Andorra Research and Innovation and the Institute of Agro-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) have recently signed an agreement to provide technical consultancy services aimed at analyzing and defining a model for the cultivation and industrial processing of medical cannabis in Andorra. This has been commissioned by the Government of Andorra, which is studying the opportunities for the cultivation of this plant in the Principality and wants to define a model for its cultivation and industrial processing, given the growing interest in cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Signing of the agreement.
The IRTA has been devoted for more than 10 years to various research and development projects related to the scientific and technological potential of the therapeutic use of cannabis, and will provide Andorra Research and Innovation and the Government with its knowledge, experience and resources to carry out the corresponding work. "Cannabis could be a key crop for the economy, and we believe that Andorra has the necessary conditions to grow a quality product and to make it profitable," said Josep Usall, director general of the IRTA.
Cannabis plant.
The work will be carried out for about four months and will include a pilot project looking to define a basic structure for the production of medical cannabis extracts and study the feasibility of the crop's cultivation. Another project will serve to define the necessary infrastructure and analyze the possible positive impact that the plant's cultivation could have on the agricultural and economic diversification of the Principality, including the emergence of new economic sectors. The agreement also includes a proposal for positioning research work related to this field in Andorra. Lastly, a face-to-face meeting is planned with each of the working groups, as well as a day for the presentation of the results and final works.
Cannabis plantations at the IRTA.
The Minister of Presidency, Economy and Enterprise and President of Andorra Research and Innovation said that "the medical cannabis industry is recording great international growth, and it could offer opportunities for the development of a high added value sector in Andorra which would contribute to the diversification of the economy. It is one of the priority sectors for the Government."
For more information:
IRTA
www.irta.cat