Publications Agricultural Research in the European Research Area

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Publications : Agriculture : Background Information

Published by the European Commission in 2001, ISBN 92-894-0931-2

The Preface launches the concept of Agricultural Research in the European Research Area (ERA) as a New Vision to satisfy societal demands. It points out that until now 'agricultural research has undoubtedly assisted in making European agriculture and agro-industry an important player in the global economy. However, if agricultural research is to meet the challenges of the new millennium, it has to be restructured within the context of the European Research Area in order to: be able to keep pace with ongoing international activities contribute to the policies of the European Union meet the increasingly exacting needs of the European citizens.

The purpose of the conference was to subject these ideas to open debate and determine a common plan of action that would help define a structure and operational framework for the implementation of future agricultural research within the ERA More specifically it will:

• identify the structure and functional disparities of agricultural research in the ERA regarding aspects such as research activities, innovation start-up and SMEs, research infrastructures, human resources, science and governance.
• propose an action plan to restructure agricultural research within the context of the ERA.

The conference was just the first step towards a new approach. While the anticipated benefits for Member States, the scientific community, industry and the public are seen as numerous, it is suggested that they will only be realised through constructive debates such as this.

The conclusions, cover the following, under two (as indicated) all-embracing headings:

Integrating Research

• Multi-functionality
• Genomics and post-genomic research
• Environment
• Society driven
• Communication of research results
• Food safety
• Food chain

Interdisciplinary research projects

Structuring and strengthening of the ERA

• Agricultural interactions
• Mobility of researchers
• Regional problems
• Needs of applicant countries
• Opening of national programmes
• Co-ordination and alignment of national programmes
• Fragmentation of European agriculture
• Genetically modified crops and novel foods.

The final sentence indicates that 'by striving to apply excellence and relevance, an ERA for agriculture will make the sector more directly relevant to consumer demands and hence improve society's perception of agriculture, along with a better appreciation of its contribution to health and environment.

The 'debate' format adopted for this meeting is clear from the contents, that following an abstract, introduction and the opening speeches, presents the proceedings in a series of chapters covering reports from various groups as shown below:

Chapter I. Introduction

Chapter II. Reports fro the preparatory seminars

Chapter III. Reports from the parallel workshops

Chapter IV. The Round table Discussion

Chapter V. Conclusions

Annexes

List of participants

Web links

Contacts

For copies

• Office for the Official Publications of the European Communities (OOPEC) / LUXEMBOURG