CREA - Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e L'analisi Dell'economia Agraria

CREA, or the Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy, stands as the premier Italian research organization dedicated to the agri-food supply chains. Established in 2015 through the merger of CRA (Council for Agricultural Research) and INEA (National Institute of Agricultural Economics), CREA operates under public law and falls under the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (Masaf). With a rich history dating back to the Risorgimento period in Italy, CREA’s origins are deeply intertwined with the nation’s agricultural heritage and the pioneering efforts of visionaries such as Camillo Benso Count of Cavour.
At its core, CREA is committed to addressing the pressing challenges of the twenty-first century related to food production sustainability, guided by the principles of the circular, bio-based economy. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, CREA’s scientific activities encompass a wide range of domains, including agricultural crops, livestock, fishery, forestry, agro-industry, food science, and socio-economics. With over 2000 dedicated personnel, including researchers and technologists, CREA conducts cutting-edge research aimed at fostering innovation and driving positive change in the agri-food sector.
CREA’s research efforts are organized through its network of specialized research centers, each dedicated to specific supply chain missions or transversal disciplines in agriculture. From the Research Center for Animal Production and Aquaculture to the Research Center for Agriculture and Environment, these centers form a comprehensive framework for advancing knowledge and expertise in key areas of agricultural research and development.
The history of CREA is a testament to Italy’s enduring commitment to agricultural research and experimentation. From the establishment of agricultural meetings and experimental stations in the nineteenth century to the consolidation of research institutes in the twentieth century, CREA’s evolution mirrors the changing landscape of Italian agriculture. With a focus on technology transfer, innovation, and adaptation to emerging needs, CREA continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture in Italy and beyond.
As Italy’s foremost research organization in the agri-food sector, CREA remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and promote economic prosperity. Through its dedication to scientific excellence, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination, CREA is poised to address the complex challenges facing the global food system and contribute to the advancement of agricultural science and innovation.