EN    EN EN 
EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 15.12.2008 
SEC(2008)3041 
  
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 
Accompanying document to the 
  
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSI ON TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EU ROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMI TTEE OF THE REGIONS 
 
Towards a coherent strategy for a Europe an Agricultural Research Agenda 
   
{COM(2008)862 final} 
EN 2   EN TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1. Procedural and orga nisational issues ........................................................................... 4 
1.1. The legal basis for EU action....................................................................................... 4 1.2. The role of a renewed SCAR ....................................................................................... 4 
1.2.1. Background .............................................................................................................. .... 4 
1.2.2. The context for a "new SCAR" ..................................................................................... 5 1.2.3. Design principles for a new conception of SCAR ........................................................ 6 
1.2.4. Relationship with other committees active in research coordination.......................... 8 
2. The new context for agricult ural research in Europe................................................... 9 
2.1. Key figures from the "EU-AGRI-M APPING" project (FP6-SSP4)............................ 9 
2.2. New challenges for European agriculture.................................................................. 10 2.3. Need for a renewed Agricultural Research Agenda................................................... 11 2.4. Need for action at EU level in the field of research................................................... 11 3. Initiatives undertaken by SCAR................................................................................. 13 3.1. Towards common research agendas........................................................................... 13 
3.1.1. Prioritisation exercise................................................................................................ 1 3 
3.1.2. The establishment of Collabor ative Working Groups (CWGs) ................................. 14 
3.1.3. Strategic oversight in the area  of agricultural research............................................ 15 
3.2. Foresight process........................................................................................................ 1 6 
3.2.1. The launch of the process........................................................................................... 16 
3.2.2. A Foresight Expert Group.......................................................................................... 16 3.2.3. The involvement of the stakeholders .......................................................................... 17 
3.3. Mapping EU capacities .............................................................................................. 18 
3.3.1. The "EU-AGRI-MAPPING" project (see 2.1)............................................................ 18 
3.3.2. Initiatives on agricultural research infrastructures................................................... 18 3.3.3. A dedicated website.................................................................................................... 1 9 
4. Key actions for a coherent European  Agricultural Research Agenda........................ 20 
4.1. Towards a more sustainable agricult ure in the face of global competition................ 20 
4.2. New priority areas for the future Agricultural Research Agenda .............................. 20 4.3. Strengthening the agricultural knowle dge production and sharing in Europe........... 22 
EN 3   EN 4.4. Consolidating joint research programming................................................................ 23 
4.5. Developing an inter/multidisciplinary and mo re systems-oriented research effort ... 24 
4.6. Developing a foresight monitoring capacity.............................................................. 24 4.7. Developing the international dimension of the European agro-food research........... 25 
Annex 1 – Co-ordination between research funders in the domain of agriculture related research 
in the EU...................................................................................................................... ............. 27 
Annex 2 – SCAR Collaborative Working Groups................................................................... 37 Annex 3 – Agri-food research systems in European countries: overview ............................... 40 
EN 4   EN 1. PROCEDURAL AND ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES  
1.1. The legal basis for EU action  
Regulation (EEC) No. 1728/74 of the Council of  27 June 1974 on the coordination of agricul-
tural research stipulates in Article 11 that "at regular intervals the Commission shall present to 
the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the coordination of agricultural research. This report sha ll contain in particular: 
• Information on the national organisa tion of agricultural research;  
• An overall picture of developments in agr icultural research within the Community; 
• A progress report on the measures adopted under this Regulation;  
• A forward study of developments which would be  desirable in agricultural research in the 
Member States and in the coordina tion of that research at Comm unity level, with  reference to 
the aims of the common agricultural policy" 
In article 7, the regulation establishes a Stan ding Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR), 
consisting of representatives of Member States , and presided over by a representative of the 
Commission, who have a mandate to advise th e Commission and the Member States on the 
coordination of agricultur al research in Europe. 
The content of this Communication and the acco mpanying Commission St aff Working Paper is 
based on the outcome of the various initiatives undertaken by the SCAR Committee over the past 
four years to identify trends and needs in this  sector. It is also ba sed upon the results of a 
European Commission funded “EU- AGRI-MAPPING” project, which ha s analysed the status of 
agricultural and food research in Europe
1.  
1.2. The role of a renewed SCAR  
1.2.1.  Background  
Since 1974, the SCAR Committee was under the res ponsibility of DG Agriculture, which was 
originally responsible for providing the secretar iat support and management of the committee.  
With the start of the EU Framework Resear ch Programmes in 1981, DG Agriculture became 
responsible for managing the agri cultural related Framework programmes and utilised SCAR as 
a ‘Programme Committee’ for this purpose. In that period, SCAR had a dual function both as a 
programme committee and also as a committee fo r exchanging information and for consultation 
between Member States and the Commissi on on agricultural research priorities. 
In 1998, the management responsibility for agricu ltural research activities within Framework 
Programme 5 was transferred from  DG Agriculture to DG Research. SCAR then lost its function 
as a programme committee. However because the responsibility for SCAR remained with DG 
Agriculture, the Committee was occasionally invite d to advise on agricultural research issues.  
                                                 
1 www.agrifoodresearch.net/library <h ttp://www.agrifoodresearch.net/library> 
EN 5   EN At the Agricultural Council meeting of 19 July 2004 Commissioner Bu squin announced the 
transfer of SCAR from DG Agri culture to DG Research. He aske d the Agricultural Ministers to 
give their support to SCAR having a major role in the coordination of agricultural research 
efforts in Europe.  
The “new SCAR” was to be as flexible as possible in order to en able cooperation and 
coordination in view of the European Research  area in agricultural research. However, the 
standard rules of procedure for Committees were to be applied2. 
1.2.2.  The context for a "new SCAR" 
Over the past three decades, the agenda for agricultural research has changed dramatically. 
Agricultural practices an d production processes must now be se t in a much wider context – that 
of achieving real sustainability in a wide sense and responding di rectly to the concerns of the 
consumers of Europe.  
Agriculture must cope with new pressures, for example: in relation to environmental demands; 
changes in rural policy and rural communities;  the rise of non-food agricultural production, 
landscape management, biodiversity and conservati on issues; and responses to the demands of 
reform of the CAP and enlargement. There ar e also the impacts on European agriculture of 
obligations as a result of international agre ements, such as WTO commitments, the Kyoto 
protocol and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Such devel opments make it unlikely that 
any single European country will have the res ources or capacity to ad equately address the 
research necessary to support policy on these an d other trans-boundary issues that are emerging.3  
In the light of these demands a nd challenges, the new SCAR shoul d work to this wider and up-
to-date definition of the term “agricultural research”. SCAR shoul d look beyond the narrow 
aspects of research relating to production and en compass the so called ‘fork-to-farm’ concept, 
emphasising research for sustainable agriculture, and including biodiversity, forestry and rural 
development. Adopting a holistic approach SCAR could address major sectors within a concept 
of a European "Knowledge Based Bio-Economy" (KBBE) for example4; animal health and 
welfare, consumer and health issues relating to the quality, safety5 and security of food 
production and supply; issues of  consumer behaviour toward s food, nutrition, retailing and 
markets, as these impact on agro-food researc h, and issues related to developments in non-
traditional and non-food areas of agriculture activity including forestry. 
Adopting this broader interpretation of the te rm “agricultural research” would enable the 
Committee to take into account al l relevant internati onal and European regul ations and important 
trends, and also the major conclusions of the scientific committees of the Commission that impinge on the policy and research agendas that ma y be relevant to multidisciplinary agricultural 
research within a concept. Arising from this  approach, SCAR could therefore assist the 
Commission, other institutions an d the Member States by provi ding an assessment of the 
                                                
 
2 Standard rules of procedure adopted by the Co mmission on 31 January 2001 in  accordance with Council 
Decision 1999/468/EC 
3 A more detailed reasoning for a closer cooperation is given in the Discussion Document “A European 
Research Area for Food, Agriculture, Nature and Rural Development and Environment” from 10.05.2004 (Annex 3) 
4 Fishery research is not included here because this sector has its own established coordination mechanisms 
at European and international scale  
5 Taking fully into account the mandate of other bodies such as the European Food Standards Agency and its 
own committees 
EN 6   EN relevance of these topics includi ng socio-economic impact, advise on  research priority setting at 
the European level and on relate d actions that would provide be tter coordination of support for 
evidence based policy making in the future.  
1.2.3.  Design principles for a new conception of SCAR 
Tasks 
The main role for SCAR is to support the Commi ssion and member states in their desire for 
better coordination of agricultural research across  the European Research Area. This will involve 
a number of tasks of strategic importance that can be grouped under three broad and flexible 
headings: 
Analytical functions  include: 
• Monitoring of important Europe an and internationa l trends in the agro-food sector and 
assessment of the research implications; 
• Monitoring the status of coordi nation of agricultural researc h, including the development of 
relevant ERA-Nets and relate d instruments and policies;  
• Assessment of research gaps and the implications  of these for agriculture when viewed across 
the spectrum of European policies and action plans; 
• Providing an overview of national research activity in the Ag ro-food sector, in relation to 
European policy targets and developments. 
Knowledge utilisation might include:  
• To promote and monitor developments in multila teral cooperation in agriculture research;  
• To provide a forum for consideration of emer ging issues and poten tial research topics, 
including ad hoc studies and foresigh t and horizon scanning activities; and 
• To facilitate the better exchange and subs equent use of knowledge, through better 
coordination of, and availability of  research knowledge and evidence 
Advice includes: 
• Advising all the relevant DGs of the Commission, other institutions of the EU and Member 
States on priorities and measures in the area of agricultural research (as defined above); 
• Advising on possible research questions for scientific support to Community agricultural 
policy within the EU-Framework Programmes a nd other Community action plans; however, 
the renewed SCAR will be complementary to existing mechanisms under the EU Framework Programmes. 
• Advising on where alternative approaches to coordination of research programmes  might be 
more appropriate. 
SCAR organisation and operation  
EN 7   EN SCAR meeting   
a) Tasks:   
• To provide a high-level forum for advising  and agreeing upon activities under the new 
mandate; 
• To set up and monitor the operation of spec ific ad hoc working groups of variable 
membership, where this is necessary to achieve an agreed action; and,  
• To consider proposals for action that might come from Member States, and from non-research 
advisory committees of the institutions of the Union and from other stakeholders considered 
to be directly relevant. 
b) Representation:   
• High-level representatives from all Member States’6 administrations that have substantive 
responsibility for agricultural re search planning or funding; and,  
• Depending on the topic to be discussed Commi ssion DG staff responsible for this specific 
area will participate. 
c) Meetings:  the Commission will organise a SC AR plenary meeting twice a year.  
Working Groups   
a) Tasks:   
• Preparation of discussion papers  on specific topics for a wider de bate in the SCAR meetings.  
• A standing “oversight worki ng group” (SCAR-Working Group) , should operate as a think-
tank and an extended secretariat between regula r SCAR meetings to prepare initiatives and 
documents. It should be based on participation of the EU presidency specially supported by 
the incoming and outgoing presidency and interested Member States. 
• Undertaking of specific activities and tasks be tween interested Member States (variable 
geometry). Flexibility and ‘à la carte’ natu re of participation in  any working groups are 
essential for success . There is also a need to consider th e use of “own resources” where this 
would help to facilitate action.  
b) Representation:   
• Staff nominated by the most appr opriate national organi sations and at the a ppropriate level to 
achieve action. If need arises ex ternal experts can be invited. 
c) Meetings:  according to need.  
                                                 
