The Extremadura Scientific and Technological Research Center (CICYTEX) is a public institution of reference in the region, dedicated to research, technological development, and knowledge transfer in the agri-food, livestock, forestry, and environmental sectors. Established to integrate various research institutes, CICYTEX actively works to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the region’s productive systems, contributing to rural development and natural resource conservation.

CICYTEX has a staff of 350 employees, including researchers, technicians, and support personnel, distributed across several specialized units. Its infrastructure includes laboratories, experimental farms, and innovation centers that enable applied research, experimental trials, and large-scale pilot projects.

Its main areas of work include:

•          Agricultural production: Research and improvement in irrigated and rainfed crops, agroforestry systems, and organic production.

•          Livestock production: Innovation in the health and management of native livestock species such as Iberian pigs and Merino sheep.

•          Agri-food industries: Development of technologies for the sustainable production of foods such as olive oil, wines, meat products, and dairy.

•          Natural resource management: Conservation of forest ecosystems, biodiversity assessment, and habitat restoration.

One of CICYTEX’s areas of particular interest is the research and management of grasslands and forage crops, due to the strategic importance of the dehesa in Extremadura. The dehesa, recognized by the European Union as a High Nature Value (HNV) Farming System, is a unique ecosystem in Europe that combines agricultural, livestock, and forestry activities sustainably. This system covers approximately 1.5 million hectares in Extremadura, representing a significant part of the regional territory. The dehesa hosts rich biodiversity, including endangered species, and is essential for the rural economy, especially in the extensive breeding of livestock such as Iberian pigs, Merino sheep, and Retinta cattle. CICYTEX focus on:

•          Genetic resource conservation: Operating a Germplasm Bank for annual forage legumes, part of the National Network of Genetic Resources.

•          Applied research: Using advanced technologies such as remote sensing, hyperspectral spectroscopy, and artificial intelligence for the characterization and improvement of grasslands.

•          Knowledge transfer: Implementing workshops, courses, and demonstrations aimed at farmers, technicians, and professionals in the agri-food sector.

These activities reinforce CICYTEX’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and knowledge transfer to address the current challenges of the agri-food sector.