AGRIS SARDEGNA

Their core work

AGRIS Sardegna is the agricultural research agency of the Sardinia region in Italy, specializing in livestock science — particularly small ruminants (sheep and goats) and local pig breeds. They conduct applied research on animal health, nutrition, welfare, and precision farming technologies for Mediterranean livestock systems. Their work bridges traditional farming knowledge with digital tools, and they contribute to EU-wide networks that share best practices across sheep and dairy sectors.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2019, AGRIS focused on livestock diversity (local pig breeds in TREASURE) and sheep productivity networks (SheepNet), with an emphasis on traditional farming systems and knowledge exchange. From 2020 onward, their portfolio shifted toward digital technology and precision livestock farming (TechCare, SmaRT) while also branching into soil science and climate resilience (EJP SOIL, ARSINOE). The trend is clear: moving from traditional animal science toward technology-enabled, climate-aware agriculture.

AGRIS is transitioning from a traditional animal science institute toward precision livestock farming and climate-smart agriculture — expect future work at the intersection of digital tools, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

How they like to work

AGRIS operates exclusively as a consortium partner or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for a regional research agency contributing domain expertise rather than managing large grants. With 144 unique partners across 33 countries, they are well-networked and comfortable in large, multi-country consortia. Their repeated presence in thematic networks (CSA projects) suggests they are valued for their practical, field-level knowledge rather than administrative capacity.

AGRIS has worked with 144 different organizations across 33 countries, giving them a wide European network despite being a regional agency. Their connections are strongest in the Mediterranean and Western European agricultural research community.

What sets them apart

AGRIS brings deep, field-tested expertise in Mediterranean small ruminant systems — a niche that few research centres in Europe can match with the same practical grounding. Their location in Sardinia, one of Europe's most important sheep-farming regions, gives them direct access to real farming conditions and producer networks. For any consortium needing a partner who understands the realities of sheep and goat farming in Southern Europe — from animal nutrition to digital monitoring — AGRIS is a natural fit.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ARSINOE
  Their largest single grant (EUR 358,750), and a departure from pure livestock work into broader climate resilience — signals strategic diversification.
• TechCare
  EUR 320,540 to integrate digital technologies into small ruminant welfare — their biggest investment in precision livestock farming.
• EuroSheep
  A multi-actor network connecting sheep farmers, veterinarians, and researchers across Europe — demonstrates AGRIS's role as a knowledge bridge between science and practice.