6 The representatives of the third country or organisation are invited to attend the meetings of the committee, 
in accordance with the C ouncil act, the agreement made by th e Community, the Association Council 
decision or other basic instrument that pr ovides for the presence of these observers. 
EN 8   EN Secretariat  
a) Tasks:   
• preparation of and follow-up from plenary meetings (e.g. coordination of the agenda, 
invitation, documents for th e meeting, minutes); and,  
• Secretariat functions for the other working groups.  
b) Representation:   
• DG Research staff will have the responsibility in close contact with the presidency of the EU 
and supported by voluntary time of Member Stat e staff made available to SCAR (“virtual 
secretariat”). In addition specific tasks (f or example mapping of the European research 
capacity) could be out sourced to specific support actions of  the EU Framework Programmes 
or funded by Member States.  
1.2.4.  Relationship with other committees active in research coordination 
The renewed SCAR will be a flexible structur e, complementary to existing mechanisms under 
the EU Framework Programmes (e.g. KBBE-Net7, FP7 Theme 2 FAFB Programme Committee). 
                                                 
7 KBBE-Net was established in 2006 by the Commission following the implementation of its third Progress 
Report on the Action Plan of the European Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy (LSB) - COM (2005) 
286, 29 June 2005. This network of Member States fulfils its mandate in co-ordination with SCAR and focuses on research solutions based on renewable biological resources from plants, animals, microbes, 
including bio-waste, thus contributing to the review and implementation of the LSB Strategy. 
EN 9   EN 2. THE NEW CONTEXT FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN EUROPE   
2.1. Key figures from the "EU-AGRI -MAPPING" project (FP6-SSP4)8 
In its final report in January 2008, the “EU-AG RI-MAPPING” project (FP6-SSP4) provides an 
overview of the agricultural research landscape  from the perspective of organisation and 
activities. The objective was to provide the Commi ssion with a synthesis of the research systems 
and the trends in research activities. 
The study covers all areas relate d to agricultural and food resear ch including research dedicated 
to emerging challenges of the European agricultur al and food sector. It maps a wide range of 
scientific disciplines and research issues going further than those directly related to food 
production. It includes for exam ple non-food products, nutrition an d health, forestry, natural 
resources management, landscape management, rura l development, agricultural economics etc. 
The geographical coverage  is the EU-27 plus Croatia, Icel and, Israel, Norway, Switzerland and 
Turkey (countries associated to  the Framework Programme, FP).  
The study highlighted that the overall European capacity and financial support is decreasing 
while agri-food research systems need to cope w ith new challenges such as energy and climate 
change. This may be a concern for the future. A closer look at the ag ri-food education system 
could help to determine if this trend c ould represent a threat for the future.  
There is a wide disparity in th e research systems and the Europ ean agri-food research landscape 
is composed of several different layers. A co mmon trend in some countries is reforming the 
research systems by merging institutions, bette r coordination of research efforts through the 
establishment of research councils, and the a llocation of research grants through competitive 
bids.  
The study reveals that research-intensive countrie s (most of them located in the north of Europe) 
have already undertaken restruct uring of their research systems.According to performance 
indicators such as the number of citations, these countries are in the lead leading. Research 
trends also indicate that these countries have  integrated earlier than others the new policy 
(energy, climate change, biodiversity) and technological (consumer research, genomics, 
nanotechnology) challenges. Exchange  of practices and sharing of experience with these leading 
countries could be very benefici al to those that are currentl y implementing changes in their 
research systems. 
The study also shows that European agri-food research performances are handicapped by 
obsolete infrastructures in many of the New Memb er States. This, combined with the scattering 
of the research capacity and the difficulties to  implement efficient research management, 
constitutes a serious threat for European research  as it leads to ineffici ent utilisation of the 
research potential. 
Finally, the study confirmed the need for a st ronger coordination of research planning and 
funding at European level. This  need is reinforced  by the important pl ace occupied by the 
Common Agricultural Policy in European policies.  
                                                 
8 http://www.agrifoodr esearch.net/library 
EN 10   EN 2.2. New challenges for European agriculture 
Fundamental changes in the agricultural sector which are in many cases tied to emerging global 
challenges have required that research in th is field be strengthen ed and re-orientated.  
Productivity gains, largely supported by technolo gical progress and overall economic pressures 
have led to a considerable struct ural adjustment in European agri culture. In general this trend 
varies across Member States owing to national a nd regional specificities with regard to climatic 
and natural conditions and the inherent institu tional framework, notably for land, labour and 
capital markets. 
While the number of farmers is declining in EU -27 as a whole, these structural changes are 
particularly visible between the newer EU12 an d older EU15 Member States. By contrast, the 
total agricultural area has declined only slight ly and although average farm size has increased 
there is a huge range of  different farming systems in operatio n. In labour terms, the most striking 
and challenging feature is the ageing of the agricultural labour force and the continued high 
proportion of holdings with no other ga inful activity than  agriculture.  
In overall terms, the socio-economic and environmen tal impact of agriculture  in the EU is still 
very significant. While Europe's primary agricultu ral sector has exhibite d the same pattern of 
long-term decline in its share in the economy common to all deve loped countries, the combined 
agri-food sector is still  a key employer and gene rator of wealth (900 Billion € turnover, 20 
million employees). In a territorial context, agricu lture and forestry continues to be the chief land 
use mechanism in the EU while agriculture has reta ined its central role in the social fabric of 
rural areas and their fu ture development.  
The implications of modern farming practices, pa rticularly in EU 12 count ries, could result in 
increased unemployment as farms go from small to large scale, and research should not ignore 
the resulting socio-economic challenges. 
In Europe, the reform process of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) continues to drive 
change in farming. Since the first major reform in 1992, EU agriculture has been forced to meet 
the challenge of increasing co mpetitiveness within the cont ext of the potential negative 
environmental impacts of modern production methods . Agriculture has also had to respond to the 
increase in consumer concerns and awareness of  food safety, quality and affordability and more 
recently on the demand for a healthier diet. 
While the availability of food supply at reasonabl e prices to the consumer remain an underlying 
objective of the CAP, since the Agenda 2000 reforms, which prepared the ground for the major enlargement to EU-25, these concerns have to be  seen within a sustaina ble development context. 
The breaking of the link between support a nd production and the introduction of cross-
compliance requirements with EU legislation regarding farm production methods, which form 
the main elements of the 2003 reform, have br ought market orientati on and the meeting of 
environmental and other production standards as the key determinants for the sustainable future 
of the EU farm sector. 
As a consequence of the orientation of the refo rmed CAP towards sustainability, the so-called 
Second Pillar of the CAP has shifted the EU po licy framework towards rural development. This 
has enabled the policy framework to provide more  opportunities to target  support to specific 
priorities of societal importanc e, such as the protection of th e environment and the enhancement 
EN 11   EN of quality of life in rural areas as well as a range of non-commodity outputs produced by 
agriculture such as access, recreation, conservation, amenity, heritage and tourism 
Throughout this reform process, global drivers have changed the international context for EU 
food and farming with the demand for food increas ing due to a rising world population, efforts to 
reduce malnutrition, the increasing consumption of  livestock products linke d to growing wealth 
and greater international trade. The EU is by no w the largest agricultural  exporter, of mainly 
high value products, as well as the biggest agri cultural importer in the world, remaining by far 
the largest market fo r developing countries. 
In addition a wide range of new challenges face EU agriculture. Further globalisation, tightening 
energy supplies, climate change, unsustainable consumption of natural resources and the recent 
rise of food prices will  all require a profound unde rstanding of the triggers  of future changes, 
their inter-relationship and their potential impact on European agriculture and the rural space as a 
whole.  
2.3. Need for a renewed Agricultural Research Agenda 
To cope with these challenge s, it is widely recognised9 that there is a need for a renewed and 
strengthened agricultural research area. Agri cultural research should provide the necessary 
knowledge for a thorough understand ing of rural development, of the drivers and impediments 
for sustainability, and the requ ired science, new technologies and innovation needed for the 
development of the agricultural sector.  
Furthermore the complexity of rural development must allow for the inclusion of research as a 
crucial tool to help broaden and enhance its impact. 
Until recently quantitative analysis  of the CAP mainly focused on the First Pillar and economic 
models have been developed to this end. The si tuation has changed with the complexity of the 
Second Pillar, driven by characteris tics such as the principle of s ubsidiarity or the diversity and 
multiplicity of rural development measures. Here  development and application of appropriate 
quantitative and qualitative research methods w ill be of crucial impor tance to improve the 
analytical capacity with respect to growing importance of the Second Pillar. 
2.4. Need for action at EU leve l in the field of research 
Solutions to these projected developments will be needed in order to provide a sustainable future 
for the European agricultural sector and allow it  to remain competitive worldwide. By the nature 
of these complex, inter-linked challenges it is unlikely that any one Member State will have the resources or capacity to carry out the rese arch needed to support the development and 
implementation of policy relating to th ese and other trans-boundary issues. 
In line with the Commission's commitment to deliv ering "Better Regulation" and, in particular, 
providing high quality impact assessments, scie ntific support to policy using results and 
expertise originating from the research community have an increasing role in the identification of 
those challenges and the economic, environmenta l and social consequences of any possible 
policy intervention. 
                                                
 
9 Ref. SCAR Foresight, World Development Report 2008; IPCC reports; Millennium Ecosystem System 
Assessment. 
EN 12   EN In response to these societal demands, and a lthough European agricultur al research involves a 
broad spectrum of disciplines and stakeholders, re search efforts often re main fragmented, poorly 
coordinated, underinvested, a nd lack critical mass.  
In Europe several mechanisms are in pla ce, and especially under the EU’s Framework 
Programme, which help to foster collaborat ion between research providers. Accordingly 
increasing coordination and cooperation between nati onal research programmes, especially at the 
level of national funding, is an in trinsic priority in th e creation of the European Research Area. 
One of the primary coordination mechanisms introduced by the 6th EU Framework Programme is 
the ERA-NET scheme10, providing funding for the networ king of programme makers and 
managers (those working in Ministries or in na tional funding agencies) and covers coordinated 
actions in any field of science and technology.  
Although several ERA-NETs of releva nce to the area of agricultur al research were launched the 
Agriculture Council agreed (Novemb er 2004) that collaboration in this area would benefit from a 
more structured approach. This conclusion ha s been taken forward by the Standing Committee 
on Agricultural Research (SCAR).  
The concept of Joint Programming11 goes a step further than th e ERA-NET scheme and elicits 
the direct cooperation of Member State publ ic programmes in defining common visions, 
strategic research agendas, and the pooling of res ources to tackle specific areas together. Some 
major societal problems in Europe that are linke d, for example, to climate change, the energy 
crisis or food supplies would bene fit in particular from a critical mass of public research efforts, 
as identified in the conclusions  of the informal Competivene ss Council meeting on 17-18 July 
2008 in Versailles.  
The SCAR Committee was mentioned as a good exam ple of a possible network structure in any 
new Joint Programming process. 
                                                 
10 Article 169 of the EC Treaty also enables the Community to participate in research programmes undertaken 
jointly by several Member States and is intended fo r topics of high political visibility and relevance. 
11 "Towards Joint Programming in Research" COM(2008) 468 final, 15.07.2008 
EN 13   EN 3. INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY SCAR   
The SCAR Committee is taking fo rward coordination action on a numbe r of fronts. It has taken a 
strategic view of on-going collabo ration between funding bodies in Europe, identified priority 
areas for further collaboration and established a number of member state Collaborative Working 
Groups (CWGs). It has initiated a foresight ex ercise to formulate possible scenarios for 
European agriculture over the next 20 years on which to base the priori tisation of agriculture-
related research in Europe in the medium to long term. The Co mmittee is also involved in the 
mapping of EU agricultural re search capacity thr ough the monitoring of specific European 
Commission funded projects and studie s, which aim to analyse the stat us of agricultural and food 
research in Europe and identify the corresponding trends and needs.  
 
