CELEX: 51988PC0351
Language: en
Date: 1988-06-24
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION TO ADOPT A MULTIANNUAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (1989 to mid-1993) FLAIR (Food-Linked Agro-Industrial Research) (presented by the Commission)

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DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (88) 351
Vol. 1988/0127
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                   COM ( 88) 351 final - SYN
                                                   Brussels , 24 June 1988
               PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
  TO ADOPT A MULTIANNUAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
      IN FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ( 1989 to mid-1993 )
                                   I I I I I I I I I I
                                   I I I I I I I I I I
           ( Food-Linked Agro-Industrial Research )
                   ( presented by the Commission )
 ---pagebreak---                                                       C * h ' JS l
                              CONTENTS
SUMMARY  .                                                          3
1.     Introduction   .                                             5
2.     Objectives   .                                               6
3.     The Needs for Food Science and Technology in Europe     ..   6
4.     Review of Community Food Research Initiatives .              7
5.     Consultations with Research , Food and Industrial Circles 10
6.     Programme Content .   .                                     11
       6.1  Assessment and Enhancement of Food Quality .           11
       6.2  Food Hygiene , Safety and Toxicological Aspects ...    13
       6.3  Nutrition and Wholesomeness Aspects .                  13
7.     Management of the Programme
       7.1  Préparation and Management .                           14
       7.2  Concerted and Cost-shared Actions  .                   14
       7.3  Evaluation .                                           15
       7.4  Participation and Programme Coordination    .          15
       7.5  Training /Mobility Grants .                            15
       7.6  Exploitation of Results and Dissémination
            of Information .                                       16
8.     Criteria for Project Sélection .                            16
9.     Relationships and Coopération with
       other Community Programmes .                                17
10 .   Financial and Contractual Aspects .                         17
PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISI0N
     TECHNICAL ANN EX
     EVALUATION CRITERIA
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
COMPETITIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT
                                                                   4
 ---pagebreak---                                  SUMMARY
It is intended to pursue the objectives of the Framework
programme , action line 4.2 (" agro-industrial technologies ")
through two complementary Community initiatives . The first
proposed programme " European Collaborative Linkage of Agriculture
and Industry through Research "          ( ECLAIR ), aims to improve
collaboration between the agricultural and industrial sectors
through R&D developments , based on recent progress in the life
sciences and biotechnology .
The second proposal        " Food-Linked Agro-Industrial Research "
( FLAIR ) presented here , concentrates exclusively on the food
sector and particularly on the processing-distribution -consumer
end of the food chain . In this programme , research on the quality
and competitiveness of food stuffs and on nutritional and
toxicological properties will be supported , as specified in the
Framework Programme . The proposed programme builds on the past
experiences and successes of programmes COST90 , 91 , 90bis and
9 Ibis .
This multi-annual programme has 3 sectors . Within each sector ,
cost - shared and concerted actions will be carried out where each
is most appropriate . Furthermore , in each sector , grants may be
awarded for training and mobility , to facilitate the assembly of
relevant skills and the diffusion of results . The proposed
programme content is as follows :
The Assessment and Enhancement of Food Quality shall consist of
research and development on :
- quantitative measures of " quality " ;
- objective organoleptic and sensory criteria and their
   relationship to quality ;
- quantitative measures of " freshness " of processed foods ;
- the characteristics of raw materials as they affect Processing
   and end product quality ; and
- new technologies and processing innovations which enhance food
   quality while also facilitating processing , and the building
   of consumer confidence .
Food Hygiene ,   Safety and Toxicological Aspects shall consist of
research and development on :
- improved rapid screening tests to predict potential toxicity
   factors ;
- the occurrence of natural plant toxins and their effects on
   food ;
- predicting microorganism growth rates , accelerated methods for
   spécifie organisms and total counts ;
- improved understanding of the relationship between food
   constituents and food allergies ( immunogenic properties ); and
- the application of these tests in food processing and new food
                                                                   3
 ---pagebreak---    product development to ensure the safety of both processes and
   product .
Nutrition and Wholesomeness Aspects shall consist of research and
development work on :
- new processing techniques , applications and natural
   ingrédients which provide high nutritional and wholesomeness
   values ;
- the bioavailability of the nutritional constituents ( e.g .
   vitamins and minerais ) and the effects of processing ,
   distribution , catering , storage , and home treatment ;
- the nutritional and wholesomeness value of foods d-' signed for
   particular uses ( e.g . slimming or athletics ) or important to
   sub-groups in the population ( e.g . infants and the elderly );
   and
- those new processes and technologies which enhance tne
   nutritional and wholesomeness of foods .
The FLAIR programme provides for two types of actions : concerted
or coordination activities ; and cost-shared projects ; both of
which are pre-competitive and are aimed at the interface of
industry and the consumer . Through such research and development
work , it will contribute in the medium and longer terms to
Europe 's competitiveness in the economic activities of the food
industry and the harmonious development of the internal market .
Participation      in   cost-shared    projects   is   open   to   ail
universities , research institutions , industrial firms established
in   the    Member  States  as  well   as  those   in the   non-Member
( European ) States which hâve framework agreements in S /T
coopération with the Community . Concerted actions may be under
taken in a COST framework , and are therefore open to those
European non-Member States which hâve participated in COST .
It will be recommended that universities participate with an
industrial partner(s ), particularly for the co-financing of the
project . All projects must include participants from more than
one Member State . Provisions will be made for the protection of
intellectual property , where required .
The FLAIR programme is expected to commence in January 1989 and
run for 4 1 / 2 years , with a budget of 25 MioECU , which includes a
staff of 5 persons .
4
 ---pagebreak--- 1.  Introduction
The Single European Act * identifies inter alia the Community 's
aim to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of
European industry towards international competitiveness through
research ,    technological       developments      and     demonstration
programmes , complementing activities carried out in Member
States . The proposed programme contributes towards this aim in
the area of food science and technology .
