Maintaining the level and remarkable diversity of agricultural production in Réunion with a view to a circular bioeconomy. Contributing to food and nutrition security for people in Réunion and Mayotte, along with the southwest Indian Ocean islands. These are the main challenges for CIRAD's research operations in the region.

Dynamic regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean

To tackle the food, health and environmental challenges facing the Indian Ocean, CIRAD has structured its regional cooperation via a regional AR4D platform: PRéRAD-OI. The platform was founded in 2014, prompted by a shared wish expressed by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the French government, the Réunion Regional Council and CIRAD, backed by the Réunion Departmental Council.

PRéRAD-OI now federates the driving forces and expertise in terms of agricultural science in the region, viz. more than 20 public institutions (ministries) and research and agricultural training establishments in the five IOC member countries (Madagascar, Mauritius, France-Réunion, the Seychelles and the Union of the Comoros).

In all, some 40 partners from various countries are now working together through five thematic networks (PRPV, Germination, Arche-Net, QualiREG and One Health OI) and associated projects (Epibio, Germination 2, Eclipse, Qualinnov 2, TROI).

A determination to share information and knowledge

With a view to sharing knowledge and to opening up to society in general, CIRAD's researchers provide teaching and training and supervise interns and PhD students. They also participate in agricultural and other events such as the Fête de la Science.

The CIRAD Regional Office for Réunion-Mayotte also publishes a newsletter: Agronews.

Agronews, journal du Cirad à La Réunion-Mayotte

Agronews informe des avancées de la recherche, de leur valorisation dans le monde agricole et des actions de coopération régionale menées en partenariat par le Cirad dans l'océan Indien. Chaque numéro compile des articles et photographies légendées et un dossier thématique illustré.