Agreement on priority 
research topics Identify Scenarios 
Foresight Conference 
June 2007
Input to FP7 Theme 2 
“Food, Agriculture, 
Biotechnology”Regular Survey & 
Alert MechanismCollaborative 
Working Groups
Report on gaps, 
trends & needs
Proposals of new, sharing 
existing, infrastructuresEUROPEAN RESEARCH AREA FOR AGRICULTUREEUROPEAN RESEARCH AREA FOR AGRICULTURE
ERA-Net
proposals
EC report to EP and Council
end 20081.FORESIGHT 
PROCESS 3.MAPPING 
EU CAPACITIES
Mapping 
ActivitiesMapping 
InfrastructuresSCAR initiatives towards a 
European Research Area for Agriculture
Identify priority 
research needs
4. Communication 
SCAR WEBSITEbb
bbbbSCARSCAR
WorkingWorking
GroupGroup
bb
bbbb2.COMMON 
RESEARCH AGENDAS
Joint Programmingbb
bbbb
 
3.1. Towards common research agendas  
3.1.1.  Prioritisation exercise 
At the 2599th session of the Agriculture C ouncil of 19 July 2004, the Dutch Presidency 
articulated the possible merits of enhanced  cooperation between research funders and 
programme managers in the domain of Agricultu re, Food, Rural Development and Fisheries. The 
delegations of the 25 EU Memb er States received a questi onnaire aimed at producing an 
overview of the research funding st ructures, as well as the current and future policy and research 
priorities of each EU Memb er State in this field.  
The meeting was attended by Commissioners Bus quin and Fischler, who suggested considering 
the SCAR Committee as the operational instrume nt for the implementation of possible common 
research agendas/activities to be set up at European level. 
EN 14   EN On the basis of Member States’ responses to th e questionnaire, the Dutch Presidency drew up a 
report12 which was submitted to the 2619th session of  the Agriculture Council of 22 November 
2004 and the principal conclusions on the actions  to be undertaken were unanimously adopted. 
Building on the Dutch Presidency report, SCAR a dopted a structured approach for prioritisation 
of research topics. A comprehensive table of co-operation and coordi nation activities, both 
research provider and research funder (ANNEX 1) was used alongside a list of agreed member 
state priorities for co llaboration to identify key areas fo r targeted action through CWGs. The 
table is regularly updated. 
3.1.2.  The establishment of Collaborat ive Working Groups (CWGs) 
In June 2005 SCAR identified 52 themes for poten tial collaboration of research funders and 
programme managers with 26 countries offering to participate in at least one of these. Country 
coordinators were identified for 10 of the themes and CWGs esta blished and the first of these 
met in September 2005. In the following years, 4 additional CWG were established. Further 
information on the CWGs can be found (ANNEX 2). 
CWG Title Coordinator SCAR 
countries 
ICT and Robotics in Agro-Food Industr ies => ERA-NET PROPOSAL "ICT-AGRI" Denmark  11 
Renewable Raw Materials and their Applications in Non-Food Industry Germany  18 
Sustainable Livestock Production from Grasslands Ireland 21 
Relevant Issues for Mediterranean Agriculture => BECAME AN ERA-NET "ARIMNet" Italy/France 13 
Agriculture and Sustainable Development => ERA-NET PROPOSAL "RURAGRI" France 11 
Animal Health => BECAME AN ERA-NET "EMIDA" 
Animal Welfare started as a CWG  UK 21 
Advanced Technologies for Climatic Contro l of Greenhouses and Livestock Housing Israel 14 
Adaptation of Human Nutrition to Environment Evolution France 10 
Ecology for Ecosystems & Natural Resources Sustainable Management France 8 
Development of Sustainable Agricu lture in the Baltic Sea Region Poland 8 
Common research agenda for EU rural policy => ERA-NET PROPOSAL "RURAGRI" Sweden/Netherlands 7 
Climate Change and Agriculture  Spain 22 
Agriculture and Energy Germany 21 
Shared Infrastructures in the field of Agricultural Research  France 15 
 
                                                 
12 "Towards cooperation between research funders and programme managers in the domain of Agriculture, 
Food, Rural Development and Fisheries in the European Union" - Report written for The Netherlands 
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality 
EN 15   EN CWGs are working in a similar way to ERA-Nets , following the same step-by-step approach - 
focussing on information exchange during the early st ages, the identification of gaps in research 
and priority areas for collaboration but, ultima tely, they should be aiming for common research 
calls. However, they are different  in that do not have the financ ial support from the Commission 
enjoyed by the ERA-Nets, so need a strong commitm ent from participating countries in order to 
succeed. The role of SCAR in ensuring an adequate  level of commitment needs to be considered. 
Although they were intended to pr ovide an alternative, more fl exible, mechanism to the ERA-
Net scheme, the majority of CWGs have already indicated their intention to apply for ERA-NET 
status in FP7. Given that funding for this is li mited and not all CWGs have the opportunity to 
become ERA-Nets, consideration is needed abou t how progress can be made in the absence of 
external financial support. This  issue also needs to be addressed for ERA-Nets when their 
financial support comes to an end. 
However, the dynamism of several CWGs in term s of commitment and participation paved the 
way for opening ERA-Nets opportunities in FP7 so that five CWGs declared their intention to 
submit ERA-Net proposals in the first relevant ca lls for proposals. Two of  them (Animal health, 
Relevant Issues for Mediterranean Agricult ure) submitted successful proposals in call FP7-
ERANET-2007 and became de facto  ERA-Net projects. Three of  them (ICT and Robotics in 
Agro-Food Industries, Agriculture and Sustainabl e Development, Common research agenda for 
EU rural policy)  submitted successful proposals in call FP7-ERANET-2008 and are currently 
being negotiated. 
3.1.3.  Strategic oversight in the ar ea of agricultural research 
The SCAR is currently addressing the question on how best to support the CWGs in their effort 
to become self-sustaining and in terms of thei r interaction with othe r research coordination 
bodies such as ERA-Nets and European Technology Platforms. 
This question is addressed in the wider role of SCAR in providing strategi c oversight in the area 
of agricultural research collaboration which foresees: 
• Monitoring the status of coordi nation of agricultural researc h, including the development of 
CWGs, relevant ERA-Nets and re lated instruments and policies 
• Assessment of research gaps and the implications  of these for agriculture when viewed across 
the spectrum of European policies and action plans 
• Advising on where alternative approaches to co ordination of research programmes might be 
more appropriate  
To do this effectively the Committee will need to take into consider ation many factors like 
developments in specific research programme  collaborations that occur bilaterally and 
multilaterally between member state funding organi sations that fall outside  of FP modalities and 
instruments; updates on Commission initiatives in research cooperation with third countries and 
international organisations and actions under the Joint Research Ce ntre (JRC); updates on 
collaborative projects (Integrated Projects, Networks of Excellence, etc) that are directly relevant 
to agro-research and policy interests; intelligen ce from DG AGRI that relates to research needs 
for policy support and also from ot her DGs where directly relevant. 
EN 16   EN In that context, the SCAR Secret ariat has carried out an analysis of current activities in selected 
ERA-Nets with a potential them atic relation to FP7, Specific Programme Cooperation, Theme 2 
Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology. The aim of the analysis is to ensure a 
coherent approach in the identification of resear ch topics within ERA-Net joint calls on one side 
and FP7-KBBE work-programmes on the other, t hus identifying gaps, avoid duplications and 
promoting synergies. 
Such an exercise has also the scope to bring together the KBBE ERA-Net community to share 
views on mutual achievements and expectations, and to promote mutual  learning and fully 
benefit from the experience gained. The ERA- Net Learning Platform and NETWATCH central 
information tool launched by the European Co mmission may be useful  in that respect. 
3.2. Foresight process 
3.2.1.  The launch of the process 
In recent decades human impacts on the environment have emerged as a serious concern. 
Though climate change is receiving the most public  attention, there are many other factors that 
threaten ecosystems (including agriculture itself) a nd that have an adverse effect on agriculture, 
forests and fisheries.  
To enable agriculture to cope with a range of co mplex and interlinked cha llenges, such as rapidly 
increasing globalisation, climate change and unsusta inable consumption of natural resources, the 
development of clear futures scenarios are important in ensuring that the right questions are 
asked.  
This was the major conclusion of an informal m eeting of EU agriculture ministers in Krems on 
28-30 May 200613. Ministers felt that better coordination of research was essential to enable 
Europe to successfully face the profound changes th at lie ahead for the agricultural sector, and 
that a wide foresight process to be initiated by SCAR would allow an a ssessment of trends and 
their implications in considering the prospects for agriculture in a 20-year perspective and to 
enable the necessary politi cal answers to be found. 
The 4th SCAR-Plenary in June 2006 endorsed th e overall objective of analysing possible 
scenarios for European agricultu re in a 20-year perspective through an exercise based on a 
review of existing foresight studies. These scenarios were then to be used in the identification of 
priority research needs for the medium and long term.  
3.2.2.  A Foresight Expert Group 
The ambition of this initiative required expert support so a team of 10 independent experts with 
relevant knowledge and experience was c ontracted by the European Commission.  
The major task of this expert group was to review and synthesise existing analytical and 
foresight material in relation to the available foresight studies relating to the eight “major driving 
forces” for agriculture in Europe that ha d been identified by th e SCAR Working Group14:  
                                                 
13 Presidency Conclusions, 16 June 2006 
14 The list was based on one drawn up during the EURAGRI members meeting in York (2005). 
EN 17   EN climate change health 
environment societal changes 
economy and trade rural economy 
energy science and technology 
In a first step, the expert group produced a fore sight paper on each of these driving forces for 
agriculture in Europe, in cluding an initial consid eration of the perspectiv es and gaps for future 
agricultural research.  
In a second step, the analysis of these major driv ing forces and their possible interactions led to 
the identification of four futures scenarios (Climate Shock, Energy Crisis, Food Crisis, and 
Cooperation with Nature) to be used, both at the Eu ropean and national level, in the definition of 
better policies and in the developm ent of a medium to long-term research agenda for European 
agriculture which is sufficiently robust and evid ence-based. The analysis is illustrated in a 
synthesis paper. 
3.2.3.  The involvement of the stakeholders 
The reports from the Expert Group were di sseminated among relevant stakeholders and 
discussed, together with other fore sight exercises, in a Workshop on "Foresight to Set Long-
Term European Agricultural Research Priorities" , which was held in Stockholm on 29-30 
March 2007. The event was jointly organised by the Swedish Ministry of Agriculture, the 
Swedish Research Council (FORMAS), the SC AR and the Commission, and gathered around 60 
high-level experts and stakeholders. 
The views expressed and conclusions drawn dur ing the workshop were used, along with other 
stakeholder consultation, in prep aring input for the Conference on "Towards Future Challenges 
of Agricultural Research in Europe"  held in Brussels  on 26-27 June 200715. The event brought 
together around 400 stakeholders from diverse background (e.g. the agriculture, food, forestry, 
aquaculture, rural developmen t, and consumer science/beha viour, and economics areas) from 
across the EU and was a major forum for discussion of foresight in relation to the European long 
term agriculture-related research  agenda in a global context. 
The first results of this exercise led to the decision to launch new joint programming initiatives 
in areas which represent major societal chal lenges. Among them: the setting up of two new  
CWGs on "climate change and agricultu re" and "agriculture and energy".  
Furthermore, a foresight monitoring and signalli ng mechanism aimed at providing better insight 
into existing and new trends is also being esta blished on a regular basis in order to enable a 
better and earlier identificati on of emerging issues and risk s to prepare for forth-coming 
uncertainties (see 4.4) . 
                                                 
