The OECD recommends the creation of an International Centre for Post-Graduate Training in Mediterranean Agriculture

In the 1950s, Europe gradually rebuilt itself, basing the foundations of its peace on cooperation. In line with Saint-Simonian thinking, this quest for lasting peace was extended to the Mediterranean. Yet "definitive peace in the Mediterranean passes through prosperity, itself conditioned by technical progress"(1). For this reason, the OECD is considering the creation of a body responsible for agricultural training in the region.

The OECD recommends the creation of an International Centre for Post-Graduate Training in Mediterranean Agriculture

Creation of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institutes of Bari and Montpellier Institutes

Inaugurated a few months before the signing of the CIHEAM founding treaty, the Mediterranean Agronomic Institutes (MAI) of Bari and Montpellier were created to train students from their host countries, but also from other Mediterranean countries.

Creation of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institutes of Bari and Montpellier Institutes

Creation of the CIHEAM

“If we exist today, we owe it to Don Ramón Esteruelas who, in 1959, with imagination, persistence, perseverance succeeded at the end of three years of efforts in creating this Institution”, Albert Simantov (President of the CIHEAM from 1988 to 1992). In fact, the idea came from this Spanish engineer who, faced with the need for an agricultural revolution in his country, stressed the need to train farmers and engineers and not to be isolated. On 22 May 1962, at OECD headquarters, 7 countries signed the agreement establishing the CIHEAM.

Creation of the CIHEAM

France, Greece, Italy and Spain ratify the Founding Treaty

La ratification du Traité fondateur (2) est un processus qui s'est étendu sur plusieurs années. Afin qu'il entre en vigueur, 3 Etats membres devaient apporter leur signature à l'accord. C'est l'Espagne qui a ouvert le bal le 9 août 1963, suivie en 1965 par la Grèce, la France et l'Italie. The ratification of the Founding Treaty (2) was a process that took several years. To come into force, 3 Member States had to put their signatures on the Treaty. Spain opened the bal on 9 August 1963, followed by Greece, France and Italy in 1965.

France, Greece, Italy and Spain ratify the Founding Treaty

Accession of Portugal, Turkey and Yugoslavia

Portugal, Turkey and Yugoslavia were among the signatories of the agreement creating the CIHEAM in 1962, and became members in 1967.

Accession of Portugal, Turkey and Yugoslavia

Creation of the MAI of Zaragoza

With a view to the expansion of training activities in other member countries, a third institute is established in Spain, in Zaragoza.

Creation of the MAI of Zaragoza

Accession of Tunisia

With the accession of Tunisia, CIHEAM began to extend to the southern shores of the Mediterranean.

Accession of Tunisia

Accession of Algeria, Egypt and Malta + Creation of the MAI Chania

Accession of Algeria, Egypt and Malta + Creation of the MAI Chania

Accession of Morocco

Morocco was the last country on the southern coast to join CIHEAM, in 1990. Like its neighbours, it faces major challenges in the agricultural and food sectors, in particular pressure on water and land resources.

Accession of Morocco

Accession of Albania and Lebanon

Accession of Albania and Lebanon

50th Anniversary

On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, CIHEAM has published a book retracing its history (1).

50th Anniversary

60th Anniversary

This year, CIHEAM celebrated its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a prize was awarded for the best younth innovation. (3)

60th Anniversary