Definition

The Istituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare is the consultancy and technical assistance organ of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the field of agricultural science and technology" (Art. 2 law 1612/62).

IAO's Corporate Identity

The Istituto Agronomico per L'Oltremare (IAO) is a technical-scientific branch of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working to fight world poverty and hunger. The Institute is involved in Development Cooperation initiatives on integrated rural development, environmental and natural resources management, fight against desertification and food security.

Network and Human Resources

IAO, in close consultation with the Italian Development Cooperation (DGCS), has developed an extensive network of contacts and collaborations with Developing Countries organizations and institutions, national and international governmental and non governmental organizations, research organisations in Italy and abroad. Its staff has gained a wide technical, scientific and cultural experience in the International Cooperation field and is constantly updating its work according to emerging needs and global changes.

Facilities

The Institute has a Training Centre, a Library, a Laboratory and an Office for the publication of its scientific magazine, the "Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development". The Training Centre has meeting rooms, computer rooms and facilities able to accommodate up to fifty people. The Tropical Garden, the photo library, the small Museum and the Entomological Collection, are witnesses of the development cooperation activities carried out by the Institute since 1904.

Mission

The mission defines the purpose for which the organization exists and that pursues in its daily work.
The Institute's mission is:

"To conceive and implement, on behalf of the Italian Development Cooperation, in partnership with local people, research, studies, technical assistance and training initiatives with the aim of reducing hunger and poverty, developing and managing agricultural and environmental resources in a sustainable way".

Values

INTERNAL	EXTERNAL
Solidarity	Constant Improvement
Ethics	Professional Update
Liability	Professionalism
Respect	Quality of service / product
Professionalism	Honesty
Collaboration	Sharing
Team Spirit	Participation
Participation	Ability to adapt
Sense of Belonging	Respect
	Availability
	Multicultural

Vision

The "vision" expresses what the company aims to become in the future, the arrival point shared and "realistically" achievable where to address the activities.
The Institute's vision is:

"Create together with Developing Countries a common and sustainable future in a world without hunger and environmentally friendly".