15 http://ec.europa.eu/research/confe rences/2007/scar/report_en.htm 
EN 18   EN 3.3. Mapping EU capacities 
3.3.1.  The "EU-AGRI-MAPPING" project (see 2.1) 
The SCAR Committee is involved in the mapping of EU agricultu ral research capacity through 
the European Commission funded “EU-AGRI-MAPPING”  project, which analysed the status of 
agricultural and food re search in Europe and identify trends and needs in this field. In providing 
key figures on the national organisation of agri cultural research and an overall picture of 
developments in agricultural research within th e EU, the project contributed to the assessment of 
desirable developments in agricultural research  in the Member/Associat ed States and in the 
coordination of that research at EU level. 
3.3.2.  Initiatives on agricultural research infrastructures 
As part of SCAR’s strategic discussions on agricu ltural research in Europe, the issue of research 
infrastructures was considered to be a prio rity. In September 2005 the Committee addressed a 
note to ESFRI (European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures) on the issue of very large infrastructures of relevance to agriculture
16. This was an attempt to raise the profile of agriculture 
research infrastructures in the ESFRI discussions and to provide examples of the large research 
facilities that might be needed in this area. 
In addition to the more familiar and general larg e-scale infrastructures for research, SCAR has 
highlighted the high demand for networking of distri buted facilities and cluste rs of expertise, and 
therefore for management. These so called “virtual ” centres of infrastructures carry an additional 
resource cost in, for example, providing interopera bility. Infrastructures al so provide a range of 
unique support services (for rese arch) that are critical to de livery. For example: unique data 
management, interpretation and handling capacities; ‘knowledge management infrastructures’ 
(such as statistics, design technologies, epidemio logy, risk assessment expertise, data archives, 
and ‘social science’ infrastruc tures) and also unique support f acilities (such as high-level 
containment and experimental/housing facil ities and expert trained support personnel). 
Comparability of operations and management acr oss networked facilitie s also needs to be 
supported.  
The Committee also highlighted the need for infrastructures programmes to support training, 
including the training of support personnel and technical expertise, as research success is 
dependant upon technical development. 
At its meeting on June 2006 SCAR agreed that the identification and subsequent delivery of 
specific infrastructures, of specialist capacities and of services for research, should be for 
national, European and in ternational funders to determine, acting in a systematic, coordinated 
and anticipatory way. Decisions should be in formed by the research providers and should be 
based upon clear evidence of need and of potentia l long-term value. With this in mind, SCAR 
has contacted its Collaborative Working Groups  and relevant ERA-NETs, inviting them to 
consider the research infrastructures issue in the context of their developing plans for future 
research coordination, and to  provide in particular: 
                                                 
16 SCAR note to ESFRI, “Research infr astructures required in the field of agricultural research”, 31 August 
2005. 
EN 19   EN • An overview of the main activities of the ERA-NET/CWG in the field of research 
infrastructures 
• A mapping of the main existing facilities detailing the priorities to improve European capacity 
in the particular domain 
• Information on the main obstacles to the shari ng of infrastructures at  the European level 
• Suggestions for a better common use of these infrastructures 
Building on this survey, SCAR decided at its m eeting on June 2008 that a new CWG in the area 
of “shared infrastructures for European agro-f ood research” would be set up with the aim to 
identify the future needs of agricultural rese arch and design new models  of governance in order 
to share infrastructures effici ently at a European scale. 
The expected deliverables from the CWG are the following:  
• A report on current initiatives on agricultural research infrastructures at national and 
European level: list, analysis, applications 
• Results of the CWG survey  
• A report on research themes having priorities in the future and their need in infrastructures, 
giving an analysis of the gaps and advice for a co-ope rative agenda on EU level 
• A report giving advice for an efficient sharing of  research infrastructures at a European scale 
3.3.3.  A dedicated website 
A dedicated website provides a complete and updated picture of the national agricultural 
research systems in all SCAR countries17. 
                                                 
17 http://ec.europa.eu/research/a griculture/scar/index_en.cfm 
EN 20   EN 4. KEY ACTIONS FOR A COHERENT EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AGENDA   
4.1. Towards a more sustainable agriculture in the face of global competition 
It is widely recognised that th e worldwide resource base (biodive rsity, soil, water) is struggling 
to cope with the interlinked effects of ener gy shortages, climate change and unsustainable 
consumption of natural resources, with an increas ing risk of crossing critical thresholds which 
may trigger abrupt system changes.  
The maintenance of a viable resource base is a pre-condition for all ecosystem functions and for 
the achievement of a sustainable European agri culture. Sustainability , which covers economic, 
social and environmental aspects, as well as the public good aspects of agriculture, is of outmost 
importance. 
In parallel, globalisation makes the need for an  internationally competitive European agricultural 
sector an increasingly important issue. The majo r research challenge is how to reconcile these 
two goals of a sustainable production system while remaining competitive in world markets. 
Alongside ensuring sustainability and competiven ess, agricultural resear ch needs to provide 
evidence to support appropriate polic y development and implementation.  
To achieve this goal, the EU needs sufficient research capacity to analyse problems from 
different disciplinary perspectives, synthesi se these findings in a holistic way (economic, 
ecological and social) and provide  the necessary mechanisms to ensure the right research is 
carried out. 
4.2. New priority areas for the future Agricultural Research Agenda  
New emerging challenges require targeted responses from appropriate priority research areas for 
the future Agricultural Research Agenda. 
The foresight process initiated by SCAR and the conclusions fr om the June 2007 Conference 
highlighted the importance of a number of topics such as biodi versity, organic farming, food 
safety, integration of environm ental technologies within agri culture, biotechnology, emerging 
animal diseases, as well as emerging plant pest s and diseases. In addition it was remarked that 
the interface between agriculture, climate chan ge, and energy were major societal challenges 
deserving a more prominent place on  any future research agenda.  
This trend was also confirmed by the European Council of 20 June 200818 stating that " there is a 
need to pursue innovation, research and devel opment of agricultural production, notably to 
enhance its energy efficiency, productivity growth and ability  to adapt to climate change ." 
Climate change  
Climate change is one of the main hazards to su stainable development, and represents one of the 
greatest environmental challenges, adversely affecting global economy, health and social 
welfare. Climate change can affect crop yiel ds, livestock management  and the location of 
                                                 
18 Presidency Conclusion n° 28 of the European Council, 20 June 2008   
EN 21   EN production and can also have im portant consequences for farm income, land use and rural 
economies in certain parts of Europe. 
The "Health Check" of the CAP is addressing the risks of climate change  as one of the new 
challenges and the area has become an issue for European national research programmes, which 
need to address the risks to agriculture and sear ch for improved agricultural practices that will 
help the agricultural sector to adapt and m itigate the impacts of farming on climate. 
In this context, it is underlined the importance of continued resear ch on the contribution that soil 
management practices can have in maintaining or  increasing soil organic matter levels across the 
EU. Soil organic matter plays a cr ucial role not only in  the carbon cycle, but also for supporting 
soil fertility, improving soil struct ure, and increasing water retenti on, thus resilience  of soils to 
climatic stresses. 
The Commission's Green Paper “Adapting to climate change in Europe – options for EU action”  
indicated that adaptation policies are emerging in nearly all Member States, and that it is 
essential to share experiences from early adap tation action and results from research. Adaptation 
to climate change is likely to benefit from experience gained in reaction to extreme climate 
events and from implementation of specific a nd proactive climate change risk management. 
Agriculture and climate change was identified as a priority area by SCAR foresight activity 
carried out during 2006/0719 and as a significant gap in the coordination of research at the 
European level. At its meeting in December 2007 SCAR, therefore, agreed  that a new CWG on 
“Climate change and agriculture”  should be formed to consider how climate change affects 
agriculture, and how agriculture could be adapte d to climate change (i ncluding mitigation of 
agricultural impacts on climate change). A strate gy based on a variable geometry model might be 
an appropriate approach. 
Energy  
As regards the energy issue, growing demands for food, bio-energy and biomass for non-food 
applications take place in a world with shri nking water and land res ources, increasing soil 
degradation and rising temperatures  all impairing on land productivity.  
This scenario gives a strong remi nder to governments to develop ag ricultural techno logies and to 
adjust energy and agriculture policies (e.g. EU energy policy and targets), underpinned by 
appropriate research support measures  at the agriculture-energy-interface. 
Currently, high expectations for bioenergy (ind ependency of fossil resources, climate change 
mitigation, and job creation in th e rural areas) stand vis-à-vis the increasing public concerns 
(competition with food production, ecological side -effects, profitability, negative effects in 
developing countries); which makes the agricultu re-energy-interface a very sensitive political 
issue for the future. 
Several on-going activities in FP 6 and 7 Themes  (in particular, IPs and NoEs), ERA-NETs, 
SCAR-CWGs, ETPs, etc. are - fully or partly - dealing with the agriculture-energy-interface; 
however, there are no overarching mechanisms and structures to analyze the links between them 
and to give strategic advice to the research funders in the area for a closer co-operation and co-
ordination. 
                                                 