Within the current Framework Programme^ of Community activities
in research and technology development , action line 4.2 (" agro ¬
industrial    technologies ")     seeks   to provide       benefits   for
agriculture , industry and the consumer simultaneously , in
particular through the implementation of technologies based on
modern concepts in the life sciences . It is intended to pursue
this objective through two complementary Community initiatives .
The first proposed programme " European Collaborative Linkage of
Agriculture and Industry through Research " ( ECLAIR ) 3 , aims to
improve collaboration between the agricultural and industrial
sectors through R&D developments , based on recent progress in the
life sciences and biotechnology .
The second proposal         " Food-Linked Agro-Industrial Research "
( FLAIR ) presented here , concentrates exclusively on the food
sector and particularly on the processing-distribution-consumer
end of the food chain . In this programme , research on the quality
and competitiveness of food stuffs and on nutritional and
toxicological properties will be supported , as specified in the'
Framework Programme .
1 As stated in the Single European Act , Article 24 , concerning
      the addition of Title VI , Articles 130 F and G to Part
      Three of the EEC Treaty .
2 COM(87 )   516   " Council Decision concerning the Framework
      Programme for Community activities in the field of
      research and technology development ( 1987 to 1991 )",
      28 September 1987 . O.J. L302 , 24.10.1987 .
3 COM(87 ) 667 final . " Proposal for a Council Decision to adopt a
      first     multiannual       programme     ( 1988-1993 )    for
      biotechnology-based       agro-industrial      research    and
      technological development ", 18 December 1987 .
                                                                        5
 ---pagebreak--- The proposed programme builds on the past experiences and
successes of programmes COST90 , 91 , 90bis and 91bis , and will
include concerted as well as cost-shared actions .
2 . Objectives of Proposed Programme
The objectives of this Community initiative are to promote food
industry efficiency and competitiveness ; to improve food safety
and quality for the consumer ; to reinforce the scientific and
technical infrastructures serving the European food industry ; and
to contribute towards the harmonious realization of the internal
market .
The programme aims at complementing existing food research
initiatives in Member States by encouraging further collaboration
between different research groups and industry .                    It will
concentrate on the interface between food processing , food
distribution and the consumer , with an emphasis on improved
quality norms . In addition , the potential side-effects for
agriculture and the environment will be taken into consideration .
The programme emphasis will be to maintain and enhance food
quality , particularly by developing and relating objective
quality and sensory assessments ; to further develop food safety ,
hygiene and toxicology methods to ensure the protection of the
consumer ;      to quantify the effects of various processing
technologies on bioavailability and nutritional properties ; and
the development of a range of new or integrated technologies
which enhance food quality , safety and nutritive values .
3 . The Needs for Food Science and Technology in Europe
Food science and technology forms an integral part of the food
system ,    which ranges from the producers ,                to processors ,
distributors and finally to the consumer . The European food
system contributes some 10% of Gross Domestic Product^, is
structurally       very   complex   and    fragmented .    In  the   European
4 Council Decisions N * 78 / 117 / EEC , 20.02.1978 ( OJ N° L54 ( p.25 ),
      25.02.1978 ); N° 79 / 878 / EEC , 22.10,1979 ( OJ N° L270
      (p . 53 ) , 27.10.1979 ); N c 80 / 179 / EEC , 18.12.1979 ( OJ N°
      L39 ( p. 30 ) , 15.02.1980 ); N° 80 / 1183 / EEC , 4.12.1980 ( OJ
      N “ L350 ( p. 54 ) , 23.12.1980 ); N° 82 / 840 / EEC 22.11.1982
      ( OJ N” L353 ( p.25 ), 15.12.1982 ); and N° 84 / 304 / EEC , ( OJ
      N° L151 ( p. 46 ) , 07.06.1984 ).
5   From : " Future of the Européen Food System ; implications for
      Science and Technology " , synthesis of the results of
      FAST II ALIM Studies . ( in press ).
6
 ---pagebreak--- Community , there are some 23750 food transformation enterprises® ,
which employ more than 20 people each , totalling about 2.5
million . Approximately 3% of these industries are large and spend
substantial sums on R&D , but the vast majority operate on a small
scale and tight margins . These processors depend on national
governments and research institutions to provide them with the
scientific and technological support necessary to compete
successfully in the market place . The food market is of a finite
size , thus to improve market share , the industry is compelled to
concentrate on the improvement of the quality of its products
rather than the quantity ; which in turn , requires a greater
dependence on scientific and technological innovation .
It is estimated that Member governments may spend in excess of
500 MioECU per annum on food R&D^ . However , the European food
system is in constant change , and is an integral part of the
world food market . The increasing competition and transnational
trading is now on a scale beyond the capabilities of many
individual national research programmes .
In recent years new dimensions have been added to the food
system : the increased consumer interest and requirement for
healthy , nutritious food , coupled with a demand for greater
variety and hedonistic satisfaction .
Therefore , studies on food technology are complicated by the
continuing    changes   in   food   production ,   processing , and
distribution , on the one hand and changes in socio-economic and
food consumption patterns and perceptions on the other . Many of
these difficulties , however , could be met effectively by a
Community transnational , scientific initiative complementing
existing national scientific efforts , and targeted towards
building stronger links and improved confidence between the
processor , research groups and the consumer .
4 . Review of Community Food Research Initiatives
The proposed programme builds upon several years prior experience
of european collaboration in COST programmes , and will be
complemented and supported by interactions with several other
Community initiatives ; these are outlined below .
6 EUR0STAT
7 Based on data given by the Secretary to the ad hoc COST Food
      Technology Committee on 10.06.1987 , from individual
      national representatives and personal communication
      from FAST food group .
