Andorra Hails New IRTA Pyrenees Branch as Historical Correction

Andorra's Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig has hailed the opening of a new branch of the Catalan Institute for Food Research and Technology (IRTA) in La Seu d'Urgell as a correction of a "historical anomaly". Speaking at the launch, he described it as the first such centre in the Pyrenees region among the institute's 20 facilities across Catalonia, serving 20% of the territory.

Ordeig argued for a comprehensive government presence in the area, including "positive discrimination" to create future opportunities. He stressed the need to "democratise knowledge and bring it to every corner of the country", especially as rapid global changes and technology reshape the agro-food sector—the economy's leading industry. Without such infrastructure, he warned, "the Pyrenees won't make it", citing missed opportunities in local crops and projects.

The minister emphasised that the IRTA Pyrenees is a regional initiative, not limited to La Seu d'Urgell, and called for a broad perspective. It should lead advancements in irrigation technology, farming and livestock operations, infrastructure, and industry. He also noted plans for technical services from Andorra to collaborate with the centre.

IRTA Director General Josep Usall called the facility a "highway of knowledge", focusing research on extensive livestock farming, dairy production, mountain vineyards, fruit growing, and wool utilisation. The main headquarters will operate from the Casa dels Parcs del Pirineu in La Seu d'Urgell, with additional sites like the existing one in Vileha networked together. It is expected to be fully operational in coming weeks, starting with five or six staff. Usall described the launch as a "historic milestone", the first new branch in 13 years.

La Seu d'Urgell Mayor Joan Barrera welcomed the equipment after "many years of requests". A permanent building is planned for the historic centre at Ca l'Armenter.

On other matters, Ordeig said restrictions from contagious nodular dermatitis in border and mountain areas—critical amid the livestock health crisis—will lift next week, ending the outbreak through record-time vaccinations covering nearly the entire country.

He also urged participation in agricultural elections on 27 February, calling them the best way to identify representatives for shaping national agro-food policies in the years ahead.