19 http://ec.europa.eu/research/confe rences/2007/scar/report_en.htm 
EN 22   EN A new CWG "Agriculture-Energy-Interface"  might help elaborating the co-ordination needs for 
research funding at the interface between agricultu re and energy in the broadest sense (“holistic 
approach”) covering not only the scientific-tech nological challenges for biomass and bioenergy 
production, but also the industr ial, ecological, so cio-economic and rural dimension of the 
subject. Particular attention will be paid to the effects of  biofuel and biomass production on 
water quality, soil organic matter and biodiversity. 
4.3. Strengthening the agricultural knowledg e production and sharing in Europe 
The mounting challenges facing agro-food and rural sectors in Europe call for revising the links 
between knowledge production and its use to foster innovation, as  clearly indica ted by the key 
messages from the foresight process and the Brussels intern ational Conference. 
Research could play a stronger role, if different actors (farmers, researcher s, advisory services, 
consumers, private sector, civil society, policy makers) are better integrated in actual agenda 
setting and become an integral pa rt of the research pr ocess in the form of an innovation network. 
At the same time agricultural research needs to  become more innovative, and it needs to find 
ways to attract top scientists and technologists into the sector. 
The reward system for academic university resear ch is oriented towards publications in peer 
reviewed journals, while an efficient innovation  network would provide tailor made research 
solutions responding directly to practical problem s which take full account of farmers and other 
stakeholders' knowledge. Integrat ed research and advisory syst ems could provide a solution, but 
in many European regions public advisory system s no longer exist or have been privatised. A 
new approach to advisory systems in the frame of  the CAP could be a new starting point if they 
were linked to knowledge networks. Both vocati onal and higher education must be strengthened, 
so that farmers would benefit from life long l earning and university research would benefit from 
the inclusion of practical aspects of farming.  
The workshop "Strengthening the links between k nowledge and innovation in Europe"  on 6-7th 
October in Angers is providing an opportunity to identify the key feat ures of a European 
agricultural knowledge system. The workshop aims  at reviewing the wa ys the links between 
knowledge and innovation are organi sed in Europe, to analyse motives and consideration for 
such organisation and to share experience from important reforms in several European countries 
in order to identify poten tial « best practices ».  
The stakes are high: how to maintain a sufficie nt level of technical an d scientific level among 
actors in order for them to respond to glob al and local changes and to enhance their 
entrepreneurial skills; ho w to orient development work and to link it to continuous education of 
the actors; how to conceive a new CAP that is supported by strong innovation systems in 
agriculture. 
There is a variety of organisational models to strengthen links between knowledge production 
and use. Linear and non linear models coexist. Leading roles can be taken by researchers, 
professionals, civil society organisations or  governments in a variety of institutional 
arrangements. The place of research organisations and the ways they interact with other players 
also differ from one model to the other. There is a need for a typology of these models and for 
identifying good practices. 
EN 23   EN In addition it is necessary to re flect on the respective roles of pub lic and private organisations in 
linking knowledge to innovation as well as on th e regional dimension, taking account of regional 
dynamics on that matter. The case of new member  states should also be examined thoroughly. 
The conclusion of the workshop will be fed into  the SCAR process and will be mobilised by 
SCAR in its dialogue with the Co mmission and the Member States.  
The Commission intends to pursue work in this domain through SCAR , in order to identify the 
agricultural knowledge structures in each Memb er State and discuss possible ways forward 
perhaps through the initial formation of a CWG.  
In this context, the European Network for Ru ral Development, as laid down by Article 67 of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, constitute s a suitable forum to address technology 
transfer, as part of the im proved implementation of rural development programmes. The 
Commission is currently assessi ng the possible ways to  feed “Resear ch and innovation” into the 
agenda of the network, notab ly in a 2009 seminar looki ng at innovation for the new 
environmental challenges. 
Furthermore, since advisory and extension serv ices would play a significant role in the 
development of any future European agricultu ral knowledge system, the Commission intends to 
take into account the findings of the SCAR in this area in its report  on the Farm Advisory 
System, which must be submitted to Council by 2010.  
4.4. Consolidating joint research programming  
In the light of the ERA-Net scheme, Member Stat es have slowly started to rethink previously 
isolated national approaches towards new cross- border challenges in all research fields. The 
recent Communication of the Commission "Towards Joint Programming in Research"20 foresees 
a new impetus towards a more strategic appro ach to the coordinated programming of public 
research within the ERA.  
Joint programming is expected to be implemen ted in a strategic manner, to address major 
societal challenges, selected according to commonly shared cr iteria and implemented under an 
agreed flexible governance structure. Joint programming should also be complemented by 
common or compatible methodologies for mon itoring, evaluation and impact assessment.  
The SCAR Committee has proved to be de facto  the reference framework for a more coordinated 
approach to programming of public research in ag riculture and could play an important role in 
this new Joint Programming process. 
The development of effective a nd coordinated long-term program ming in agricultural research 
should be based on a coherent strategy that will allow a regular consultatio n of all research actors 
in the framework of the wider Ljublja na process for governance of the ERA. 
In that perspective, the strategic role of the SCAR Committee could be further strengthened in 
order to become the strategic oversight body supe rvising the various agri culture-related efforts 
carried out by all European public research bodies, and also fac ilitating dialogue with related 
                                                 
20 COM(2008) 468 final, 15.07.2008 
EN 24   EN stakeholders in Technology Platforms who are i nvolved in the definition of common visions and 
strategic agendas in similar research fields.  
In this respect, an informal Competiveness Council meeting held on 17 July 2008 in Versailles 
under the French Presidency had f ood and agriculture as one of f our main issues facing society 
today. It highlighted the need for a shared vision  based on a "true scientific partnership policy" 
between private and public sectors and on the establishment of an "Alliance" of research organisations alongside SCAR a nd Technology Platforms (ETPs). Th e Council also st ressed that 
the new Joint Programming framework offers an opportunity for agri-food research, and that a 
comprehensive international initiati ve for food security would be usef ul. It also stressed that that 
there was a clear need for incr eased budget and better ar ticulation between research priorities 
and the CAP.  
4.5. Developing an inter/multidisciplinary a nd more systems-oriented research effort 
The complexity of the challenges necessitates br oader, interdisciplinary research efforts, 
involving disciplines from outside the traditional and established approaches . It also calls for a 
careful analysis and mitigation of all negative co st factors and externalities involved with the 
implementation of any sustainable development actions.  
A wide variety of technologies must, therefore,  be used and, mind sets changed in order to 
address the broader challenges found in areas  such as social sc iences, demographic 
developments, consumer confidence, a nd end-user orientation of research.  
Policy has to analyse the predominant bottlenecks and put the necessary administrative 
corrections into place to make the research systems fit for purpose. Higher education and 
research training schemes have to be adapte d to the new demands, as highlighted by the 
workshop in Angers.  
4.6. Developing a foresight monitoring capacity 
Thinking ahead during times of rapid change is esse ntial so that better informed decisions can be 
taken. Considering the dynamics of change it is clear that a one -off foresight exercise is not 
sufficient and that a mechanism is needed to a llow regular review of past decisions and to 
provide information to support the decision-ma king process in the light of new challenges.  
The establishment of a monitoring mechanis m based on a regular surveying of on-going 
foresight would provide a better understanding and insight into existing and new trends and 
allow the Committee and the agricultural research  community to clearly anticipate the challenges 
and problems that we may face in the years to co me, and to come up with practical solutions.  
The major objective of the mon itoring mechanism would be (i) the provision of a systematic 
approach for identifying potential threats, opp ortunities and likely future developments of 
importance to European agriculture, and (ii) to  highlight the possible implications of such 
developments for future research policy orientat ion at European and Member States levels.  
The SCAR WG was mandated by th e SCAR-Plenary in December 2007 to further develop the 
frame for the development of the suggested m echanism. For that purpose the SCAR-WG set up a 
specific "SCAR foresight group" (S CAR-FG) which will be supported by contracted experts in). 
The Commission will contract up to on the follo wing terms of reference. In addition experts 
from selected EU foresight-projects will be i nvited to give input and attend the meetings.  
EN 25   EN As a first implementation step, a second foresi ght expert group, a "Consultancy Expert Group" 
(CEG) of 5 independent experts was contracted by the Comm ission to scan what has been 
happening in the foresight area since the work carried out by the FEG. The group will conduct a 
more strategic approach on the implications of foresight for 4 topics (2 thematic + 2 cross-
cutting) and provide advice to SCAR on the concre te issues to be addressed by research in the 
medium to long terms.  
Agriculture/climate change/environment/health  
Agriculture/energy/biomass/green chemistry  Thematic 
Agri-policy/rural areas  
Agricultural knowledge systems  Cross-cutting 
 
4.7. Developing the international dimension of the European agro-food research 
In June 2007, the two back-to-back conferences "Towards Future Challenges of Agricultural 
Research in Europe"  26-27 June 2007 organised by the SCAR,  and "Agricultural Research for 
Development (ARD) in Europe: towards a shared vision"  28-29 June 2007 organised by the 
ERA-ARD project21 clearly showed that: 
• Some of the emerging global challenges for Eu rope identified by both conferences are the 
same, e.g. climate change, bioenergies, food security. They both stressed the need for 
international agricultu ral research (AR) activities a nd cooperation to address them. 
• The two conferences also questioned the way ag ricultural research (AR) is implemented in 
order to improve its impact for Europe a nd developing and emerging economy countries 
(DEEC). In particular, the nece ssity to involve farmer organi sations, private sector, and end-
users in the definition, implementation a nd monitoring of research activities. 
As a result, it was concluded that there is a pr ogressive convergence of  AR for DEEC and AR 
for Europe, and Europe should improve the coordination between the two, which are 
insufficiently linked. Addressing this issue is pr ecisely the objective of the ERA concept which 
the Commission is actively promoting. Therefor e, the Commission proposed to SCAR, EIARD 
and ERA-ARD to explore how Europe and DEEC c ould benefit from European synergies in the 
area of international AR, while at the same time  developing the European contribution to the 
international agricultural research agenda. 
In this context the Internati onal Assessment of Agri cultural Knowledge, Sc ience and Technology 
for Development (IAASTD) provides importa nt analysis and proposals for action. 
SCAR, EIARD and ERA-ARD then agreed to set up a Task Force to draw recommendations to 
foster complementarity and synergies be tween AR for DEEC and AR for Europe. 
The mandate of the Task Force does not cover the whole European international agricultural 
research area, since it does not address collabor ation with industrialised countries, like USA and 
                                                 
21 ERA-ARD is an FP6 Project of the European Commission’s ERA-NET Scheme 
EN 26   EN Australia, but with DEEC, and the Mediterranean  neighbouring countries which are considered 
as part of the emerging economy countries. 
In order to create synergies between European AR agendas fo r EU and DEEC, the Task Force 
was assigned with: 
• Identifying research themes of common interest 
• Analysing barriers for closer coordination 
• Proposing modalities for closer collaboration 
The Task Force recommended that a policy framew ork for international agricultural research to 
foster and facilitate coherent research activ ities and partnership s hould be established.  
Such a framework would allow research coop eration addressing common research priorities 
(climate change, bioenergy, food security & safety); supporting agri cultural research and 
education platforms open to European and DEEC scientists and students; sharing information on 
European policies, programmes, funding instrume nts and opportunities, and activities related to 
international agricultural research; better comm unicating about the contri bution that European 
agricultural research can deliver for the Millennium Development Goal. 
To ensure the coherence of such a framework, synergies within and out side Europe must be 
strengthened. From an EU perspective, there is  a need to enhance synergies with other EU 
external policies such as development aid a nd the European Neighbourhood Policy. Worldwide, 
Europe should take a more activ e approach to defining the globa l R&D agenda in international 
organisations (UN agencies, World Bank, OECD, G8) and multilateral fora (African Union, 
ASEAN, Mercosur) and agricultural research global actors (GFAR22, CGIAR23).  
In this context, the international mandate of SCAR could be further strengthened in line with 
contributions from the European Initiative  on Agricultural Research for Development24 (EIARD) 
which should reinforce its coor dinating role of Commission a nd MS supports to agricultural 
research targeting the needs of  DEEC, and the ongoing ERA-NET ERA-ARD . 
 
