Agroecology for Europe

Created in 1968 in Lyon (France), ISARA is an Engineering School for agricultural, food and environmental sciences that offers professional engineering programme (MSc degree) and master programmes, and carries out research and extension. The Faculty emphasizes the thrill of scientific investigation through hands-on work, with an excellence on Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. 

ISARA is member of the French Network for Education and Research in Life Sciences (https://www.franceagro3.org/; 4 universities, 3,500 students, 200 professors and researchers). Research and extension activities at ISARA are developed in the fields of Agroecology, Environment and Food Systems. Research activities intertwine expertise on agroecology, plant science, soil science, ecology, landscape ecology, geography, economics and sociology. 

The Agroecology and Environment research group involves different research and expertise in the main research topics low-input and diversified farming systems, agroecology, organic farming, agroecological practices, biodiversity of farms and biodiversity management, and water quality and management of drinking water catchments, The Social Science research group focuses in its research stakeholder networks, knowledge production and transfer, territorial development, short supply chains, value based supply chains, food quality labels, and agri-environmental measures.

“Europe is now at a turning point regarding the future of European agriculture. Agroecology is a key concept for embracing practice, research, innovation, and education, and being essential to transform our agricultural and food system and tackle the climate and nature emergencies and at the same time providing healthy food based on a strong and living rural environment. I expect the AE4EU project having a key impact in supporting this transition.”

Dr Alexander Wezel, Research Director of ISARA, Lyon-Avignon, France

In AE4EU, ISARA ensures the overall project coordination and is involved at different levels in all the task. More specifically, ISARA is leading the mapping of agroecology in European countries as well as work on agroecology territories.  5 researchers are involved at different levels in the project, group in an internal transdisciplinary team with a diverse background: landscape ecology, agronomy, ecology, geography and sociology.

Website of ISARA