Barcelona's wholesale market Mercabarna will cooperate with the Institute for Agrifood Research and Technology IRTA in R&D, technology transfer and technical training.

The agreement was signed on January, 18 by Mercabarna and IRTA's general managers, respectively Ms. Montserrat Gil de Bernab?§| and Mr. Josep M. Monfort - in Mercabarna premises.

The agreement between the two institutions involves the promotion of agrofood research in the sectors of fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and shellfish, boosting technological innovation in processing, preservation, packaging and marketing - as well as the development of fresh-cut and ready-to-eat fruit and vegetables.

To reach these goals, IRTA will be provided with an office within Mercabarna facilities to be able to advise the businesses about R&D in the food sector, as well as to convey to companies with the latest technology advancement obtained, and carry out training activities and days of technological workshops, in cooperation with Mercabarna Formation Dept., addressing Mercabarna food companies.