National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA)

Location

Menzeh, Tunisia

Parent Organization

Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Overview

INRAT is an Agronomic Research Establishment under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It is the first and oldest institute specializing in full-time agricultural research in the country. Its creation dates back to 1913, although some work relating to cereal genetics began as early as the end of the 19th century (1893).

Mission

The institute is responsible for conducting all research and experimentation in the field of agricultural sciences. To this end, it is specifically tasked with carrying out the following missions:

• To organize, execute and publish all research and experimentation work relating to the improvement of plant and animal production techniques.
• To gather and study all genetic resources whose use and cultivation are of interest to the country.
• To create plant varieties and improve animal breeds adapted to Tunisian conditions.
• Improving production systems through the development of appropriate techniques and methods.
• To study the preservation, processing and use of agricultural products.
• To carry out any physical, economic and sociological research of interest to the rural environment and its surroundings.
• To contribute to technology transfer and to support outreach and demonstration activities by making available to administrative services, professional organizations and specialized institutes the knowledge and techniques that can be popularized.
• To participate in the training and supervision of students and, where appropriate, to provide suitable instruction, particularly at the postgraduate level as well as at the level of further training of agricultural technicians.

In carrying out these missions, the institute is required to:

• To carry out the scientific research and research and development programs for which it is responsible within the framework of the objective contracts entered into with the State.
• To participate in the development of scientific and technical research and its integration into the economic and social field.
• To undertake, at the request of ministries, national institutions, public and private companies and within the framework of agreements established for this purpose, either at the national level or within the framework of international cooperation, any research or experimentation or expertise aimed at the identification, analysis, selection, adaptation and mastery of technologies in the various fields of agriculture.
• Undertake documentary research within the framework of its missions in order to know, monitor and analyze the evolution of technologies in areas of interest to the national economy and to evaluate them in view of national development objectives and organize all scientific events in collaboration with economic enterprises and higher education and research establishments to enable the assimilation and mastery of the selected technologies.
• To promote the results of research and encourage their use by economic organizations.
• Promote partnership in the field of scientific research and technological development with public or private institutions and companies, or within the framework of international cooperation, in collaboration with higher education and research institutions.
• To carry out an activity of expertise and monitoring in the promotion of science and technology in the service of the economy in the fields of agriculture.