Groupe de Recherche en Agriculture Biologique (GRAB)

Abstract

Research and innovation in Organic Farming. Missions : Farming system improvment in organic agriculture : • Research and experimentation programs. • Dissemination of technical information. • Technical expertise in organic farming. Research Programs : Agronomic efficiency and preservation of the environment. • Pests and diseases control : IPM, resistant varieties, agronomic strategies, organic pesticides… • Improvment of soil fertility : tillage management, fertility diagnosis... • Improvment of biodiversity : hedges composition, rows of flowers, Ecological reservoir zone... • Organic systems management : Biodegradable mulchs, semi extensive orchard, varieties adapted to organic systems… People and Infrastructure : • 12 researchers and technicians experts in their field of competence. • An experimental farm. • A large network of organic farms for on-farm trials. • 2 Laboratories. Knowledge transfert : • Organization of national symposia (with ITAB). • Participation to national and international symposia. • Meetings in the fields with farmers and technicians. • Publication in national journals. • Publication of technical notes and books. • Farmers and students training in universities. Scientific and technical partners : • National and international research institutes (INRA…). • Technical institutes : ITAB, ITV, CTIFL, ITEIPMAI... • Universities. • National, regional and local groups of organic farmers. Financial partners : UE, french ministry of agriculture, french ministry of environment, regional council, Agence de l’eau, firms..