• The award-winning article, led by AZTI in collaboration with NEIKER and IRTA, demonstrates that by-products such as coffee and grapes can be high-value functional ingredients.

 

• The award endorses NEIKER’s track record in projects such as ECOFFEED and NEWFEED, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the livestock sector.

 

The commitment to transforming the food chain towards more sustainable models has received a significant boost from the sector. The scientific article focusing on the valorisation of agri-food by-products, developed by AZTI in collaboration with NEIKER and IRTA, has been awarded the 12th CESFAC Foundation ‘Miguel Ángel Díaz Yubero’ Prize in the ‘Nutrition and Sustainability’ category.

The award, granted by the Royal Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Spain and sponsored by the CESFAC Foundation (Spanish Confederation of Compound Feed Manufacturers), recognises work with a clear applied focus. In this edition, the jury awarded a research project—presented by David San Martín (AZTI)—that analyses how materials traditionally considered waste can be successfully reintegrated into the diet of ruminants, rabbits and fish. On behalf of NEIKER, the research team was made up of Aser García, Idoia Goiri and Mounir Medjadbi, who contributed their technical knowledge and experience in animal nutrition.

 

Collaboration is key: ECOFFEED and NEWFEED

NEIKER’s contribution to this award-winning article is not an isolated one, but rather the result of solid research into the circular economy carried out through strategic projects such as ECOFFEED and NEWFEED. Studies show that it is possible to incorporate by-products such as coffee grounds or grape pomace into animal feed without affecting production yields and, in some cases, even improving the quality of the final product.

 

Results that transform the sector

This recognition highlights the value of collective work and the applied approach to research, demonstrating that collaboration between leading centres (AZTI, NEIKER and IRTA) is key to offering real solutions to the sector. The results obtained provide useful evidence for the feed industry to reduce its dependence on conventional raw materials, opening up new opportunities for the recovery of what was previously considered mere waste.

With this collaboration, NEIKER continues to consolidate its position as a strategic ally for the Basque agri-food sector, promoting solutions that align economic profitability with European bioeconomy strategies, demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.