                                                                  7
 ---pagebreak--- COST-food    Actions **:   A    Council    Decision    to    initiate ,   a
multiannual food science and technology programme , COSTS) 0 ( The
Effects of Processing on the Physical Properties of Foodstuffs )
was taken in 1978 . A year later a second action , C0ST91 ( The
Effects of Thermal Processing and Distribution on the Quality and
Nutritive Value of Food ) was approved . These programmes were
undertaken    as   concerted    actions    in   collaboration    with   the
countries     participating      in   the    European    initiative     for
cooperation in the field of scientific and technological research
( COST ) .
COST90 and C0ST91 Actions were renewed for a further 4 years as
concerted actions 90bis and 91bis , ending in 1?J7 and 1988
respectively . They have been extremely useful in fostering
international      collaboration ,      particularly      in    analytical
methodologies ,    in the exchange of science and technology
information and in clarifying areas needing further scientific
input .
An ad hoc Committee with representation from COST participating
States was set up in 1987 to prepare proposals for further COST
actions in the field of food science and technology , some of
these proposals are likely to be integrated and implemented as
part of the FLAIR programme , on the advice of the Senior COST
Officials and the recommendations of the CGC for Agro-Industrial
Technologies .
Agriculture Research Programme ?       In the Community programmes to
coordinate agricultural research^ a number of food research
topics were dealt with in the Agro-food programme . The work
focussed on the quality of agricultural produce as influenced by
production methods and techniques . Improving the quality of
agricultural produce , particularly fresh products , for direct
consumption is a main aim of an agricultural research programme
being elaborated for the period of 1989-1993 . The effects of new
production methods , of hairvesting and post-harvesting treatments ,
on the composition and quality of agricultural produce are
included . Detailed discussions by the relevant services of the
Commission have established that agricultural research on quality
will be product orientated , and carefully selected , to ensure
complementarity with         the    FLAIR   programme     and   to    avoid
duplication .
8 See Footnote N * 4 .
9 COM ( 83 ) 641 , " Council Decision adopting joint research
    programmes and programmes for coordinating agricultural
    research ", 12.12.1983 . OJ N° L 358 / 56 , 22.12.1983 .
8
 ---pagebreak--- Nutrition     Research :  The   current    medical  and  health  research
coordination programme ^ aims at promot ing Community actions in
areas critically relevant to the solution of major health
problems including nutrition related projects on dietary factors
and related diseases , and the development of epidemiological
méthodologies in nutrition research , which the présent proposai
compléments .
Recently , the Commission has also implemented an R&D programme
for the developing countries which includes nutritional aspects ,
relevant to sub- and tropical areas ^. The proposed programme
presented here , is directed towards the food system of the
temperate regions and industrial food technology . Collaboration
between the two programmes will take place , so that any relevant
results will be communicated and applied .
Community     Bureau   of  Reference    ( BCR ) Programme : is  aimed  at
improving methods of measurement and their accuracy in areas
where measurements could give rise to problems /disputes at
Community level . BCR has provided laboratories of Member States
with a means of conducting collaborative measurement studies in
the field of metrology ( physical measurements ) and chemical
analysis . An extensive new programme now being discussed *^
includes veterinary and phytosanitary controls and processed
foods ( additives , nutritional labelling , dietetic foods , and
bacterial contamination ). Close collaboration between the BCR and
the FLAIR team will ensure that the results of both programmes
are appropriately used .
10 C0M ( 87 ) 551 " Council Decision adopting a research and
    development coordination programme of the European Economie
    Community in the field of medical and health research
     ( 1987-1991 )", 17.11.1987 . OJ N° L334 ( p.20 ) 24.11.1987 .
11 COM(86 ) 550 final / 2 , " Proposai for a Council Régulations
     ( EEC ) relating to a research and development programme in the
    field of science and technology for development 1987 - 1990 .
    17.11.1986 .
12 COM ( 87 ) 444 final , " Council Decision adopting a research and
    development programme of the European Economic Community in
    the field of applied metrology and chemical analysis
     ( 1987-1992 ) ( Community Bureau of Reference , BCR )",
    Council First Common Position taken in April 1988 .
                                                                        9
 ---pagebreak--- 5 . Consultations with Research . Food and Industrial Circles
The present proposed programme has been greatly assisted by the
above mentioned Community actions and a range of consultations
and investigations , summarised below .
Following the Versailles Summit of 1982 a working group on
Technology , Growth and Employment suggested proposals deemed
suitable for international cooperation in food technology . These
included ; raw materials ; factors affecting food quality ; process
control and automation ; food technology and developing countries ;
and the exchange / training of scientists .
In 1985 an EEC sponsored symposium was held in Copenhagen at
which food scientists from several European countries discussed
and made proposals for a collaborative European food research
programme . Research topics included ; the physical properties of
foodstuffs ; the effects of thermal processing and distribution ;
new food processing and storage technologies ; quality assurance ;
food safety and wholesomeness . The present proposal has been
guided by these priorities .
The FAST programme has studied medium to long term developments
in the food industry and their implications for R&D , and has
stressed1 -* the need to emphasise quality , the importance of
biotechnology related to the             food industry ,    and  better
coordination between agriculture and the industry to             ensure
quality raw materials .
In   1986 ,   the  Commission   issued   a  " call for  expressions   of
interest ", for the stimulation of agro-industrial developments 1 ^.
Some 70 responses out of the total of 856 , related to the
provision of raw materials for the food industry , their
utilization and     transformation .  While most of   the ideas  in the
responses have been candidates for the ECLAIR programme , some not
catered for relate to food quality , safety and nutrition . While
carrying out further consultations , the Commission was advised of
the importance of food science and technology , and the need for
additional support . Independently , during the last two years a
considerable number of informal expressions of interest and
suggestions for an EEC Community initiative in food technology
13 See Footnote N° 5 .
14 The call was based upon the Commission discussion paper ,
      " Biotechnology in the Community ; Stimulating Agro-Industrial
     Development ", COM < 86 ) 221 , 15 April 1986 ; a summary of the
     results is available in the working paper CUBE XII / 233 / 87 ,
      " Stimulation of activities at the interface between
     agriculture and industry ", March 1987 .