                                                 
22 Global Forum on Agricultural Research 
23 Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research 
24 COM(97)126 “The European Initiative for Agri cultural Research for Development (EIARD)” 
 
EN 27   EN Annex 1 – Co-ordination between research funders in th e domain of agriculture re lated research in the EU  
• This co-ordination table  gives an overview of coordina tion activities in Europe. This is about the co-ordinated deve lopment of research agenda’s 
(which should be distinguished from co-operation in  Europe, which is about common research projects) 
• co-ordination can have different forms: 
• industry led technology platforms  where stakeholders discuss the long te rm research agenda and commitments 
• ERA net EU subsidized projects for the co-ordinated development of the research  agenda and long term cooperation in it 
• Working groups, started on the initiative of one  country where others  can affiliate with 
• the table aims at being as complete as possible, sometimes it is somewhat arbitrary to decide if a certain activity is within S CAR’s domain or not  
• the table reflects the layered research agenda : issues, themes and programmes  
• the table is regularly updated and placed on the SCAR website  
Issues 
(main issues 
in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio 
within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
food food quality food chain and network management - ERA-net CA on Food Safety Research Programming 
(SAFEFOODERA) http://www.safefoodera.net/  
- TP Food for Life http://etp.ciaa.be/asp/home.asp  
- Expert Group on FOOD and HEALTH research (KBBE-Net) 
  analysis, detection and control, including validation and 
standardisation of testing and evaluation methods  
  feed quality  
  traceability, certification - ERA-Net SS A on identification of emerging  risks in the field of food 
production (PERIAPT) http://www.periapt .net/default.aspx  
  endocrine disruptors  
  residues  
  food processing  
 nutrition and health  - CWG Adaptation of Human Nutrition to Environment Evolution (FR) 
  food patterns and health   
  functional foods  
                                                 
25 http://www.cordis.lu/coordination/ era-net.htm and http://cordis.europa.eu/coordina tion/projects.htm (projects overview and desc ription) 
26 http://cordis.europa.eu/technology-platforms/home_en.html and ft p://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/tec hnology-platforms/docs/ki730542 9ecd.pdf (status report May 2006 with a 
brief description of all platforms and their products 
 
EN 28   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
  nutrigenomics  
  proteomics  
  personal diets  
  nutrition and allergies   
  metabolomics  
 food technology safe and efficient food processing -Networking, coordination, cooperation and integration of national RTD 
Programmes in the field of the su stainable enterprise SUSPRISE 
http://www.susprise.net/  
  waste management  
  energy saving processes  
  catalysis - ERA NET CA Applied Catalysis http://www.acenet.net/  
  packaging  
 food security global food systems - ERA-NET SSA Research programmes in water science and 
technology for the developing world http://www.oieau.fr/eranet/  
    
sustainable 
agriculture   - CWG Agriculture and sustainable development (FR)  
- CWG Common research agenda for EU rural policy (SE-NL) 
- ERA-NET proposal "RURAGRI" in negotiation 
 crop production integrated crop management - TP Plants for the Future   
  arable and horticultural crop ecology  
  arable and horticultural crop commodity storage  
  arable and horticultural crop genetic improvement and 
breeding  
  plant genetic resources  
  plant varieties and seeds  
  phytosanitary policy, plant health, statutory plant harmful 
organisms - ERA-NET EUPHRESCO http://www.euphresco.org/  
  plant health  
  development of draught and disease resistant crops  
  improved crop protection  
  precision farming - TP Manufuture, http://www.manufuture.org , collective initiative: 
Agricultural Engineering and Technologies - CWG and ERA-NET in negotiation: ICT and robotics in agriculture 
 
EN 29   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
  alternative disease control strategies  
  high quality plants (with more essential macro- and micro-
nutrients)  
  low input crop systems - ERA-NET Core-Organic, http://www.core-organic.org/  
  coexistence  
 sustainable livestock 
farming agro-biodiversity  
  improving production efficiency  
  grass based livestock production - CWG Sustainable Livestock production from grassland (IE) 
  improving milk and meat quality  
  optimising nutrient efficiency  
  farming systems  
  reproduction - Farm Animal Breeding and Reproduction Technology Platform 
(FABRE-TP) http://www.fabretp.org/  
  embryology  
  disease prevention  
  disease resistant breeding  
  animal manure management  
  management and use of animal residues  
  animal genetic resources  
  microbial genetic resources  
 animal health and welfare  - ERA-NET CA Towards Sustainable Integration of Animal Welfare in 
Food Production (ANIMAL WELFARE) 
http://www.welfarequality.net/everyone  
- TP European Technology Platform  for Global Animal Health  (GAH)  
- CWG Animal welfare (UK)  
- ERA-NET EMIDA http://www.emida-era.net/   
  disease detection  
  new diseases  
  vaccine development  
  vaccine production  
  antibiotics resistance  
  animal infectious diseases (incl. zoonoses)  
 
EN 30   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
  parasitology  
  biosecurity  
  pet animals  
  experimental animals  
 organic farming  - ERA-NET CA on organic food and farming (Core Organic) 
http://www.core-organic.org/  
- Organic research technology platform, organised by the IFOAM EU 
group (to be launched soon) 
 multifunctional farming 
systems   
 transport agro-logistics  - ERA-CA Net on transport http://www.transport-era.net/  
- ERA-NET ROAD – Coordination and implementation of Road -
Research in Europe http://www.road-era.net/  
- TP ERTRAC European Road Transpor t Research Advisory Council   
- TP ERRAC European Rail Res earch Advisory Council   
- TP water transport research http://waterborne.balport.com/  
  tracking and tracing  
  product quality preservation  
  invasive species  
  gps  
  animal welfare  
 energy  - Innovative Energy Research http://www.inner-era.net/  (under 
construction) 
- CWG "agriculture-energy-interface" 
  bioenergy - ERA-NET CA on Bioenergy 
http://www.eranetbioenergy .net/website/exec/front  
- ERA-NET CA to Establish a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell ERA-Net, - 
Hydrogen Coalition (HY-CO) http://www.hy-co-era.net/  
The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform  (HFP)  
- ERA-NET CA Networking and Integration of National and Regional 
Programmes in the Field of Photovo ltaic (PV) Solar Energy Research 
and Technological Development (RTD) in the ERA (PV-ERA-NET) 
http://www.pv-era.net/cms01/showlinx.asp?lang=e  
  wind parks  
 
EN 31   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
  energy saving technologies  
  CO2 emission reduction   
  smart transport systems  
  energy saving in food processing  
    
natural 
resources   - ERA-NET CA Scientific Knowledge for Environmental Protection 
http://www.skep-era.net/site/50.asp  
- CWG Ecology for ecosystems & natural re-sources sustainable 
management (FR)  
   - The European Polar Consortium  
http://www.europolar.org/pages/1/index.htm  
 water sustainable water manageme nt for agriculture and 
ecosystems - TP Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform  
(WSSTP) Towards a European-wide exchange Network for improving 
dissemination of Integrated Water Resources Management Research outcomes http://www.wsstp.eu/site/online/home
 
 
  water framework directive - Towards a European-w ide exchange Network for integrating research 
efforts on Integrated Water Resources Management http://www.iwrm-net.org/
 
 
  water quality  
  aquatic habitats  
  flood prevention and management - ERA-NET CA on Flood risk management (CRUE) 
http://www.crue-eranet.net/  
 air agriculture and air quality  
    
 soil  soil quality - ERA-NET CA on sustainable management of soil and groundwater 
under the pressure of soil pollution and soil contamination 
(SNOWMAN) 
 
  soil management and conservation  
  soil quality, ecology and function  
 biodiversity agrobiodiversity  
  animal biodiversity  
 
EN 32   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
  plant biodiversity - An ERA-NET in Biodiversity Research (BiodivERsA) 
http://www.eurobiodiversa.org/  
  ecological networks and corridors, including 
defragmentation  
  nature conservation - ERA-NET Networking and Integration of National Programmes in the 
Area of Wood Material Science and Engineering http://www.woodwisdom.net/
  
  Convention on Biological Diversity  
  marine resources - ERA-NET CA Co-ordination of National and Regional Marine RTD 
Activities in Europe (MarinERA) 
http://www.marinera.net/  
   - ERA-NET European Consortiu m of Ocean Research Drilling 
(ECORD) 
http://www.ecord.org/  
 climate change inpact of climate change  on agriculture, including 
adaptation and mitigation strategies - ERA-NET SSA Climate Impact Research Co-ordination within a 
Larger Europe (CIRCLE) http://www.circle-era.net  
- CWG "Agriculture and climate change" 
  inpact of climate change on agriculture  
  biodiversity - An ERA-NET in Biod iversity Research (BiodivERsA) 
http://www.eurobiodiversa.org/  
  invasive species  
  climate change models and fo recasts at both global and 
regional level  
  climate change monitoring, detection, attribution  
    
rural 
development rural economies threats - CWG and ERA-NET under negotiation ´Sustainable Agriculture and 
Rural Development` 
  demographic changes  
  community structure  
 multifunctionality urban-rural interactions  
  green services  
  land management  
  conservation of (national) cultural heritage  
  recreational functions of landscape  
 
EN 33   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
  value of public goods  
  land use policy  
 social cohesion   
    
support to 
policies CAP  cross compliance monitoring in EU member states  
  market analysis and models  
  New technical developments in the field of controls of 
direct payments  
 EU Directives  quantification of cost and benefits of environmental 
policies  
  water framework directive - Towards a European-w ide exchange Network for integrating research 
efforts on Integrated Water Resources Management 
http://www.iwrm-net.org/  
 
  habitat directive  
  Sustainable Soils Directive - ERA-NET CA on sustainable management of soil and groundwater 
under the pressure of soil pollution and soil contamination 
(SNOWMAN) 
  services directive  
 agri-environment schemes   
 international trade and 
treaties   
 European integration new countries - Southeast European ERA-NET CA http://www.see-era.net/index.html  
 foresights  - Transnational Foresight ERA-Net CA  
http://www.eranet-forsoc iety.net/ForSociety/  
 natura 2000   
 bioterrorism   
    
biobased 
materials non-food utilization of 
agricultural products plant based vaccine production  
  renewable industrial mate rials - ERA-NET CA Networking and Integration of National Programmes in 
the Area of Wood Material  Science and Engineering 
http://www.woodwisdom.net/  
 
EN 34   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
- CWG Renewable Raw Material for Industry (DE) 
  bio-energy - ERA-NET CA on Bioenergy  
http://www.eranetbioenergy .net/website/exec/front  
  bioplastics  
  colorants  
  cosmetics  
  fiber materials  
    
key 
technologies ICT  - ERA-NET CA ICT in traditional manufacturing ETRANET 
http://www.etranet.net/index.cfm  
  tracking and tracing systems 
  identification and registration systems  
  robot technology  - CWG ICT and robotics in  agriculture (DK) ERA-NET in nogotiation 
  precision agriculture  
 genomics  - ERA-NET CA on plant genomics (ERA-PG) 
http://www.erapg.org/everyone  
- ERA-NET CA on societal as pects of genomics ERA-SAGE  
http://www.erasage.org/  
 proteomics   
 biotechnology  - Technology Platform on Sustainable Chemistry  (with a white 
biotechnology sub-section) - ERA-NET CA Trans national collaborative RTD for SME’s projects 
in the field of biotechnology http://www.eurotransbio.net/
 
- Towards an ERA in Industrial Biotechnology ERA-IB  
http://www.era-ib.net   
  marine biotechnology - CWG on Marine Biotechnology 
  array technology  
 (bio) nanotechnologies  - TP ENIAC - European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council   
- ERA-NET CA Nanoscience in the European Research Area http://www.nanoscience-europe.net/
 
- ERA-NET CA From micro and nano-scale science to new 
technologies for Europe http://www.mnt-era.net/home.html
 
 space  - TP ACARE - Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe   
 
EN 35   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
- TP The European Space Technology Platform  (ESTP)  
  gps (animal transport) 
  earth observation and remote sensing for monitoring and 
management - ERA – Space Technologies Applications & Research for the Regions 
and medium-sized Countries 
http://www.era-star.net/S howPage.aspx?tabId=-1  
 separation technologies   
 emerging technologies bioencapsulation  
 system biology  - CA Towards a European Research Area for Systems Biology  
http://www.erasysbio.net/  
    
fisheries research   - ERA-NET for the Baltic Sea science - network of funding agencies 
Era-Net (BONUS) http://www/bonusportal.org/
 
- ERA-NET fisheries research (MARIFISH) http://www.marifish.net/  
ERA-Net SSA Control objectives and shellfish target assurance levels 
    
forestry research   - TP Innovative and Sustainable Use of Forest Resources
  
 
    
research policy research infrastructures  - CWG "Shared infrastructures for European agro-food research” 
 mobility   
 research for development  - ERA-NET CA Agricultural Resear ch for Development (ERA ARD) 
www.era-ard.org  
 cooperation with (small 
and medium size) 
enterprises  - ERA-NET CA on National and Regional Programmes to Promote 
Innovation Networking and Co-operation between SMEs and Research 
Organisations (EraSME) http://www.era-sme.net/public/  
- ERA-NET CA shared knowledge base for sustainable innovation policies 
- ERA-NET CA National and Regi onal Programmes and Incentives 
dedicated to the creation and support  of Competence Research Centres - 
- COMP ERA-NET http://www.comp-era.net/default.aspx
 
