Applied research
The projects lead by IAR fall under the scope of applied research. Our goal is to meet practical demands in the most effective way, proposing innovative technical solutions but, at the same time, paying attention to promoting the strong bond with the local territory that is the main feature of agriculture and the agri-food sector in Aosta Valley.
Since the days of the École Pratique d’Agriculture, technical innovation and experimentation have been key elements of our Institute, fully recognised by the 1982 founding law that created the Institut Agricole Régional.
The evolution of the socio-economic context has given rise to new demands, and the questions we are called to answer have partly changed over time. The study of relationships between agricultural practices and the environment, with particular attention to economic and environmental sustainability, adaptation to climate change, local resource management, both natural (water, soil, habitat) and more specifically agricultural (spontaneous forage vegetation, ecotypes, plant varieties, animal breeds and local microbial strains), has gained growing importance. Diversification of production, in the various commercial sectors, is increasingly important to determine an agricultural business’s income. Organoleptic qualities, along with food safety, nutritional properties and overall healthiness, have become essential elements in consumer choices and, as a result, in the appreciation of agri-food products.