CSIC and Lugartis investigate Lathyrus: opportunities for the agri-food sector 2026

Key data

Companies in the agri-food sector have a new market signal: CSIC, Spain's largest public research organization, has formalized an agreement with Lugartis SL to jointly develop the REVALAT project, focused on enhancing Lathyrus species in Spanish agriculture and agri-food industry. The resolution was published in the BOE on April 27, 2026.

These types of public-private alliances are not common and have a clear meaning for the market: when CSIC signs an agreement with a company for an R&D+i project, it is scientifically validating a business line and committing research resources. For the sector, it is an early signal that Lathyrus species will gain prominence in the coming years.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution publishes the collaboration agreement between the State Agency CSIC and the company Lugartis SL for the joint development of the R&D+i project called REVALAT (Enhancement of Lathyrus species in Spanish agriculture and agri-food industry).

The key elements of the agreement are as follows:

• Purpose: Research and commercial development of species of the genus Lathyrus, legumes currently little exploited in Spain.
• Collaboration model: Public-private joint research framework that combines CSIC's scientific capabilities with Lugartis SL's commercial interest.
• Objective: Promote knowledge transfer and generate new business opportunities in the agri-food sector.
• Expected results: Development of new varieties or commercial applications of Lathyrus species, both for agricultural use and as ingredients in the food industry.

Lathyrus species are legumes with dual potential: as sustainable alternative crops for farmers seeking to diversify, and as ingredient sources for food manufacturers needing plant proteins or differentiated functional components.

Economic and operational impact

This agreement does not generate direct costs or obligations for companies outside the agreement. Its impact is of the type market opportunity, not regulatory compliance. However, for agri-food sector companies it has concrete practical implications:

• New ingredients on the horizon: If the REVALAT project generates commercial applications of Lathyrus, food companies will have access to new raw materials or ingredients backed by CSIC scientific research, which facilitates their incorporation into formulations and regulatory acceptance.
• Opportunity for farmers: Farmers interested in diversifying crops can benefit from the project results to incorporate Lathyrus species as a sustainable alternative, with the added value of having supporting scientific research.
• Knowledge transfer: The agreement establishes a formal mechanism for transfer between science and business, which usually translates into licenses, patents or derived commercial agreements accessible to the sector.
• Competitive positioning: Companies that anticipate the project results will be able to position themselves ahead of competitors in the alternative plant proteins and sustainable crops segment.

Who does it affect?

This resolution and the REVALAT project are especially relevant for:

• Food manufacturing companies working with plant proteins, functional ingredients or seeking to diversify their raw material portfolio.
• Farmers and agricultural cooperatives interested in sustainable alternative crops with market potential backed by scientific research.
• Ingredient and food additive companies that can incorporate Lathyrus derivatives into their offering.
• Investors and funds specialized in agritech and foodtech seeking to identify emerging innovation lines with institutional backing.
• Distributors and agri-food chain operators wanting to anticipate new product categories.
• Consultants and advisors in the agricultural and food sector who must inform their clients about innovation trends with regulatory basis.

Practical example

A medium-sized food company manufacturing functional foods or plant proteins that currently works with peas or lentils as a source of plant protein can use the REVALAT project as a strategic reference in the following way:

1. Identify that CSIC and Lugartis SL are developing commercial applications of Lathyrus with public scientific backing, which reduces the risk of entering this ingredient.
2. Contact Lugartis SL to explore supply or collaboration agreements once the project generates transferable results.
3. Anticipate the incorporation of Lathyrus into its ingredient portfolio before competitors do, taking advantage of the time window offered by the research phase.

Similarly, a farmer in Castilla y León with land suitable for legumes can follow the advances of the REVALAT project to assess whether introducing Lathyrus crops into their rotation has commercial viability backed by CSIC's scientific results.

What should companies do now?

1. Assess whether the Lathyrus sector is relevant to your business: If you manufacture foods with plant proteins, work with legumes or seek to diversify crops, this project is a direct market signal you should follow.
2. Monitor the results of the REVALAT project: CSIC-company agreements usually generate publications, patents and licensing agreements. Monitor progress to identify when results become commercializable.
3. Contact Lugartis SL if there is commercial interest: As the private company party to the agreement, Lugartis SL will be the natural contact to explore supply, licensing or distribution agreements for project results.
4. Consult with CSIC about possible additional collaborations: CSIC has technology transfer mechanisms open to sector companies. If your company has R&D capacity, you can explore complementary collaboration pathways.
5. Incorporate this line into your trend analysis: CSIC's institutional backing of Lathyrus species is an indicator that this crop will gain regulatory and commercial presence in Spain in the coming years. Include it in your strategic planning.