Collaboration will promote technologies such as robotics, AI, biotechnology and much more
Catalan fruit association Afrucat and the Eurecat Lleida technology centre have signed an agreement to accelerate the development and rollout of advanced technological solutions that address the main challenges of the fruit sector.
This multi-year strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the resilience of the fruit sector and optimise the efficiency, adaptability, and differentiation capacity of the companies operating in it.
Eurecat’s general manager, Xavier López, commented: “By harnessing the potential of technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, we will contribute to boosting the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of companies in the fruit sector and positioning Catalonia as a European benchmark in agro-industrial innovation”.
Within the framework of the agreement, Eurecat will promote strategic projects focused on optimising processes, improving efficiency in resource management, and moving toward a more sustainable and decarbonized production model.
It will work with Afrucat in areas such as agricultural robotics, the circular bioeconomy, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensor technology, with direct application in the production systems of the deciduous fruit sector.
“This collaboration reinforces our mission to stand alongside local companies, providing them with our own technology and applied knowledge to address complex challenges and consolidate a more efficient and resilient agro-industrial model based on distinctive technological capabilities,” said Gabriel Anzaldi, director of Eurecat Ecosystems and manager of the centre’s Lleida headquarters.
Afrucat’s general manager, Manel Simon, described the partnership as “a catalyst that will accelerate changes in the fruit sector”.
“The sustainability of the Catalan fruit production system will depend greatly on our innovative capacity in terms of products, processes, and business organisation,” he said.
The first phase of the partnership will prioritise robotisation and automation. The scope of action may be expanded to include other initiatives considered strategic or priority, such as predictive integrated management based on artificial intelligence, smart water and energy management – including agrovoltaic solutions – plant nutrition and health, or the transition to circular, sustainable, and decarbonised production models, as well as new emerging technologies.
“With this objective, Afrucat and Eurecat are committed to a stable, strategic, and results-oriented collaboration, which aims to contribute to positioning Catalonia as a leading hub for agri-food innovation on an international scale,” López said.
