The AgriGenCat project strengthens the use of Catalan in research and scientific communication with the creation of a terminology resource specialized in agricultural genomics, with more than 400 terms defined and validated by experts.
Agrotecnio, the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) and TERMCAT have promoted the project AgriGenCat: Dictionary of Agricultural Genomics, an initiative aimed at promoting the use of the Catalan language in research and scientific communication in a strategic area for agricultural and biotechnological development. The project has been developed within the framework of the Grants to CERCA research centres in Catalonia for actions to promote and use the Catalan language in the field of research.
Over the past year, a team of researchers and linguists has been working on this project, which is scheduled to be launched this autumn. The specialized dictionary of agricultural genomics will collect more than 400 terms related to disciplines such as plant genetics, biotechnology, comparative genomics, bioinformatics applied to crop improvement or plant genetic engineering. Each entry will include the name in Catalan, the corresponding definition, the equivalents in Spanish, English and French, as well as explanatory notes with complementary information.
Agricultural genomics is a scientific discipline with a strong international projection and with a growing impact in areas such as food security, the adaptation of crops to climate change or the development of more productive and resilient plant varieties. Despite its importance, much of the specialised terminology available was mainly in English, which made it difficult to use Catalan in scientific communication in this sector.
To respond to this need, researchers from CRAG and Agrotecnio have worked together with specialists from TERMCAT to identify, review and validate the most relevant terminology in the field. The project has also made it possible to propose terminological solutions in Catalan for emerging concepts or concepts that have recently been incorporated into the specialized scientific vocabulary.
The main recipients of the new resource will be the research, technical and management staff of research centres, universities and institutions linked to the agricultural and biological sciences, as well as professionals in scientific communication, translation, linguistic correction and specialised journalism. However, the open nature of the project will also allow anyone interested to consult and use the terminology collected.
The collaboration between CRAG, Agrotecnio and TERMCAT exemplifies the value of joint work between scientific and linguistic institutions to strengthen the presence of Catalan in highly specialised areas of knowledge and promote the transfer of knowledge to society.
About the project:
AgriGenCat: Dictionary of Agrigenomics, 2024 ACERC 00011, Generalitat de Catalunya
About the participating entities:
CRAG
The Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is a centre that forms part of the CERCA system of research centres of the Government of Catalonia (Spain), and which was established as a partnership of four institutions: the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the University of Barcelona (UB). CRAG’s research spans from basic research in plant and farm animal molecular biology, to applications of molecular approaches for breeding of species important for agriculture and food production in close collaboration with industry. In 2026, CRAG has been recognized for the third time as a “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence” by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Agrotecnio
Agrotecnio (Agrotechnology Research Centre Foundation) is an international centre of excellence for research in the agri-food sector that is part of the Catalan Research System (CERCA). Its mission is to carry out high-impact research related to agri-food, contributing to feeding a growing population with fewer resources and in a context of global change. Agrotecnio’s research focuses on plant and environmental sciences, animal science and food science and technology, also integrating agri-food law. The center adopts a holistic perspective that takes into account the «One Health» concept, recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, plant and environmental health.
TERMCAT
TERMCAT is a consortium affiliated with the Government of Catalonia through the Department of Language Policy, comprising the Government of Catalonia, the Institute of Catalan Studies and the Consortium for Linguistic Normalisation, which coordinates and promotes terminological actions in the Catalan language.