Céline DRILLAUD-MARTEAU is the regional scientist for ARVALIS, established on the site of INRA (National Institute for Agronomy Research), at Magneraud in Saint-Pierre-d'Amilly near Surgères. The institute puts itself at the disposal of farmers, companies of the cereal industry and development organisations in order to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the farms. Adaptability of the quality of production to the different markets is one of the highest priorities while taking into account the impact of agricultural production on the environment.

Means of action :

• applied research in agriculture and experimentation
• information
• training and education
• expertise

« As our work has to meet the requirements of the professionals of the region, ARVALIS directs a large part of its activity towards the cereal, maize, protein crops and forage crops industries. In addition to the ever evolving production techniques, two important themes have been developed. Firstly, the quality of produce, secondly water management and the management of irrigation as a restricted resource which allows the production to be more regular in quantity as well as in quality » she points out.

The experimental site of ARVALIS is associated with the Centre of Rural Excellence.