The Barcelona Provincial Council, in partnership with the Institute of Agro-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), has carried out various initiatives throughout 2023 to advance agri-food and forestry innovation in the province. With a total investment of 300,000 euros, these projects have made a positive impact on landscape preservation, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the production of quality food.

One of the primary focuses has been the categorization and promotion of game meat, which is crucial for making hunting sustainable and controlling the population of wild boars in the province. As a result, there have been advancements in developing products made from boar meat, showing their appeal to consumers, and enhancing the reputation of these types of meat. Efficient management of the wild boar population is vital for preserving the ecological equilibrium of the territory.

Significant efforts have been invested in improving the quality of olive oil production in Montserrat Rural Park, alongside the preservation and characterization of indigenous olive varieties. These initiatives have encompassed the analysis of both varietal and blended olive oils, evaluating their chemical and sensory profiles across different commercial samples. Visits to oil mills have provided valuable insights for enhancement opportunities, while targeted training programs have been designed to empower local operators, including farmers, millers, and marketers. The findings have underscored notable enhancements in oil preservation quality, paving the way for collaborative marketing strategies and positioning Montserrat's olive oil as a strong gastronomic asset. Furthermore, ongoing research at Montserrat Rural Park emphasizes the advancement of local cheese, curd, and pastured meat production, underpinned by quality improvements, and the development of a comprehensive training program for prospective land bank users.

In two agrarian parks in the province, the collaboration between the Barcelona Provincial Council and the IRTA has allowed for specific actions aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the production of quality food. For example, the Lower Llobregat Agrarian Park has been the site of detailed studies to optimize the cultivation of Prat artichokes. There have also been initiatives to combat pests such as the marbled barnacle (halyomorpha halys) and to increase biodiversity in cultivated areas. These actions have been supplemented with informative sessions and materials to share the results with the community. Similarly, the Lower Tordera Agrarian Space has focused on assessing soil health and conserving biodiversity, and has created an educational itinerary to emphasize the importance of environmental preservation..

Other research conducted by IRTA in 2023, with the support of Barcelona Provincial Council, included workshops organized in Berguedà and Anoia to revitalize municipal slaughterhouses and foster innovation and creativity among the participants.

Xesco Gomar, Deputy of Natural Spaces and Green Infrastructure at Barcelona Provincial Council, emphasized the importance of this partnership: «Thanks to IRTA's support, we are reinforcing our commitment to agricultural innovation, crucial for sustainable development and essential in addressing future food and environmental challenges. Barcelona's province is dedicated to leading agriculture in sustainability and climate change adaptation».

For more information on the research conducted as part of this collaboration, please contact Sònia Callau, the head of the Agrarian Territorial Directorate of the Barcelona Provincial Council.