10
 ---pagebreak--- was also received from national food research groups and food
industry interests .
The   Commission    services  also received advice and assistance    in
the préparation of this food programme fronts
    the Management Committees of the concerted actions COST90
    and 9 ï ;
    the " Confédération des Industries agro-alimentaires " ( CIAA );
    the Standing Committee for Agricultural Research ( SCAR );
    the Industrial Research and Development Advisory Committee
    ( IRDAC ) Working Party 5 .
    the national authorities responsible for research in different
    Member and COST States participating in the food projects ;
    individual senior food experts , active in Member States ;
    the ad hoc COST Committee on Food Technology ;
    the different Commission services concerned with food , notably
    the FAST-ALIM Programme group and the BCR programme .
6 . Programme Structure and Content
The research activities proposed in this programme will all
emphasise downstream aspects of food technology , and have been
divided into the following three sectors :
    Assessment and Enhancement of Food Quality ;
    Food Hygiene , Safety and Toxicological Aspects ;
    Nutrition and Wholesomeness Aspects .
New technologies and processing innovations which enhance food
quality , safety and nutritive values are also important and will
be considered under each of the three sectors . Such processes
would     include     new   bio-physical   separation/  fractionation
techniques     ( e.g. the use of super-critical CO2 fractionation )
aimed at flavour enhancement and quality improvement ; new uses of
microorganisms and enzymes ;         new applications   for aseptic
processing technologies ; development and application of variable
temperature / time preservation techniques , and integrated process
control systems which employ low cost rapid methods and utilise
novel control and measurement techniques ( e.g. bio-sensors ).
However , those technologies and innovations which involve
combined food technology development with non-food processes or
which do not directly address food quality , safety or nutritional
aspects will normally form part of the ECLAIR programme^.
6.1    Assessment and Enhancement of Food Quality
Today , food quality is a key factor for the consumer and in the
developed world food markets . By quality , is meant those
15 See Footnote N' 3 .
                                                                     11
 ---pagebreak--- attributes and perceived food characteristics that contribute to
human satisfaction and well-being .
It is proposed to characterise objective assessments of quality ,
which are currently based on subjective criteria , by stimulating
the further development of analytical methods and procedures to
provide reliable ,     repeatable and more rapid quantitative
measurements . The emphasis will centre on the new application of
physical measurement techniques ( e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance ,
infra red spectroscopy , gas-liquid chromatography ) and biological
procedures ( e.g. immunological techniques and bio-sensors ), in
addition to physico-chemical ,       microbiological ,   enzyme and
monoclonal methods . The objective is to enable a wider range of
possible applications as part of overall quality control
procedures and market demand . The results of the research carried
out in this programme , could identify scientifically-based norms
for defining food quality , particularly relating to industrial
applications and contribute to the development of the internal
market .
It is widely recognised there can be no unique objective
analytical     measurement   of   " quality "    as  the    perceived
characteristics of foods vary according to the environment ,
background and tastes of the consumer . Despite the inherent
difficulties of obtaining a universal set of sensory tests , the
fact remains that organoleptic and sensory quality are essential
determinants of the acceptability of foodstuffs . There is an           it!
urgent need therefore , to intensify research directed towards the
development     of   objective   sensory      test  procedures     and
méthodologies and to correlate them with other objective
measurements .
With the consumer trends towards " fresh ", " natural " and " organic "
products , there is a need for further collaboration between
different laboratories on the development of acceptable objective
methods of assessing the " freshness " of processed foods . Readily
applicable quality ( freshness ) assessment techniques would
contribute greatly to increased efficiency in this sector and
particularly in small units .
An important aspect for the food processing industry is the
assessment of the composition of the raw materials as they affect
the quality of the processed end product . It is proposed to
support research on those quality characteristics of raw
materials which facilitate or reduce processing costs and enhance
consumer acceptability . These tests should be based on chemical ,
microbiological , monoclonal antibody , enzyme and other modern
technologies . In order to build consumer confidence , the tests
also need to be rapid , reliable and transparent ; and could be
used to provide and update point of sale information .
12
 ---pagebreak--- 6.2   Гоос! Нуагепе , 8а{е(:у апс! Тох1со1од1са1 АзресЪз
Because food and food products are perishable and also are
potential carriers of harmful organisms , high safe and hygienic
codes of practice are essential . The potential danger to
consumers and damage to a whole sector of the food industry makes
it essential for society and industry that customer confidence is
maintained through the development of a transparent code of
practice throughout the food chain .
The problems of identifying and locating sources of contamination
( microbial or other ) in food systems present considerable
difficulty and require transnational scientific cooperation to
control and understand . Furthermore , new product development has
been slowed down by the cost and time factors associated with
conventional toxicity testing . Therefore , there is considerable
scope for the development of new safety evaluation techniques in
the field of food microbiology and toxicology , which would be
useful for novel food processes and chemical and microbiological
changes associated with these processes . Such initiatives would
include :
      improved rapid screening tests to predict potential
      toxicity factors ;
      research on the occurrence of natural plant toxins and their
      effects on food ;
      research and development in predicting microorganism growth
      rates , accelerated methods for specific organisms and total
      counts ;
      research to improve the understanding of the relationship
      between food constituents and food allergies ( immunogenic
      properties ) ; and
      the application of these tests in food processing and new
      food product development to ensure the safety of both
      processes and products .
6.3   Nutrition and Wholesomeness Aspects
The increased consumer emphasis on the health aspects of food has
resulted in a range of new and altered food products becoming
available , e.g. high fibre diets and low calory bulk ingredients .
Research that resolves processing difficulties in reducing levels
of some ingredients ( such as fat , sugars , salt ) in formulated
foods will be supported . In particular , applications of new
enzymes or systems which permit the substitution of ingredients
by others having similar or better functional properties but of
greater nutritional values will receive priority .