- ERA-NET CA SME’s collective research CORNET  
http://www.cornet-era.net/  
 coordination of national 
research programmes   
 
EN 36   EN Issues 
(main issues in society)  Themes 
(balanced portfolio within issues) Programmes  
(addressing problems and chances) On-going coordination activities (ERA-Nets
25, Technology 
Platforms26) and collaborative working groups CWG 
 foresights  - ERA-NET CA Transnational Foresight  
http://www.eranet-forsoc iety.net/ForSociety/  
 research knowledge base    
 better knowledge use/ 
knowledge circulation   
 support for innovation  - ERA-NET CA Shared knowledge base for sustainable innovation 
policies VISION http://www.visioneranet.org/  
 miscellaneous European young inve stigators awards 
European policy co-operation of women in science 
European science education network 2003 
INternational COoperation on Science and Technology NETwork - European Policy Co-operation of Women and Sciences (EOWIN) 
- Coordination of research between Europe and China 
www.co-reach.org
 
- CWG Relevant Issues for Mediterranean agriculture (IT) - ERANET "ARIMNet" in negotiation 
 
 
EN 37   EN Annex 2 – SCAR Collaborative Working Groups  
ICT and Robotics in Agricu lture and related Industries  
The aim of the CWG is to shape an d focus the research and development on ICT and robotics for agricultural-
related industries and provide a basis for MS collaboration. It brings together existing networks and the technological companies, achieve critical mass, and provide optimal conditions for the European work in ICT and 
robots for agriculture and related industries. The CWG worked out a matrix outlining the R&D topics on the 
relevant field within the next decade, with the aim to identify mi ssing technology links in the chain from farm to 
fork. A mapping report is also being updated. A questionnaire  will be drawn up to explore the future work of the 
group regarding the interest in joint proposals, a closer and formal collaboration and/or an ERA-net proposal. The 
CWG is coordinated by Denmark and involves 11 countries. 
Renewable Raw Materials and their A pplication in Non-food Industries 
The objective of the CWG is to set up a co-ordination strategy for systematic information exchange on national 
R&D programmes in the field of renewable resources. To  achieve this goal an ERA-Net is envisaged although 
several participating countries do not have an appropriate ongoing R&D programme in this field. In order to avoid 
overlapping and promote synergies with already existing initiatives (e.g. ERA-Net ERA-IB), the proposal may focus on the field of biobased and biodegradable materials or biogenous lubricants. The collaboration with the Agency for 
Renewable Resources (FNR) will also be ensured. The CWG is coordinate d by Germany and involves 18 countries. 
Animal Health (& Welfare)  
The purpose of the CWG is to provide a forum leading to improved collaboration on research prioritisation and 
procurement, creating the necessary criti cal mass and focus to deliver the anim al health research needs of policy 
makers and the European livestock industry. To achieve this goal, the CWG identified five Pilot Theme Areas (Epidemiology and Risk, Immunological Control, Alternative control, Animal Welfare and Therapeutics) and 
established the process for the capture of information on ongoing research activities in these fields, mainly through a 
searchable database system. The group also explores the possibilities of developing collaborative activities on the 
detection/prediction of emerging disease threats and of mapping research infrastructure of pan-European interest. 
The CWG is coordinated by UK and involves 21 countries. 
Relevant Issues for Mediterranean Agriculture  
The aim of the CWG is to enhance scientific cooperation between EU MS and other countries of the Mediterranean 
area thus addressing common agricultural problems, e.g. the use and management of natural resources, such as soil 
and water, crop protection and threats to the security and sustainability of agricultural production resulting from 
climate change. The CWG intend to submit an ERA-NET project within the first FP7 call. The CWG is jointly 
coordinated by Italy and Fran ce and involves 11 countries. 
Agriculture and Sustai nable Development  
The establishment of the CWG builds upon the « Agricu lture et Développement Du rable » programme (ADD) 
which aim to support over 2005-2009 interdisciplinary and innovative work in the field of agriculture and sustainable development. The CWG started its work by exchanging information on national research activities and 
programmes and exploring the possibilities for further coope ration, with a view to the submission of an ERA-Net 
project. To achieve this goal, the participants started to map nationa l research programmes, systems and 
infrastructures, and reflected on the scope and the st ructure of a possible ERA-net proposal. The CWG is 
coordinated by France and involves 11 countries. 
Sustainable livestock production from grassland   
The aim of the CWG is to make an inventory of current grassland research capacity and infrastructure, identify gaps 
and priorities for collaboration in that field. Each of the participating countries have provided information relating to 
the relevant research programmes ongoing in their countries, the resources involved and the priorities for future research. This information will be collated and presented as a report to SCAR early in 2007. The CWG is 
coordinated by Ireland and involves 12 countries. 
 
EN 38   EN Ecology for Ecosystems and Natura l Resources Sustainable Management 
The establishment of the CWG builds upon the ECOGER programme led by INRA which aim to produce over 
2005-2008 new scientific knowledge of ecological processes, in order to develop innovative tools to meet the needs of policy makers, managers and users of rural and peri -urban spaces. The activities la unched by the CWG concern 
information exchange and mapping on national programmes, funds and scientific teams from participating countries, 
and identification of scientific topics which could lead to an ERA-Net proposal or a COST action. The CWG is 
coordinated by France and involves 8 countries 
Adaptation of Human Nutrition to Environment Evolution 
The establishment of the CWG builds upon a programme led by INRA, which focuses on two main areas of Human 
Nutrition: (i) nutritional adaptation to the evolution of eatin g patterns, life styles and environment and (ii) nutrition 
and health, including wellbeing and disease prevention. The CWG started its work on a bottom-up co-operation 
mode by exchanging programme relevant political and scien tific keywords in order to facilitate the analysis of 
common interests of the partners. At later stage - after th e definition of joint items - a trans-national programme co-
ordination e.g. by means of an ERA-NET is envisaged. Par ticular attention will be given to a strategy which avoids 
overlaps with other networking and coordination initiatives . The CWG is coordinated by France and involves 10 
countries. 
Advanced Technologies for Climate Contro l of Greenhouses and Livestock Housing 
The objective the CWG is to create a multidisciplinary platfo rm for knowledge transfer a nd cooperative research on 
climate control of greenhouses, and housing of livestock and aquaculture for high and sustainable production, under 
both hot and cold climatic conditions, with emphasis on advanced technologies. The activities of the CWG are mainly based on the screening and identification of R&D gaps, ongoing national research programmes and relevant 
infrastructures and capabilities. These activities are expected to lead to an ERA-Net proposal or a COST action. The 
CWG is coordinated by Israel and involves 14 countries. 
Development of Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region 
The objective the CWG is to specify factors determining the development of sustainable agriculture in Baltic Sea 
Region, through the use of innovative technologies. At the kick-off meeting the participants presented the work being done in the different countries in the region and discussed ideas and visions with stakeholders in order to 
develop coordinated strategies towards a more sustainable agriculture in the region. The CWG is coordinated by 
Poland and involves 8 countries. 
Common/coordinated research agenda for EU rural policy 
This CWG is the result of a merge of two similar propos als suggested to SCAR in 2005 and consolidated as one 
proposal at the SCAR June 2006 meeting. The CWG aims to identify relevant long-term research questions related 
to rural policy as well as an overview of the current activities and state of the art knowledge. At the kick-off 
meeting, a number of core topics were identified. A do cument based on these discussions and other input will be 
produced to be ready for early spring and as input for a second consultation meeting scheduled early 2007. 
Discussions with CWG on “Agriculture and Sustainable Development” has been started to identify differences and 
potential common grounds. These discussions will be continued during spring 2007.  
Climate Change and Agriculture  
The objective of this CWG is to bring together research funding organisations in the Member and Associated States, 
in order to coordinate research activities among the Eur opean countries at the climate change and agriculture 
interface. This will consider how climate change affects ag riculture, and how agriculture could be adapted to climate 
change (including mitigation of agricultural impacts on climate change).   
Agriculture-Energy-Interface 
The objective of this CWG is to ela borate the co-ordination n eeds for research funding at the interface between 
agriculture and energy in the broadest sense (“holistic approach”) covering not only the scientific-technological 
 
EN 39   EN challenges for biomass and bioenergy production, but also the industrial, ecological, socio-economic and rural 
dimension of the subject. 
Shared infrastructures for Eu ropean agro-food research  
This CWG aims to identify the future needs of agricultural research and design new models of governance in order 
to share infrastructures effici ently at a European scale. 
 
EN 40   EN Annex 3 – Agri-food research system s in European countries: overview  
The following section has been comp iled from the country reports and summaries made by the EU AGRI 
MAPPING project. 
AUSTRIA 
Agri-food research is undertaken by around 17 main resear ch players including federal offices, research institutions 
as well as 2 universities. The capacity can be considered fragmented and no major changes are expected in the 
future. Public agri-food research is coordinated by fairly concentrated funding and programming. Regarding research topics, an emphasis is given to sustainable development and environmental issues.  
BELGIUM 
Agri-food research is mainly implemented by 2 public research organisations and a network of universities. A 
characteristic of Belgium research system is its high level of fragmentation with a limited coordination at federal 
level. There is a trend for the merging of universities at regional level and for a reinforcement of the link between 
research and industry through the creation of competitiveness clusters. The thematic orientations are consistent with 
those of neighbour countries, with an emphasis towards systemic approaches, environmental issues and the 
development of knowledge-based bioeconomy. 
BULGARIA 
Most of the research organisations involved in agri-food research is public research  institutes. The capacity is 
scattered in 14 national agencies, 28 institutes and 6 univer sities. Agri-food research seems poorly coordinated and 
there is no official long-term strate gy. Research topics relate mostly to agricultural production and rural 
development issues with a special emphasis on plant and animal science and biotechnology. Consumer-oriented 
research, climate change and energy are not indicated in the recent research trends. 
CROATIA 
There are 13 main organisations involved in agri-food res earch with 8 main governmental research institutes and 5 
universities. Considering the size of the country, the cap acity can be considered fragmented. Public agri-food 
research is coordinated by fairly concentrated funding an d programming. A particularity of Croatian research is the 
importance given to fish products. Research on alternative use of agricultural production seems poorly covered. 
CZECH REPUBLIC 
The research capacity is scattered in 22 research institutes and 9 universities. There is no plan for restructuring the 
research capacity. There are 2.400 researchers involved in the agri-food sector. Re search seems rather well 
coordinated with the adoption of a national research pr ogramme since 2003 and the increase share of projects 
funded on a competitive basis. Regarding research topics , a particularity is the importance of plant & animal 
science, environment, food safety and forestry. Biodiversity, alternative use of agricultural production and rural 
development issues are in focus. 
CYPRUS 
Cyprus is a small country with the Agricultural Research In stitute being the main actor.  On-going changes in this 
institute as well as the opening of a technical university in September 2007 may change the landscape. The total 
number of researchers is below 100. Given the limited capacity of Cyprus, some major research themes (for 
example animal science) are not covered. Emphasis is given to the protection of the environment and rural development issues, technologies for the productions and the management of water.  
DENMARK 
The organisation of research is in a tr ansition phase with the integration of re search institutes into universities (from 
January 2007) and the merging of univers ities. There currently 3 main univers ities involved in agri-food research. 
Regarding research topics, a particularity is the focus on the integration of new technologies (ICT, nanotechnology) 
into agri-food research and the emphasi s to consumer-oriented approach. Agri-F ood research has also shifted focus 
from productivity and primary production to a more holistic approach including environment and product quality.  
ESTONIA 
Agri-food research is implemented by 9 main organisations including 3 universities, 4 public research organisations 
and 3 private research institutes. The total number of res earchers involved in agri-food re search is estimated around 
250. The capacity and the coordination of research are fa irly concentrated, main actors being the universities and 
 
