Walloon agricultural research centre

Regional public body

Role

• To carry out fundamental and applied agricultural research programmes

• Service activities using the expertise and equipment available in connection with the research undertaken

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

CRA-W in figures• 450 staff including more than 150

scientists• An area of about 300 ha (experimental

plots, orchards, greenhouses, laboratories, etc.)

• 3 sites: Gembloux, Libramont and Mussy-la-ville

• More than 150 research projects at regional, national and European level

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Walloon agricultural research centre

Multidisciplinary organisationThe range of services and analyses provided

by the Centre covers all aspects of agriculture

As a centre of scientific excellence

CRA-W develops numerous

partnerships with

• Farmers and horticulturalists • Business • Universities • Research institutions in Belgium and other countries

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Walloon agricultural research centre

Beneficiaries • Society• Farmers, horticulturalists and other

players in these sectors• Individuals• Government departments and authorities• Business • Universities and other research

institutions

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Walloon agricultural research centre

Bioengineering Unit 

Breeding and Biodiversity Unit

Pest Biology and Monitoring Unit 

Plant Protection and Ecotoxicology Unit

Life Sciences Department

In-depth understanding of life, its organisation, complexity and functioning.

Contributes to

• Designing new products and processes• Maintaining genetic resources• Improving cultivated species and cultural practices• Protecting crops and the environment

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Crops Production Systems Unit 

Animal Nutrition and Sustainability Unit

Animal Breeding, Quality Production and Welfare Unit

Agricultural Machines and Facilities Unit

Production and Sectors Department

Developing productive agriculture with a high ecological value, setting up more sustainable crop and animal production systems incorporating economic, agricultural, ecological and social interests.

• Producing food, energy, materials and active ingredients in a limited area for a steady income• Reducing energy intensity and integrating agriculture and ecosystems• Producing something different, for instance ecological services and the carbon service

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Soil Fertility and Water Protection Unit 

Plant Protection Products and Biocides Physico-Chemistry and Residues Unit

Farming Systems, Territory and Information Technologies Unit 

Nature, Hunting and Fishing Unit

Agriculture and Natural Environment Department

Exploring possible ways of improving the efficiency with which agriculture uses land and the resources it draws on (water, soil, fertilizers, etc.). Research topics cover:• The sustainability of agriculture and its ability to adapt to global changes• Conservation of natural resources (soil and water) and the environment(soil, water and air) • How closely production methods fit with society's expectations (traceability, recycling of waste; multifunctional nature of agriculture)

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Biomass, Bioproducts and Energy Unit 

Agricultural Product Technology Unit

Food and Feed Quality Unit 

Authentification and Traceability Unit

Agricultural Product Valorisation Department

The work of this Department involves characterising products and diversifying Wallonia’s agricultural sectors in order, on one hand, to maintain sustainable food and non-food production and, on the other hand, to ensure consumers are sufficiently supplied with healthy, quality products.

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

• The research undertaken and the expertise developed

• Its consultancy work with national and international organisations

• The certifications it holds

• Its reference laboratories

all testify to recognition of CRA-W's excellence, both nationally and internationally

Walloon Agricultural Research Centrewww.cra.wallonie.be

Walloon agricultural research centre

Walloon Agricultural Research Centre www.cra.wallonie.be