FP5 Theme 1 - Key Action 5 - Sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and integrated development for rural areas

Website: ec.europa.eu/research/quality-of-life/ka5/




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Background Information : Forestry

Implications for society

Agriculture, fisheries, and forestry are all confronted by the same set of critical issues, each requiring a rapid response: over-industrialisation, the depletion of resources, and the complex management of the all-important partnership between ecology and the economy. Far more is at stake in the future of these activities than production figures alone; they must also guarantee the balanced management of European territory - without neglecting the essential contribution of the population it supports.

Implications for the economy

The European agricultural sector - one of the most efficient in the world - provides employment for 14 million people, while fishing involves 70,000 companies, 270,000 fishermen, and 100,000 vessels flying the flag of an EU Member State. With trees covering some 25 to 30% of its surface - a figure which will increase by nearly 10% with expansion to the East - the EU has an enviable forestry heritage, not only in terms of economic exploitation for the world market but also as a carbon sink on the ecological level.

Implications for Europe

Apart from their economic dimension, these three sectors guarantee Europe's independence in fields which meet basic - if not vital - needs. It is not for nothing that the common agricultural policy has been a cornerstone of European integration since the very beginning. Cooperation in the field of research is essential in providing the scientific basis for the Community regulations and standards which help achieve the sustainable exploitation and harmonious management of natural resources.

Targeted fields of research

• New and/or improved systems of production and exploitation - The aim is to reconcile sustainable management of resources, product quality, competitiveness and employment in the fields of agriculture (product diversification, sustainable production methods), fisheries (integrated management taking into account ecological and socio-economic considerations), aquaculture (improved production techniques, etc.) and forests (multifunctional management, support for forest policy issues, diversification, etc.).
• Integrated production and exploitation of biological materials for non-food uses - Development of integrated production and processing chains suitable for industrial applications.
• Support for common policies - Control and protection methods to support the sound implementation of common policies; definition of standards and regulations.
• New tools for the development of rural and other areas - Optimisation of development taking into account technological and socio-economic change, job diversification and prospects, the integrated development of rural and coastal zones.

See also:
Work Programme
Theme 1 Key action 5. Area 2 - biological materials for non-food uses
Theme 1 Key action 5. Area 3 - Forestry and the integrated forestry-wood chain
Theme 1 Key action 5. Area 1 - New and sustainable systems of production
Theme 1 Key action 3 - The "Cell Factory"