Ametller Origen signs a UPC scientist as Director of Innovation

Ametller Origen appoints a new Director of Innovation and Development. The Catalan fresh food distribution company has hired biologist and doctor in agri-food engineering and biotechnology Joan Simó with the aim of accelerating the transformation process of the agri-food industry and promoting circularity, sustainability, and agritech and foodtech projects.

Simó has extensive experience of more than 10 years in the field of agri-food research and was scientific director of the Miquel Agustí Foundation. Since 2019, he held the position of coordinator of the agri-food sector at the UPC, managing competitive projects at state and European levels and coordinating research groups. During this period at the university, Simó promoted the creation of the Agrotech UPC Specific Research Center, with more than 60 researchers, as well as the Cannabis HUB, which currently has more than 40 partners from the sector. In addition, the new executive at Ametller Origen has participated in the creation of two companies related to the design of green roofs and solutions for the city and with genetic diagnosis and advice.

"Simó's incorporation into the Ametller Origen Group is key to continuing to develop the company's strategy in the short and medium term and promoting circularity and sustainability in all its processes throughout its value chain, from the field, through transformation, distribution, and sale of food," highlighted the company led by Josep Ametller.

Simó is set to be one of the protagonists of the Agroparc Penedès, the main project Ametller Origen has on the table. It is a sustainable agro-industrial complex based on the circular economy that will produce more energy than it will consume, contribute to the reduction of CO₂, and even generate green hydrogen to power the chain's vehicle fleet. With the challenge of accelerating the transformation of the agri-food sector, the latest technologies in precision agriculture and water reuse will be applied, and maximum digitalization will be prioritized, with an estimated investment of 180 million euros.

The new Director of Innovation and Development will also lead the implementation of the iAgritech Institute of Technified Agriculture, a training and research center to train future agricultural technicians. Ametller Origen's idea is for Agroparc to also be a pole of attraction for small and medium-sized companies in the agritech and foodtech sectors, where innovative projects in these areas will be promoted to guarantee the future of agriculture and food.