The main role of the Institution is the design and execution of research, pilot programmes and demonstration projects on the problems and modernisation of the cultivation of olive and citrus tree, and subtropical plants.

A secondary role is the development of activities related to the management of soil and water resources, and problems of crops and issues of local interest like vineyards, greenhouse vegetable crops, aromatic plants, animal production etc.

Research: With the effort of the researchers of the Institute, a number of research, pilot and demonstration projects related to olive production, citrus crops, subtropical plants, greenhouse vegetables, hydroponics, aromatic plants, food technology, irrigation, plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology, animal production etc. have been accepted. During the years 2004-2008 the Institute participated in 84 international and national projects of a total budget of 1.870.385,00 €.

Technical support: Except the research activities the Institute provides technical support to face local problems.

Educational activities: Within the framework of technology transfer and new knowledge that derives from research, conferences and educational events (seminars, conferences, symposia, meetings) are organised by the Institute, either alone or in collaboration with other institutions.

The Institute consists of private experimental plantations, collection of varieties of olive trees, citrus, subtropical plants and vineyards with a total area of 50 ha. Of this, 30 ha with olive grooves, citrus orchards and subtropical plant plantation is located at the main site in Agrokepion, while 10 ha with vineyards for rootstock production is at Tavronitis (20Km from Chania) and 10 ha at Fraggokastelo, Sfakion (80 Km from Chania).

Experimental work is also carried out in a number of plastic and glass greenhouses, controlled environment rooms as well as laboratories fully equipped with modern instruments.

Since 1986 the Institute is accommodated in new buildings which cover a total area of 5000 m2, of laboratories, storerooms, workshops, library and conference room with facilities for simultaneous translation. The old premises are traditional buildings, related with the history of agriculture in Crete, which are held as scheduled and restorable buildings of historical interest.

The personnel of the Institute consists of 21 permanent employees and approximately 10 contracted ones, number depended on the needs.

Amongst the permanent staff there are 4 researchers, 8 agronomists (3 of them with PhD) and 2 technologists. List of personnel and contact info can be found here.