Groupe de Recherche en Agriculture Biologique (GRAB)

Summary

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...