CIRAD in Reunion

Three areas of research

Since the 1st of January 2007, the CIRAD has been centered on three areas of research:

• Quality of agricultural and tropical food productions (KAPPA),
• Environmental risk, agriculture and integrated management of resources (REAGIR),
• Plant protection (3P)

The set up and activities of CIRAD in Reunion work to:

• support requests and for development of agricultural production industries and local partners,
• the global objectives fixed by its supervising ministries: the Ministry of higher education and research and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishing. Notably : the requirement for international scientific excellence, with the reception of foreign researchers.

Its mastery of techniques and sophisticated tools (molecular biology, modelization, remote sensing, geographical information system, various analytical techniques…) and an important proximity with the field, notably through several partnerships, explain the originality and strength of its scientific and technical display.

The four research priorities (2008-2013)

• To invent ecologically intensive agriculture
• Innovating, to make food accessible, varied and safe
• Foreseeing and managing infectious disease risks, environnemental risks and phytosanitary risks
• To contribute to a sustainable management of tropical rural areas

The implementation of new operational programs (PO) of the European Union for the 2007-2013 period has given Cirad in Reunion a three-fold mission:

• produce scientific results of excellence,
• answer the needs of rural development in Reunion,
• develop an active regional co-operation policy in the Indian Ocean.

Research programmes

• Epidemiology and surveillance of emerging and invasive plant pathogens in Réunion (BIORISK)
• Analysis of the genetic variability of sugarcane resistance to pests and diseases (GENERECAN)
• Varietal resistance against emerging tomato diseases (GENETOM)
• Ecological management of plant and animal communities in the agrosystems and natural ecosystems of Réunion (GECOVA)
• Development of plant genetic ressources for agricultural diversification (REGENDA)
• Sustainable productivity of sugarcane systems and farm management (CAS)
• Management of organic wastes and environmental impacts (PILMO)
• Integrated production of mangoes, pineapples and other tropical fruits (PIMAN)
• Research and trials in support of the coffee supply chain (CAFE)
• Integrated control of animal product quality (QIPA)
• Integrated management of farms and animal production chains (CIEEL)
• Support of the concerted management of resources and territories in rural areas (GERT)

CIRAD in figures

14 000 m2 of laboratories, greenhouses and offices on two main sites in St Denis (La Bretagne) and St Pierre (Ligne-Paradis/Plant Protection Platform) 35 ha of experimental plots on four stations (Bassin Plat, La Mare, Ligne-Paradis, Colimaçons) A staff of 181, including 55 researchers An annual budget of 13,5 million euros (60 % from the French government, 20 % from European Union and 20 % from the Region Council) 1180 publications, three patents, two software programms (2000-2006)

CIRAD’s installations in Réunion are spread over six sites, with offices, laboratories, greenhouses and experimental plots. Many trials are also conducted off-site, directly on farms.

In Reunion, the CIRAD is organized in three scientific centers or "poles", the activities of which are co-ordinated by a regional director. There are 181 permanent employees, including 55 researchers and 120 technicians. To this personnel must be added some twenty civil volunteers to technical aid (VCAT) and as many students at Phd level and trainees. Altogether, its more than 250 persons work in the offices of Cirad!

CIRAD in Réunion's detailed presentation in English and highlights from 2004 to 2007 (in French).

Booklet presenting CIRAD in Reunion.

AGROnews is a CIRAD's magazine to inform the general public in Reunion and Indian Ocean about researchs in agriculture.