Lleida has become the epicenter of agri-food innovation with the inauguration of the second edition of the Agrobiotech Innovation Forum 2026, taking place at Fira de Lleida from October 27th to 29th. The event gathers companies, researchers, professionals, and institutions with the aim of driving the sector's technological transformation.
Under the theme “Optimizing production without compromising the planet,” the event emphasizes the need to move towards more efficient, competitive, and sustainable production systems capable of responding to current environmental, technological, and economic challenges. The authorities present highlighted Lleida's potential to lead agri-food innovation in Southern Europe, advocating for technology, collaboration, and generational renewal as key factors.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by various authorities, including the Mayor of Lleida and President of Fira de Lleida, Fèlix Larrosa; the President of the Provincial Council of Lleida, Joan Talarn; the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Lleida, Jaume Saltó; the Secretary of Food of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Rosa Cubel; and the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food, Begoña García, among others.
During the speeches, the importance of innovation, artificial intelligence, and bioeconomy for a more efficient and sustainable primary sector was underscored. The need to involve the entire value chain and ensure generational renewal was also highlighted, as 2023 agricultural census data shows only 15% of farm holders in Catalonia are between 18 and 44 years old.
The forum's first day addressed challenges such as plant health, genetic improvement, digitalization, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation, with sessions dedicated to emerging pests, genome editing, and the use of Earth observation technologies for precision agriculture.
The event is structured around three strategic areas: agriculture, livestock, and bioeconomy, aiming to accelerate technological transfer and apply innovative solutions across the territory, reinforcing Lleida's position as a connection point between scientific knowledge and the productive sector.
