Annual Report: CIRAD 2006

Emerging diseases: a research challenge

Climate change, ecological imbalances and trade intensification are triggering the development of new diseases and an upsurge in known disorders affecting plant, animal and human health. New operational strategies are needed to deal with recent pest and disease crises. Prediction, early detection, early warning and preventive studies on diseases that could be problematic in the future are now essential.

Agrimonde: agriculture and food worldwide in 2050

A major challenge facing world agriculture in the coming decades will be to find ways to boost production sustainably so as to be able to lastingly fulfil sharply increasing needs for food and nonfood goods. What future patterns could be possible in France, Europe, and all major regions worldwide, especially in the tropics? How can agricultural research help to meet this challenge? The Agrimonde prospective study, managed jointly by INRA and CIRAD, should provide answers to these questions, while fuelling discussions on the future of French public research and highlighting key orientations that could enhance its position within the international scientific community.