The establishment of a laboratory for pasture research in New Caledonia three years ago lead to the design of a program of studies and experiments aimed at meeting the needs of the country. The general scope of research of the laboratory had been defined by the technical services and the administration of the territory and covered most of the pasture management problems encountered in New Caledonia. It became then necessary to identify, select and formulate the research priorities in order to adapt the laboratory activities to the available means.
This paper analyses how the most important research topics including ecological, technical and social aspects were defined and how the methods were adapted to the requirements of New Caledonia.