the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Affairs of the Catalan Government.

IRTA provides solutions to:

  • Mitigate climate change and adapt to it

  • Improve food safety

  • Preserve biodiversity

  • Make efficient use of resources

IRTA leads the transformation of food systems to make them environmentally sustainable, good for human health, and economically viable for the industry.

Scientific Excellence Pillars

Plant Production

Plant production research aims to ensure that the production of fruit, vegetables, and field crops can cope with climate change, uses resources efficiently, respects biodiversity, and withstands pests and diseases.

  • Sustainable Field Crops

  • Fruit Production

  • Genomics and Biotechnology

  • Postharvest

  • Sustainable Plant Protection

  • Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture

Scientific Excellence Pillars

Animal Production

This area studies ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of livestock and aquaculture production, from nutrition, animal welfare and health, and bioeconomy.

  • Marine and Continental Waters

  • Aquaculture

  • Animal Welfare

  • Animal Breeding and Genetics

  • Animal Nutrition

  • Ruminant Production

  • Animal Health

  • Sustainability in Biosystems

Scientific Excellence Pillars

Food Industries

Food industry research innovates in food processing with a focus on food safety, quality, conservation, transformation, and consumer perceptions.

  • Functionality and Food Safety

  • Food Quality and Technology

Scientific Excellence Pillars

Facilities

  • Barcelona: Torre Marimon, CReSA, Cabrils, Fruitcentre, Agrònoms

  • Lleida: Fruitcentre (Fruit Production, Postharvest, Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture, Animal Health; around 150 people)

  • Tarragona: La Ràpita, Mas Bové, Amposta

  • Girona: Experimental Farms (Gimenells, Les Borges Blanques, Mollerussa, Alcarràs), Mas Badia, Monells, Monells Cattle Farm (EVAM), Pig Monitoring and Assessment (CAP)

  • Partner Locations: CRAG, CREDA