Agropolis International is strengthening its regional roots and global reach by welcoming new members from Toulouse

Founded in 1986, Agropolis International federates research and higher education establishments, as well as public and private players involved in agricultural and ecological transitions, for sustainable development on a national and international scale. With this integration, the association is strengthening its scope of action and its ability to federate scientific expertise throughout the Occitan region.

A stronger international impact

Occitanie has established itself as one of Europe's leading regions for research into sustainable food systems. Using an interdisciplinary, multi-scale approach, researchers are analysing and supporting agricultural and food transitions from gene to territory, from local to global. This dynamic is now supported by an extended network, interacting with local authorities and economic and social players.

"This integration marks a step towards closer cooperation and more structured dialogue between the eastern and western poles of our region", says Patrick Caron, CIRAD researcher specialising in food systems, Vice-Chairman of the international organisation CGIAR Board and Co-Chairman of Agropolis International. "It will enable us to consolidate our scientific influence and innovation in Occitanie, while strengthening our international partnerships."

The major challenges ahead

Faced with increasing pressure on natural resources and changes in agricultural and food systems, Agropolis International and its members play a key role in the development of sustainable and resilient practices to meet the challenges of global food security, biodiversity preservation and adaptation to climate change, by supporting research geared towards innovation and international cooperation.

The arrival of members from Toulouse within Agropolis International opens the way to new opportunities for cooperation to strengthen the impact of research on local areas. The aim is to facilitate interaction between institutions, university clusters and stakeholders in the field, in order to respond more effectively to contemporary issues relating to agriculture, food and environment.

"Expansion of Agropolis International is a major opportunity to structure and enhance our research-training-innovation activities," says Pierre-Benoit Joly, President of INRAE Occitanie-Toulouse Centre and Co-Chairman of Agropolis International. "By strengthening the synergy between regional and international players, we are accelerating the production of actionable knowledge for the social and environmental transition of agricultural and food systems."

Scientific and institutional added value

This expansion illustrates Agropolis International's determination to build bridges between scientific research, economic and social players and political decision-makers. By integrating new members, the association intends to strengthen its role as a catalyst for knowledge and innovation in the service of common good.

"Our ambition is to create a space where science meets the needs of territories and citizens", says Mélanie Broin, Director of Agropolis International. "By expanding our network, we are multiplying opportunities for cooperation and pooling our efforts to tackle the major agricultural and environmental challenges together."

Against this backdrop, Agropolis International is positioning itself more than ever as an essential hub for scientific collaboration and innovation in the service of sustainable development.