Industry and agro-resources for the Ardennes

Launched in 2005, the IAR competitiveness cluster, based in Laon but rooted in Hauts-de-France and Grand Est regions, is today a global benchmark for innovation and industrial promotion of agro-resources; in other words bioeconomy

Launched in 2005, the IAR competitiveness cluster, based in Laon but rooted in Hauts-de-France and Grand Est regions, is today a global benchmark for innovation and industrial promotion of agro-resources; in other words bioeconomy. As part of its actions to support and develop the Ardennes economy, Ardennes Développement agency became member of the cluster in 2016.

The base model of the cluster relies on what is called the "plant refinery" (or biorefinery). This is based on agricultural production and plant biomass. It uses all the components of the plant which is used in its entirety to offer molecules (possibly new) that can replace those derived from the chemistry of petroleum. This makes it possible to produce:

  • Agromaterials
  • Biomolecules
  • Advanced biofuels
  • Food ingredients

The field of application is thus very extensive. With more than 200 members, the mission of the IAR cluster is to act as a catalyst in the bioeconomy sector through collaborative projects involving industry, public research, training and the agricultural sector in the Ardennes.

The objective of the involvement of Ardennes Développement with the IAR cluster is multiple:

  • Be the point of contact for the Ardennes to enhance the agricultural resource and support the development of the bioeconomy
  • Benefit from the cluster expertise and network to support its development missions
  • Participate in the prospecting missions conducted by the cluster, in particular internationally

The Ardennes has rich and varied agricultural resources, from the chalky soil of the Champagne region and its arable crops in the south (cereals, sugar beets, alfalfas, protein crops ...) to the Ardennes massif and its forest resource in the north, passing by the Crêtes Préardennaises, the Thiérache and the Argonne more oriented towards breeding. These resources, combined with important industrial expertise within the Grand Est region, are an economic development asset for the department.

 

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By Ardennes Développement, the Ardennes economic development agency - ardennes-developpement.com