In addition , research on up- to-date nutritional methodologies
should continue to be applied to the evaluation of key foods and
foods    resulting from novel processes .         This includes the
nutritional bioavailability of food constituents           ( such as
                                                                  13
 ---pagebreak--- vitamins and minerals )    and how it   is affected by processing ,
distribution systems , storage , catering and home preparation .
The effects of processing procedures on nutrient changes in foods
assigned to or favoured by sub-groups of the population such as
infants and the elderly or those who frequently consume a limited
range of particular foods , should continue to be investigated .
Similarly ,   attention should focus on foods designed for
particular nutritional uses , e.g. low energy foods for slimming ;
high energy foods for athletics . Where relevant , information from
the nutrition research activities within the Medical and Health
Research programme 1 ® should be taken into account .
7 . Management of the Programme
7.1   Préparation and Management
On the basis of the programme outlined in the Council Decision ,
the Commission shall further define and prepare the actual
activities , and later , manage the programme . In these tasks , the
Commission will be assisted by an Agro-Industrial Technologies
CGC ( Management and Coordination Advisory Committee ).
FLAIR and ECLAIR will both pursue the objectives of action line
4.2 of the Framework Programme " agro-industrial technologies ".
The two programmes have been devised to complement each other
while having individual characteristics . Thus , in order to ensure
maximum cohesion and efficiency , the Commission proposes that the
same CGC , meeting in special " configurations " as appropriate ,
deal with both programmes .
7.2   Concerted and Cost-shared Actions
Projects will be undertaken in the        form of  either concerted
actions or cost-shared R&D contracts .
The allocation between concerted and cost-shared actions     should
be made on the basis of the urgency in achieving results ; whether
there already exists a significant research input in the subject
by national groups and which only require strengthening through
international collaboration ( concerted actions ); or whether a
significant new research initiative is warranted ( cost-shared ).
Some possible concerted action projects are suggested here ; the
development of methods for measuring food " freshness "; defining
raw materials quality ; natural plant toxins ; rapid tests for
commercial plants ( applications ); food ingredient substitution ;
effects of cooking on nutritive values .
16 See footnote 10
14
 ---pagebreak--- 7.3   Evaluation
The programme will be evaluated in accordance with the " Community
plan of action relating to the evaluation of Community research
and development activities for the years 1987 to 1991 " ( COM ( 86 )
660 final ). A sum of approximately 120.000 ECUs is foreseen for
this purpose .
7.4   Participation and Programme Coordination
Effective coordination particularly with national groups is
essential to the success of this programme . Participation in a
Community context could offer these groups access to a wider
range of expertise , technologies and industrial partners to share
costs and risks ; would provide small research groups with access
to Community technical information otherwise difficult to
acquire ; and would enable them to participate with larger groups
and share in achieving successful results .
This   collaboration    can  be  achieved with  the assistance  and
co-operation of national representatives on interested CGCs ,
SCAR , and COST / food programmes , through individual members of
IRDAC ^, and through close cooperation between the relevant
services of the Commission .
Those projects conducted as concerted actions are open to all
member States ; to non-member European countries which have
concluded framework agreements for S /T cooperation with the
Community , or COST participating States . Those concerted action
projects with industrial participation will receive priority .
Participants in cost-shared research projects can be industrial
and food firms , cooperative groupings of such firms , research
institutions and universities , established in the Community or in
non-member European countries which have concluded framework
agreements for S /T cooperation with the Community . It is
recommended that each project , in the form of a cost-shared
action , should include an industrial partner .
An " Information Package " will be issued containing additional
relevant information and necessary forms ; advance notice will be
published in the Official Journal .
7.5   Traininq / Mobilitv Grants
Provision for training /mobility grants will be included in thè
programme specifically linked to thè objectives of thè projects
undertaken , and a long thè same basis as provided for in ECLAIR ,
i.e . such grants will normally be used to support individuals
participating in thè project activities , with flexibility as
17 See Section 5 for full titles
                                                                  15
 ---pagebreak--- necessary     to   ensure  maximum   benefits   and   best   use  of  the
resources involved .
7.6     Exploitation of Results and Dissémination of Information
The    general   rules   for  the  dissemination    and   utilization  of
results from research in science and technology described in COM
( 88 ) 260 18 will be applied in FLAIR .
Details     on   rights   of  access ,   licenses   and    other  general
information      will   be   published ,   as  for    " ECLAIR ",  in  an
" Information Package " which will be available before the official
" Call for proposals ".
8 . Criteria for Project Selection
The scope of activities in a development programme of this kind
is potentially wide . In order to avoid the dispersion of
budgetary funds over a wide range of research initiatives
unlikely to reach critical size , it is essential to focus on
certain types of activities ,            selected by the stringent
application of appropriate criteria . The following criteria will
be applied :
(i)     Projects should be primarily oriented towards thè practical
        application of thè results of more basic or laboratory
        research and should be based on firm scientific grounds ;
( ii ) In sélection , emphasis will centre on prospects for ultimate
        économie feasibility and contribute to the strength and
        competitiveness of the European food industry ;
( iii ) Proposals for cost-shared support will normally be expected
        to include financial commitments amounting to at least 50%
        of the project costs during the contract period . Priority
        will be given to those proposals in which the 50% comes
        predominantly from industrial sources . Similarly within
        those areas chosen for concerted action , priority will be
        given to those proposals which include industrial
        participation ;
( iv ) Projects must avoid undesirable effects on the environment ;
        spécifie bénéficiai effects would be a factor meriting
        favourable considération ;
(v)     Proposais should be designed to facilitate ease of
        évaluation and international comparability ;
18 COM(88 ) 260 , " Communication from the Commission accompanied
by a draft Council decision adopting a specific programme for the
dissemination and utilization of results from research in science
and technology ". 10 May 1988 .
