FP5 - LIFE Organic Food and farming Research in Europe

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Publications : Agriculture



Organic Food and farming Research in Europe (2005),

EUR 21713, 31 pages, ISBN 92-894-9600-2, Luxembourg, OOPEC.

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The market for organic food in Europe has expanded rapidly in recent years. Consequently, the organic farming sector has grown in importance. Organic farming responds to consumer demand for high-quality food delivered with minimal environmental impact. It also has the potential to deliver other benefits - for example, in terms of human health, animal welfare and rural development. However, organic food and farming research has tended to be fragmented and poorly coordinated. The scattered and non-homogeneous data available so far has therefore been insufficient to back with sound and reliable scientific conclusions some of the claims made concerning the sector, and inadequate to support policy initiatives.

A seminar to discuss and promote 'Organic Food and Farming Research in Europe' was held in Brussels on 26 November 2004. Hosted by the European Commission's Research DG, this event was the follow-up to the first event which took place in September 2002. The second seminar brought together national representatives, scientists and policy-makers from across the continent. The objective was to assess the current situation regarding organic food and farming research in Europe and to identify and recommend areas for improved transnational co-operation. A summary of the current situation regarding organic farming research in Europe was presented in the form of a Consolidated Report, and recommendations were made to improve research collaboration within the newly enlarged European Union (EU).

This brochure summarises the presentations, discussions and recommendations arising from the EC's 2004 seminar on Organic Food and Farming Research in Europe.

Summary of seminar conclusions:

• Organic farming can contribute to a range of European policy objectives.
• Transnational research co-operation is important for generating a critical mass of high-quality and relevant science to support policy initiatives for organic farming.
• The ERA-NET CORE Organic action and other EU-funded initiatives are improving the situation for organic farming research in Europe.
• The growth of the organic sector and EU enlargement makes further transnational research collaboration desirable.
• More emphasis should be placed on regional networks of collaboration.
• Research should be prioritised in the following areas:
  • technical innovation and methodological development;
  • rural development;
  • impact on human and animal health; and
  • support to policies.
• Research should be complemented by the following support activities:
  • Increased coordination;
  • improved communication;
  • better infrastructure; and
  • training and demonstration.
• Organic farming research should be afforded a higher priority, and possibly its own Thematic Priority area, in the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).

Contents

Introduction

Seminar highlights

Principles and standards

Organic farming and agricultural policy

The EU Framework Programmes for research

The CORE Organic ERA-NET

The European Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming

Organic farming and biotechnology

Consolidated Report

Recommendations for improving transnational research co-operation

Seminar conclusions