Who are we ?
ITAB is an applied research organization specifically dedicated to organic farming. It develops and shares scientific insights to transform our agriculture and food systems towards resilient, equitable, and sustainable models. In addition, it supports policy makers, offers services to businesses, and brings together research and development organizations working in the field of organic farming.
Rooted in the founding principles of organic farming (health, ecology, fairness, and care), its expertise covers all plant and animal sectors. Its scientific strategy is designed according to a continuum from seed to plate, adopting an open and participatory approach to innovation. ITAB relies on a network of local actors united within Itab-Lab, as well as numerous national and European partners. Its approaches and cross-disciplinary nature make ITAB unique in agricultural and agri-food innovation.
ITAB's raison d'être
To develop and share scientific and technical knowledge to transform our agriculture and food systems into resilient, equitable, and sustainable models.
Three types of activities are being developed:
- Applied research: identifying needs, bringing together stakeholders, setting up and running projects with them, producing knowledge and tools, and promoting them;
- Providing expertise to public authorities;
- Disseminating and sharing knowledge: website with resources, guides and technical manuals, articles, symposiums, conferences, videos, etc.
In 2024, ITAB and its projects are mainly supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Ecology, the European Union, the Public Investment Bank, the French Biodiversity Agency, ADEME, the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion, and the Pays de la Loire Région.
Some key dates
- 2022: Renewal of dual ITA and ITAI accreditation for the 2023-2027 period
- 2018: Renewal of accreditation as an Agricultural Technical Institute (ITA) and accreditation as an Agro-Industrial Technical Institute (ITAI)
- 2017: Creation of Itab-Lab, an association for organic research and innovation, a collective of actors committed to research and innovation, coordination, and capitalization of knowledge in organic farming
- 2012: Institute officially qualified as an Agricultural Technical Institute (ITA)
- 1997: Thematic and sectoral technical committees at the heart of organic farming development
- 1982: Creation of ITAB, a national hub for research and experimentation in the regions