16
 ---pagebreak--- ( vi ) Project selected must not lead to distortions of competition
        in Community markets ; however , projects which include thè
        participation of small and medium enterprises will be
        favourably considered ;
( vii ) Proposals should be clearly aimed at contributing to the
        programme objectives set out and should directly relate to
        the food quality , safety ( toxicology ), nutrition and /or to
        new technologies considered to enhance these aspects .
9 . Relationships and Coopération with other Communitv Programmes
The overall approach of the proposed programme will be
strengthened by close coordination and collaboration with the
Community programmes related to food , notably those described in
Section 4 , above . This cooperation will ensure mutual benefits
and the avoidance of duplication , and should promote the best use
of the research results .
10 . Financial and Contractual Aspects
It is envisaged that the Community contribution to the costs
associated with concerted action projects , and involving a number
of States , would be 200,000 ECU /year on average . Some 7 such
actions could be supported , which would indicate a total cost of
5.6 MioECU to the Commission .
For cost-shared projects an average of 100,000 ECU total costs
per participant per year are envisaged ( of which the Community
would contribute up to 50% ). The remaining 50% is expected to be
supplied by the participants , predominantly from industrial
sources . On the basis of an average of 5 collaborating groups or
agencies forming a project , this would indicate a total cost per
cost-shared project of the order of 2 MioECU over a 4 year
period . It is envisaged that about 16 such projects could be
conducted , with the Community contribution not exceeding 50% of
the total .
The proposed programme includes a wide range of topics and
anticipates a large number of participants . Due to the scale and
range of projects carried out as either concerted or cost-shared
actions , with the possible participation of non-Member European
States ,    a  minimum  of   5  staff  are  deemed   essential   for the
effective implementation of this programme : 2 grade A , 1 grade B ,
and 2 grade C.
                                                                       17
 ---pagebreak---                  PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
   adoptinq a research and technoloaical development programme
 in the field of food science and technoloqy ( 1989 to mid-1993 )
                            " FLAIR " :
               Food-Linked Agro-Industrial Research
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community , and in particular to Article 130 Q ( 2 ) thereof
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1 ,
In coopération with the European Parliament^,
Having   regard  to   the   opinion of  the  Economic    and Social
Committee^ ,
whereas Article 130 K of the Treaty stipulates that the
framework programme shall be implemented through specific
programmes developed within each activity ;
whereas by its Decision of 28 September 1987^, the Council
adopted a framework programme of Community research and
technological development ( 1987-1991 ), providing for activities
to be implemented to ensure the exploitation and optimum use of
biological resources ;
1 OJ N° C.
2 OJ N° C.
3 OJ N * C.
4 OJ N° L302 , 24.10.1987 , p. 1
18
 ---pagebreak--- whereas  the   framework programme      sets out criteria to evaluate
each specific programme and to select Community actions , which
include that of contributing to the strengthening of the economic
and social cohesion of the Community , consistent with the pursuit
of scientific and technical quality ;
whereas   a  multiannual      programme   of research    and  development
programme in the field of food science and technology ( FLAIR )
will  assist    in  the     combined  progress   in   public  health   and
consumer protection with         industrial and economic development
within the Conmmunity ;
whereas having regard to the fact that the specialised skills and
capabilities relevant to food technology are numerous , and
Europe 's most internationally competitive capabilities are
located in diverse Member States , mutual benefit shall be derived
from collaboration in a Community programme ;
whereas pursuant to the Council Decision of . 1988®
adopting a first multiannual programme for biotechnology-based
agro-industrial research and technological development ( ECLAIR ),
a Management and Coordination Advisory Committee ( CGC ) was
created and whereas it is desirable that the same CGC assist the
Commission in the implementation of this programme ;
whereas four Community-COST concertation Agreements on four
concerted action projects in the field of food science and
technology® have produced encouraging results ,              and further
initiatives in the COST framework in this field , are underway ;
whereas the participation of European non-Member States wholly or
partially with projects in this programme is desirable ;
whereas   it  is   desirable     to  involve   small -  and  medium-sized
enterprises to the maximum extent possible in the food science
and technology research and development programme ;
whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee ( CREST ),
was consulted on the following measures and has expressed its
opinion on the Commission 's proposal ;
5  O.J. N *
6 OJ N * L54 ( p.25 ), 25.02.1978 ; OJ N * L270 ( p.53 ), 27.10.1979 ;
     OJ N * L39 ( p. 30 ) , 15.02.1980 ; L350 ( p.54 ), 23.12.1980 ; OJ N *
     L353 ( p.25 ), 15.12.1982 ; and OJ N * L151 ( p.46 ), 07.06.1984 .
                                                                        19
 ---pagebreak--- HAS ADOPTED TRIS DECISION :
                            Article 1
A specific research and technological development programme for
the European Economic Community in the field of food technology ,
as defined in the Technical Annex , is hereby adopted for a period
of four and a half years , from 1 January 1989 .
                            Article 2
The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the
programme amount to 25 million ECUs , including expenditure on a
staff of 5 .
                             Article 3
The programme shall consist of work carried out as concerted and
cost-shared actions , and by training /mobility grants .
Detailed rules for implementing the programme are set out in the
Technical Annex .
                             Artide 4
In the third year of the programme implementation , the Commission
shall undertake a review and report to the Council and the
European Parliament on the results thereof , together , if
necessary , with any proposals for modification or prolongation in
the light of the interim results achieved .
An evaluation of the results achieved shall be conducted by
independent experts and published in the form of a communication
to the Council and the European Parliament .
The above mentioned reports shall be established having regard to
the objectives set out in Annex to this Decision , in particular
for the improvement of food safety and quality for the consumer ,
and in conformity with the provisions of Art . 2 ( 2 ) of the
framework programme .
                             Article 5
The Commission shall be responsible for the execution of the
programme and be assisted in its implementation by the Management
and Coordination Advisory Committee ( CGC ), set up by the Council
Decision N * ../... EEC of . 1988 .
The contracts entered into by the Commission shall regulate the
rights and obligations of each party , in particular the methods
of disseminating , protecting and exploiting the research results .
