Through the OMIPERBIO Cervera Network of Excellence, CETIM collaborates with Aira, the largest first-tier cooperative in Galicia, on industrial research into microbial proteins, phenolic compounds and other bio-based ingredients derived from a range of agro-industrial by-products.

The European agri-food ecosystem faces a range of challenges related to productivity, environmental sustainability, rising costs and the need to adopt new technologies. To help address these challenges, CETIM is participating in the OMIPERBIO Cervera Network of Excellence, a new project in which we will investigate the production of microbial proteins, phenolic compounds and other bio-based ingredients from various by-products through the application of omics technologies.

One of the main end-use applications of this research will be animal nutrition, particularly within the dairy cattle sector, where we will collaborate with Aira, Galicia’s leading agri-food cooperative. This key partnership, which has already been established through initiatives such as AURORA and EDIH DATAlife, will contribute to enhancing the sustainability, digitalisation and competitiveness of the agri-food sector.

OMIPERBIO: Omics technology for the production of microbial proteins

The ultimate goal of OMIPERBIO is to improve food quality and contribute to both human and animal health through the use of omics technologies. These advanced tools enable the large-scale, integrated analysis of biological components, providing a deeper understanding of complex systems. As a result, the project will support the positive modulation of various microbiomes, including the human gut microbiome, the human skin microbiome and the animal rumen microbiome.

Specifically, CETIM will investigate solid-state fermentation processes and other sustainable extraction techniques aimed at producing microbial proteins, phenolic compounds and other bio-based ingredients from a range of agro-industrial by-products for use in animal nutrition. Particular attention will be given to the dairy cattle sector, with the objective of improving animal health and milk quality, while also exploring the potential to increase milk production.

Thanks to the application of omics technologies, OMIPERBIO will enable the development of novel ingredients and functional foods that will help strengthen food security, support the prevention of chronic diseases and enhance the sustainability of the agri-food production system.

OMIPERBIO Cervera Network of Excellence

The OMIPERBIO consortium brings together six leading Spanish technology centres specialising in complementary fields of research and innovation: the National Centre for Food Preservation Technology (CTNC), which coordinates the project; CETIM Technology Centre; the Technology Centre for Cereals of Castile and León (CETECE); the Olive Grove and Olive Oil Technology Centre (CITOLIVA); GOe Basque Culinary Center (GOe); and the Textile and Cosmetics Industry Research Association (AITEX).

Through strategic collaboration, the Network will enhance the scientific and technological excellence of the participating centres and position the consortium as a national and international benchmark in research focused on a safe and healthy food chain. This will generate a tangible impact through the development of new R&D projects, the transfer of knowledge and technology to industry, and support for strategic sectors such as agri-food, cosmetics and livestock farming.

The project will contribute to strengthening applied research and collaboration among technology centres in order to drive innovative solutions in food, health and sustainability, while also enhancing the competitiveness of businesses operating within these sectors.

Driving innovation through strategic partnerships

Within OMIPERBIO, CETIM will collaborate with Aira to evaluate the benefits of the newly developed bio-based ingredients by monitoring several groups of dairy cows over a controlled feeding period, incorporating the new ingredients into feed and silage formulations.

This strategic partnership is also being maintained through AURORA, a project in which we are developing a comprehensive strategy based on the use of biopesticides and digital technologies to reduce the incidence of diseases in agricultural crops, paving the way towards more sustainable, precision-based farming. This initiative also involves Kemegal, the consortium leader, and Generandi.

Prior to these research activities, we had already collaborated with the Galician cooperative through EDIH DATAlife. As part of this European Digital Innovation Hub, we have implemented technologies in validation and demonstration phases within Galician companies and public administrations. In Aira’s case, we developed a new unified and innovative web platform designed to digitalise and optimise its operational management.

To achieve this, we analysed vehicle usage and wear patterns in order to train artificial intelligence models capable of predicting maintenance requirements. We also reviewed internal processes, including route management, forms and weighbridge communications, to digitalise and optimise them within a single, more intuitive platform. In addition, we enhanced the ability to operate in areas with limited connectivity, reducing the risk of information loss.

Thanks to the commitment to R&D demonstrated by key stakeholders, we can continue advancing innovation to improve efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness across the agri-food sector.

Projects Information

OMIPERBIO is funded by the CDTI (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial), through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, under the “Cervera” Technology Centres of Excellence programme, within the framework of the 2024–2027 State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research. Project Reference: CER-20251006.
The project AURORA (File: CPP2024-011867) has been funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FEDER, UE
The EDIH DATAlife project has been co-funded by the European Union (Grant Agreement No. 101083755 and NextGenerationEU funds), the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, and the EOI (Escuela de Organización Industrial) under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.