José Miguel Valls Ortiz passed away in Zaragoza on Thursday, 14 November 2024. He served as director of CIHEAM Zaragoza from March 1988 to March 2003, leaving an enduring legacy at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza, fondly known as ‘the Institute’. We wish to pay tribute to his admirable life and reflect upon his significant contribution to our institution.
Born in Tortosa on 30 July 1946, Miguel – as he was known to all – studied agricultural engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), specialising in animal production. He completed his university studies with training periods at the Station Centrale de Génétique Animale of INRA (France) and the Animal Breeding Research Organisation (United Kingdom), and pursued doctoral studies at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica of the UPV.
Miguel’s professional journey began in 1972 at the Department of Animal Production, Pastures and Forages of the Centro Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario del Ebro (CRIDA-3), part of the Spanish National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), where he became a civil servant in 1978. He later served as Director General of Agricultural Promotion in the Regional Government of Aragon, where he was responsible for agricultural research, extension, and training. During this time, he also shared his expertise by teaching courses on animal breeding and sheep production in the courses at our Institute.
His tenure as Director of CIHEAM Zaragoza stands out as a defining chapter of his career. Miguel led the Institute for fifteen years – the longest mandate of any director in its history. Under his leadership, the Institute experienced remarkable growth, introducing several master’s programmes and expanding the number and scope of advanced courses. This involved an increase in staff recruitment, and a more dynamic internal structure centred around project management and training. It was at this moment that Miguel decisively opted for a model of cooperation based on internationalisation, simultaneous interpretation, and the recruitment of a ‘flexible faculty’ of high-level academic experts.
After leaving the Institute, Miguel returned to the Government of Aragon where he concluded his professional career as Director General of Rural Development in the Department of Agriculture and Food in 2011.
As director, Miguel inspired both respect and genuine affection. He was known for his integrity, high standards, honesty and fairness. He was reserved and meticulous, active and hard-working, serious and determined, thoughtful and intelligent, and had a profound sense of humanity. He had a contagious energy and strong work ethic, inspiring his staff to work at the same relentless pace. He led by example, working tirelessly to earn Zaragoza’s Institute a more prominent role within the Organisation. He understood students’ concerns and knew how to connect with those he worked with. Miguel was a born leader and with a clear vision of the future he wanted for CIHEAM Zaragoza, he strengthened the Institute’s international presence and enhanced its reputation.
During my time as director, I had the privilege of meeting with Miguel on several occasions. He was always generous with his time and wisdom, willing to share his experiences. I recall him speaking passionately about the ambitious projects he undertook during the prosperous years of the 1990s. His commitment to the Institute never waned and he continued to attend our events whenever possible. At one such event we spoke for the last time. Despite his declining health, he retained the dignity that characterised him. When we invited him to the inaugural ceremony of the academic year 2024/2025 in late October, he confirmed his attendance, barring unforeseen circumstances, saying goodbye with an “hasta pronto”, that, sadly, was not to be.
Rest in peace, Miguel. You were an example to us all. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we carry on your remarkable work, ensuring that CIHEAM Zaragoza remains a beacon of international cooperation in agriculture and food.
Raúl Compés López
Director del CIHEAM Zaragoza