20
 ---pagebreak---                            Article 6
The Commission is authorised to negotiate , in accordance with
Art . 130 N of the EEC Treaty , agreements with international
organizations , with those non-member States participating in
European cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technological
Research ( COST ) and with those European countries          having
concluded framework agreements in S /T cooperation with the
Community , with a view to associating them wholly or partially
in concerted actions within this programme .
Where Framework Agreements for scientific and technical co¬
opération between non-Community European countries and the
European Community hâve been concluded , organizations and
enterprises    established  in   these    countries    may ,  under
appropriate conditions to be defined by the Commission , become
partners to a cost-shared project within this programme .
                                Article 7
This Decision is addressed to the Member States .
    Done in Brussels ,                          For the Council ,
                                                    The President
                                                                  21
 ---pagebreak---                            TECHNICAL ANNEX
for a spécifie research and technoloqical development programme in
   the field of food science and technoloqy ( 1989 to mid-1993 )
Objectives
The objectives of the programme are to contribute in the medium
and longer terms to Europe 's competitiveness in the food
industry , the improvement of food safety and quality for the
consumer ; the strengthening of the food science and technology
infrastructures in Europe , in the context of the harmonious
development of the internal market . The programme is targeted at
complementing existing initiatives in Member States through the
development of further collaborative linkages between different
research groups and industries , and shall concentrate on the
interface between food processing , food distribution and the
consumer . The consumer demands for more natural and healthy
foods , with greater diversity , shall be met by the combined
efforts of researchers and the food industry . Conservation ,
enhancement of nature and environmental protection shall be
systematically taken into consideration in the execution of the
programme .
CONTENT
The research activities in this programme hâve been divided into
three sectors . New technologies and processing innovations ,
which enhance food quality , safety and nutritive values , shall
also be supported in each sector .
 1   ASSESSMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF FOOD QUALITY shall consist of
     research and development on :
 - quantitative measures of " quality " ;
 - objective organoleptic and sensory criteria and their to
   relationship to quality ; .
 - quantitative measures of " freshness " of processed foods ;
 - the quality aspects of raw materials as they affect processing
   and end products ; and
 - new technologies and processing innovations which enhance food
   quality while also facilitating processing , and building
   consumer confidence .
 2   FOOD HYGIENE , SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL ASPECTS shall concern
     research and development on :
 - improved rapid screening tests to predict potential toxicity
   factors ;
 - the occurrence of natural plant toxins and their effects on
   food ;
 - predicting microorganism growth rates , accelerated methods for
   spécifie organisms and total counts ;
 - improved understanding of the relationship between food
   constituents and food allergies ; and
 - the application of these tests in food processing and new food
   product development to ensure the safety of both processes and
   products .
                                                               22
 ---pagebreak--- 3   NUTRITION AND WHOLESOMENESS ASPECTS shall consist of research
    and development on Ï
- new processing techniques , applications and natural ingredients
  which provide high nutritional and wholesomeness values ;
- méthodologies for the nutritional évaluation of foods ;
- the bioavailability of the nutritional constituents ( e.g .
  vitamins and minerais ) and the effects of Processing ,
  distribution , catering , storage and home treatment ;
- the nutritional . and wholesomeness value of foods designed for
  particular ises ( e.g . slimming or athletics ) or important to
  sub-groups in the population ( e.g . infants and the elderly ); •
  and              . .■ •
- those new . processes and technologies which enhance the
  nutritional , and wholesomeness of foods .
IMPLEMENTATION
The programme shall consist of work carried out as concerted and
cost-shared    actions ,  and  by  training /mobility    grants . ' All
projects shall be carried out by participants from more than one
Member State .
Participation in a concerted actions is open to all member
States , to non-member European States which have concluded
framework agreements in S /T co-operation with the Community and
COST participating States .
Participants in a project conducted as a cost-shared action , may
be industrial enterprises , research institutions , universities or
combinations of them , established in the Community or in those
non-member European States which have concluded framework
agreements in S /T cooperation with the Community .
As a general rule , research institutes and universities shall
participate in a group together with one or more industrial
organizations . Research institutes which are funded principally
or exclusively by industrial organizations shall be considered as
industrial participants .
For those actions which are conducted on a cost-shared basis ,
the Community contribution shall not normally exceed 50% of the
total expenditure , the remainder to be provided mainly from
industrial sources .
Training /mobility grants shall be included to facilitate the
assembly of relevant skills at appropriate locations for the work
of the projects , and to promote effective diffusion of the
knowledge resulting from them . The programme shall also include
coordination activities such as the organization of meetings ,
consultation with national experts , and diffusion of information
on the progress and results of the projects .
                                                                     23
 ---pagebreak---                           EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Commission' s Communication to th6 Council concerning a
Community Plan of Action- relating to the evaluation of Community
research and developments activities for the years 1987 to 1991
( COM ( 86 ) 660 finalsStates that the objectives and milestones of
each research^p-rdgramme have to be set out in a testable form ,
which are ge^T-out below .
      The long term objective of this programme is to contribute
      to the competitiveness of Europe 's food industries , and to
      improved      consumer    protection    and    confidence ,   by
      strengthening the links between them through research and
      development . The Commission proposes to achieve this
      objective by launching a programme of concerted actions and
      cost-shared actions . The projects seek to promote the close
      collaboration between research and industrial groups , by
      their     participation    in    research   and    technological
      development on food quality , hygiene , safety , toxicology ,
      nutritional and wholesomeness values .
2.    The primary short term objective is that the programme
      should succeed in eliciting proposals , for concerted actions
       ( with national agreement ) and for R&TD cost-shared projects
       ( with commitments to co-finance from industry ) , on a scale
      commensurate with the Community resources proposed . This
      objective shall be testable in 1991-1992 .
      At this time , the programme should also demonstrate its
      promotion and encouragement of inter-sectoral collaboration ,
      across the Member States and in Europe .