EN 41   EN Estonian Research Institute for Agriculture. There is a national programme for applied agricultural research. 
Research topics addressed by Estonian researchers relates mostly to issues related to agricultural production (food 
safety, animal and plant science) and rural developmen t. Recent challenges (biodiversity, alternative use of 
agricultural production) are identified as important topics for future research. 
FINLAND 
The Finnish agri-food research landscape is characterised by the importance of the forest  sector. There are around 16 
organisations involved in agri-food research gathering bot h universities and research institutes. During past years, 
there has been a concentration of the capacity with the inte gration of institutes into MTT Agrifood research Finland. 
The capacity is considered fairly con centrated. Finnish agri-food research is much internationalised and the focus on 
the bio-economy appeared in 2005. Adaptation to and mitiga tion of global warming is also among the top priorities 
of Finnish research programmes.  
FRANCE 
The capacity is concentrated with more than 11.000 empl oyees in 4 public research institutes supervised by the 
ministries of agriculture and of research. In total, ther e are around 10 majors players. Besides the small number of 
organisations, the important number of units and centres indicates a scattering of the capacity. A particularity is the 
low importance of universities (high education for agri-food  is delivered by colleges). Links between education and 
research are being strengthened with th e creation of clusters. Regarding resear ch topics, there has been a shift of 
focus from productivity and primary production towards quality, environment, biogenomics and a more systemic 
view of the agri-food sector. 
GERMANY 
Public agri-food research is organised in 3 levels: at fede ral level (8 research centres), at federal & state level (11 
organisations & foundations) and at state level (14 facu lties and 31 research institutes). Reorganisation of the 
capacity is with the gathering of resear ch institutes at federal level took place in  2008 and the creation of clusters at 
state level. There is an apparent need for coordinated capacity management. The focus of research includes a wide 
range of topics including quality issues, environmental issues, sustainable development, agri-non-food chains, 
climate changes etc.  
GREECE 
Agri-food research is carried out by an important number  of organisations including 6 universities, 7 educational 
institutes and about a dozen of research institutes. The capacity is fragmented and there are plans to reduce the 
number of units. Restructuring the current research system is considered an urgent priority. Regarding research 
topics, there has been a shift from productivity and pr imary production towards new challenges (sustainability, 
biodiversity, bioernergy etc.). 
HUNGARY 
The Hungarian agri-food research landscape comprises 6 re search institutions belonging to the Hungarian Academy 
of Science, 11 Universities, 11 institutes or companies belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural 
Development, and several other research institutions and private companies. The capacity is fragmented and there 
are plans to merge and privatise research institutes. Re search topics focus mainly on production issues (animal 
science, agricultural and food technolo gy) but more recent topics such as a lternative use of agricultural production 
or biodiversity are also in focus. 
ICELAND 
Agri-food research is implemented by 2 universities, one college, one research institute and one research company. 
Given the small size of the country, the capacity is fairly  concentrated. The education and research system is 
currently experiencing important changes with the strengthening of competitive funding, involvement of industry and cooperation with universities. Rega rding research themes, quality, productivity, environmental sustainability 
and biodiversity are in focus. 
IRELAND 
The most important research player in Ireland is Teag asc, the Irish national agriculture and food development 
authority. Research is also carried out in universities (7) and institutes of technology. Public agri-food research is 
shattered over an important number of rather independent and uncoordinated performers. A major focus of the thematic area is molecular biology and nanotechnology as th e country embarked into a development of a “bio-based 
economy”. 
ISRAEL 
 
EN 42   EN The agri-food research capacity is fairly concentrated w ith one major research player and 5 faculties and institutes. 
Concerning research topics, there is an emphasis on biotechnology and on issues related to the use of natural 
resources and to environmental aspects of  agriculture. A particularity is the im portance of research related to water 
and irrigation issues (management, utilisation, pollution and quality). 
ITALY 
The Italian agri-food research system is very fragmented with the involvement of 6 Ministries, 1 funding agency, 6 
national research organisations (gatheri ng more than 30 research  institutes), 23 univers ities involved in agronomy 
and veterinary science and another 20 research institutes not specialised in agri-food. Research trends indicate a 
focus on biotechnology and traditional research – recent ch allenges such as climate change, energy or biodiversity 
were not indicated as current trends but as needs to be addressed in the future. 
LATVIA 
Latvian agri-food research system is ra ther concentrated with the major res earch actors being the University of 
Agriculture of Latvia and the research institutes of the Mini stry of Agriculture. The focus of research is mainly on 
the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, rural development, and the management of natural resources (including forestry). Biodiversity, climate change and non-food u tilisation of agricultural products are not mentioned. 
LITHUANIA 
Agri-food research in Lithuania is fairly concentrated with  3 universities, 2 public science institutes, 3 university–
level institutes and 1 public scientific establishment. The to tal number of researchers is estimated at 1780. Agri-food 
research seems rather well coordinated with the implemen tation of long term research strategy since 2003. Agri-
food is among the first research priorities of Lit huania as reflected by its rank in the GBAORD (3
rd position) and its 
share of the total budget (18%). The themes covered by the Lithuanian researcher community encompass traditional 
agricultural research, genomics and bi otechnology, climate change. The emphasis on energy (biofuel, biomass) can 
be underlined. 
LUXEMBOURG 
The agri-food research capacity is fair ly concentrated with three major res earch players. Research seem well 
coordinated, there is a National Research Fund with mu ltiannual programmes. Research trends include recent 
challenges such as climate ch ange, energy or biodiversity. 
MALTA 
With 5 main research players, the Malte se agri-food research system can be considered rather fragmented. Despite 
the small size of the country, the coordination of research  programme seems poor as there is no long term strategy 
for agri-food research. Research trends indicate that the focus is mostly on traditional agri-food research. Energy, 
climate change or biotechnology is not mentioned. 
THE NETHERLANDS 
The Dutch agri-food research system is characterised by its high concentration:  over the last decade, nearly all of 
public agricultural research, academic and professional education and knowledg e transfer has been concentrated in 
one single organisational frame: Wageningen University and Research Centre. Besides, the university, there are 4 
other major players in agri-food resear ch. The number of researchers is esti mated around 1.000. Research trends 
indicate a large coverage of issues including recent cha llenges such as climate chan ge, energy or biodiversity. 
NORWAY 
With 15 organisations involved in agri-food research, the landscape can be considered rather fragmented. A 
characteristic is the importance of aquaculture (7 organisations) and forestry (4 players). There are around 1900 
researchers. Despite the important number of organisations  for the size of the country, agri-food research can be 
considered well coordinated (the Research Council of Norway was founded in 1993). Agri-food research has shifted its main focus from productivity and primary production to a more holistic approach including environment and 
product quality, and emphasis has moved to the consumer-oriented, final stages of the food chain.  
POLAND 
There is an important number of organisations involved in agri-food research with 9 universities, 7 centres under the 
Ministry of Agriculture, 2 under the Academy of Science a nd others independent research  entities. Research trends 
indicate a wide coverage of issues related to agricultural production, environment, rural development or energy. Poland is also characterised by the important place of  food technology research. Consumer-oriented research, 
climate change and agro-food biotechnology research are not indicated in the trends. 
 
EN 43   EN PORTUGAL 
Agri-food research is rather fragmented but the sector  is under-going important changes with a trend for a 
concentration of the research capacity. In 2006/07, the research landscape comprises around six research 
organisations, eight universities and seven colleges. An interesting initiative is the systematic assessment of the 
Portuguese research system by panels of international e xperts. Concerning research topics, it seems that there is a 
relative decrease of classical agricultural research and a trend for more research on technology oriented topic.  
ROMANIA 
The agri-food research landscape is composed of 4 univer sities (dedicated to agri-food reserach), 14 research 
institutes and 4 research centre and other units belonging to the Academy of Agricultural Science and Forestry, 3 institutes under the Romanian Academy and 1 institute under the Ministry of Agriculture and a number private 
research organisations. The private university "Bioterra" b ecame a strong player in th e agri-food sector attracting 
more agro-food students than state universities. Plans to be tter coordinate the agri-food research system are under 
discussions. Concerning research topics, the focus is main ly on traditional agricultural, biotechnology, biodiversity 
and rural development. Consumer-oriented research, non-food use of agricultural product and climate change are not in the focus. 
SLOVAKIA 
The agri-food research capacity is scattered in 8 univers ities and 11 research organisations employing around 1.500 
researchers. Research is coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and th ere is a national research programme. 
Current research focus mainly on issues related to the agricultural production with an emphasis on the improvement 
of the competitiveness, the protection of natural resour ces and the utilisation of Slovakian natural resources.  
SLOVENIA 
The agri-food research system is coordinated by 4 Ministries. There are 4 universities, 12 governmental 
organisations and 2 non profit organisations involved in agri-food research. The total number of researchers is 258. Research seems rather well coordina ted with the funding of projects on competitive basis through a national 
research programme covering a 5-year period. Current trends indicate that the major focus is on traditional 
agricultural research including biotechnology.  
SPAIN 
The Spanish agri-food research capacity is still fragmente d with 4 main research organisations, 5 main universities 
and a network of regional agricultural research centres. A particularity is the organisation at both national (4 
ministries involved in agri-food research) and regional levels. The funding of agri-food research is increasing. 
Spanish agri-food research used to be mostly app lied but recent challenges are now among the priorities.  
SWEDEN 
There are four major research players in agri-food resear ch including one leading university and 3 other institutes 
specialised on forest research. The other universities (13) also  conduct forest research. Research is funded by public 
support as well as by private foundations. Most of public funding is open to competition administered by different 
bodies (9 in total). The agri-food research concentrates  much on safe and sound food products and production. 
Effects on the environment from food production are also in focus.  
SWITZERLAND 
The agri-food research landscape comprises 3 federal re search units, 7 universities and several other independent 
research units. A characteristic is the importance of research financed and undertaken by the private sector. The 
Swiss agri-food research system expe rienced important change in the last  decade with a concentration of the 
research units. Regarding research topics, the focus is on organic farming and integrated production, biotechnology, 
climate change and energy, natural resource protectio n and animal welfare, food quality and safety.  
TURKEY 
The agri-food research landscape of Turkey is fragmented with more than 30 universities, 65 public research 
institutes and 10 non-profit research organisations. The research focus is mainly directed towards traditional 
agricultural and food research (food technology, plant breeding and biotechnology, crop production and protection, 
animal health and husbandry etc.). 
THE UNITED KINGDOM 
The number of agri-food research play ers is very high in the UK including a large network of universities and 
around 20 important research entities. Funding is managed by several council and authorities. Public agri-food 
 
EN 44   EN research is sponsored along two lines: the policy oriented and dedicated research by the Ministry of Agriculture on 
one hand and the science and technology oriented research by the research councils on the other hand. The focus of 
research include a wide range of topics including bioche mistry, biomolecular science, climate change and energy, 
natural resource protection, sustainable consumption and production.