Feature Articles / South of France Welcomes Global Agricultural Research Organisation
South of France Welcomes Global Agricultural Research Organisation - The CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) is to join established cluster in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, by setting up its HQ in Montpellier.

South of France Welcomes Global Agricultural Research Organisation

The CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) is to join established cluster in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, by setting up its HQ in Montpellier.
Languedoc-Roussillon Business Parks

After a rigorous selection process, the city of Montpellier (in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France) was chosen in October 2010 to become the world headquarters of the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research), currently based in Washington. This worldwide organisation aims to fight world hunger, by coordinating and financing agronomical research in developing countries. It has fifteen research centres spread across the globe, staffed by 10,000 researchers and technical staff.

The CGIAR is financed by the governments of several developed countries (including the United Kingdom, Germany, USA and France), as well as international organisations (such as the World Bank) and foundations (like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). Its annual operating budget is approximately $600 million.

The operational and administrative heart of the organisation is now set to move to Montpellier, in the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon, while the fund-raising department will remain in Washington. Montpellier was in close competition for the move, with the cities of Rome (already world headquarters of the International Food Organisation), New Delhi (emerging country capital), Nairobi and Addis Abeba (capitals of developing countries).

So, why choose Montpellier? One critical factor is that the city is already home to one of the world’s most established clusters for international agricultural research. It employs some 3,000 researchers and technical staff in institutes such as CIRAD (International Cooperation Centre on Agricultural Research for Development), IRD (Research Institute on Development), IAM (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute), INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research), and the Sup Agro university faculty specialised in agricultural specialties.

Other factors in the choice of Montpellier for the CGIAR:

  • The governance of the CGIAR is neither lead by political influences (which would justify a location in a capital city) nor financial ones (which would justify a location in an economic capital), but is purely science-led.
  • In 2010, Montpellier became labelled as an international cluster on water, including its effects on agriculture.
  • Strong link to Europe and European science for development.
  • Montpellier already works in partnerships with research and development organisations in over 110 countries, most of them developing countries.
  • Montpellier’s science and technology platform acts as a forum for exchanges, constantly visited by scientists from all over the world.
  • The Regional Council (Languedoc-Roussillon) is investing in building a new, attractive and functional facility at the heart of the research cluster campus, Agropolis.
  • The CGIAR will benefit from an international status, which is strongly supported by the French Government.
  • Montpellier is at the heart of one of the most dynamic regions of Europe and a recognised leader in technology transfer.
  • The city is working to facilitate the establishment of international enterprises and their personnel, through soft landing programmes. 

Apart from practical reasons for the move, Montpellier and the Languedoc-Roussillon region offer a truly outstanding quality of life and environment. The region is hugely diverse, from Mediterranean beaches to mountain ranges, and Montpellier itself is a buzzing cosmopolitan university town of beautiful architecture, five minutes from the sandy beaches, pretty fishing ports and lively marinas. It is often for this reason that increasing numbers of international companies are choosing to base themselves and their staff in Montpellier.

The initial stage of CGIAR's move will take place throughout 2011, with the first 20 staff being located in a temporary office. The definitive move to the new HQ building at the Agropolis campus will take place in 2013, bringing the total number of staff to about 50.

For further information on the region and contacts, visit the Languedoc-Roussillon Business Parks listing.