El Pla d'Urgell is a relatively recently created comarca (local district), whose existence dates from March 1988. It has a total surface area of 304 km2, a population of over 28,000 and 16 municipalities, which are all irrigated by the Canal d'Urgell. Mollerussa is both the geographic and economic centre of El Pla d’Urgell and the natural capital of the comarca.


The economy of El Pla has a predominantly agricultural base, with intensive, irrigated crop farming: forage, cereals, market garden products and fruit trees. Livestock farms, especially those rearing pigs, cattle and poultry, also play an important part in the local economy. The district’s industry, like its services, is mainly concentrated in Mollerussa and tends to be associated with the food sector.


The construction of the Canal d’Urgell completely changed both the economy and appearance of El Pla and transformed what had been hard terrain into rich, irrigated land. This network, which was inaugurated in 1861, but not completely finished until 1865, includes a total of 144 km of canals. Two of the comarca’s newest attractions are: The Espai Cultural del Canal d’Urgell (Cultural Space of the Canal d’Urgell), which was recently opened at the Casa Canal (Home of the Canal) in Mollerussa; and the Routes along the Canal d’Urgell. It is also important to highlight the recently recovered Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana pool and wetland area.


The gentle, flat scenery of the area makes rambling another popular attraction in this comarca, though it is also important to discover how its villages have conserved their past and traditions, in the form of its local festivities, fairs, and rich and succulent gastronomy. It is also possible to discover the local cuisine in some of the comarca’s many highly-reputed restaurants.