The IRTA-UAB-EXPASA consortium has been designated as the National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare.
Royal Decree 69/2026, of 4 February, designates in its Article 7 the Consortium of the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA)-Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)-EXPASA Agricultura y Ganadería, S.M.E., S.A. (EXPASA) as the National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, for a period of four years from the entry into force of the royal decree.
With this designation, EXPASA Yeguada Cartuja becomes part of a strategic body at national level aimed at strengthening the consistent, coordinated and science-based application of European and national regulations on animal welfare and protection.
Its functions are those set out in Article 4 of Royal Decree 159/2023, of 7 March. These include providing scientific support to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN); providing scientific and technical advice on matters addressed by EFSA’s scientific network for risk assessment in animal health and welfare; facilitating liaison with animal welfare reference centres across the European Union; and taking on any other functions determined by the Ministry under current regulations.
EXPASA’s participation in CENARBA strengthens CENRE’s role as a hub for transferring applied knowledge to the equine sector, contributing expertise in handling, breeding, reproduction, conservation, training and the day-to-day management of equids.
Attached document: Royal Decree 69/2026, of 4 February, designating the National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare.
Main functions of CENARBA
Providing scientific support to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and to AESAN on animal welfare matters.
Providing scientific and technical advice on matters addressed by EFSA’s scientific network for risk assessment in animal health and welfare.
Facilitating liaison with animal welfare reference centres across the European Union. Taking on other functions determined by the Ministry under current regulations, including coordination with AESAN and State Security Forces when appropriate.