3.    Particular objectives to be attained within three years of
      the programme implémentation are as follows :
3.1   that improved food evaluation and assessment techniques
      have been developed , in particular sensory analysis , and
      that the     results have given grounds to expect that they
      will find applications which will benefit industry and /or
      the consumer ;
3.2   that new , rapid tests for food hygiene , safety and
      toxicological aspects have been developed ; that advantages
      in terms of precision , effectiveness , or the avoidance of
      possible adverse side-effects have been indicated ; and that
      as a result of the tests the products , techniques or
      services have practical applications for industry and / or the
      consumer ;
24
 ---pagebreak--- 3.3  that research and development has been conducted on the
     nutritional value of foods ; that useful tests have been
     developed to measure the nutritional value of food
     constituents , including the effects of processing ; and that
     as a result the nutritional and wholesomeness values of
     those foods are enhanced ; and
3.4 that studies and tests have been conducted for the
     development of new, novel processing technologies or
     innovations which enhance food quality , safety , and
     nutritional value and that as a result of such studies and
     projects new applications have been found .
4 . In addition , the programme should ensure that the following
     general criteria are met :
 4.1 that the potential increase in market opportunities , in
      medium or long-term , as a result of the improvements or
      benefits demonstrated , is of a size to justify the Community
      expenditures committed ;
 4 2 that the consumer confidence in food research and industry
      is encouraged and high standards for consumer protection are
      maintained ;
 4.3 that throughout the execution of the programme the projects
      should have taken adequately into consideration the
      conservation , enhancement of nature and environmental
      issues ;
 4.4 taking account of the results of Community, national or
      private sector research activities in food science and
       technology , the evaluation panel shall consider whether the
       FLAIR programme has contributed to the application of the
       results of the said research activities in regions of the
       Community other than those in which the research was
       conducted , and has produced added value attributable to the
       Community character of the programme ( i.e. not readily
       obtainable via Member State actions alone ).
                                                                  25
 ---pagebreak---                          FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1.    Budget Headinq : 7343 ( 1989 )
FLAIR   ( Food-Linked Agro-Industrial Research )  is a multi-annual
programme for supporting research and technological developments
in food science and technology .
2.    Legal Base Ï   Article 130 , Council Decision
3.    Description of action and objective :
The global objective of the programme here proposed is to
contribute in the medium and longer terms to enhancing Europe 's
competitiveness in the food industry ; improving food safety and
quality for the consumer ; strengthening the food science and
technology infrastructures in Europe ;         and the harmonious
development towards the internal market . The programme is
targeted at complementing existing initiatives in Member States
through the development of further collaboration between
different research groups and industries , and meeting the
consumer demands for more natural and healthy foods , with greater
diversity .
The FLAIR programme provides for two types of actions : concerted
or coordination activities ; and pre-competitive cost-shared R&TD
projects ; both of which are aimed at the interface of industry
and the consumer .
This multi-annual programme has 3 sectors . Within each sector ,
concerted and cost-shared actions shall be carried out where each
is most appropriate . Furthermore , in each sector , grants may be
awarded for training and mobility , to facilitate the assembly of
relevant skills and the diffusion of results .
Sector 1    :
the Assessment and Enhancement of Food Quality
by means of
research and development on :
- quantitative measures of " quality ";
- objective organoleptic and sensory criteria and their to
   relationship to quality ;
- quantitative measures of " freshness " of processed foods ;
- the quality aspects of raw materials as they affect Processing
   and end products ; and
- new technologies and processing innovations which enhance food
   quality while also facilitating processing , and building
   consumer confidence .
26
 ---pagebreak--- Sector 2    :
Food Hygiene , Safety and Toxicology Aspects
by means of
research and development in :
- improved rapid screening tests to predict potential toxicity
   factors ;
- research on the occurrence of natural plant toxins and their
   effects on food ;
- research and development in predicting microorganism growth ,
   accelerated methods for specific organisms and total counts ;
- research to improve the understanding of the relationship
   between food constituents and food allergies ( immunogenic
   properties ) ; and
- the application of these tests in food processing and new food
   product development to ensure the safety of both processes and
   product .
Sector 3    :
Nutrition and Wholesomeness Aspects
by means of
research and development work on :
- new Processing techniques , applications and natural
   ingrédients which provide high nutritional and wholesomeness
   values ;
- méthodologies for the nutritional évaluation of foods ;
- the bioavailability of the nutritional constituents ( e.g .
   vitamins and minerais ) and the effects of processing ,
   distribution , catering , storage and home treatment ;
- the nutritional and wholesomeness value of foods designed for
   particular uses ( e.g . slimming or athletics ) or important to
   sub-groups in the population ( e.g . infants and the elderly );
   and
- those new processes and technologies which enhance the
   nutritional and wholesomeness of foods .
4 . Justification of the action
Food science and technology forms an integral part of the food
system , which ranges from producers , processors and distributors
to the consumer . This large sector of the economy represents many
small firms which rely on national government research for the
scientific and technological support necessary to compete in the
market place . The food system is constantly evolving , becoming
more transnational and competitive , and requiring increasing
levels of technical sophistication and multi-disciplinary skills .
                                                                   27
 ---pagebreak--- In  addition ,   there is  new consumer interest and demand        for
healthy , nutritious foods and for greater variety . These needs
and levels of complexity are beyond the capabilities of many
national programmes , and require a Community initiative to
enhance their coherence and effectiveness .
Consultations , with various national groups and industrial
representatives has revealed strong support for a Community-led
initiative in this field , which would complement national
research efforts and assure mutual benefits .
In the medium and long terms , it will lead to increased economic
growth , and to the development of a wider range of market
opportunities for quality food products ;            increasing the
competitiveness of the food industry in European ; for the
harmonious development of the internal market ; and increased
consumer confidence and protection .
5.   Financial incidence of action on expenditures * ( Million ECUs )
      ( including costs for staff and expenses for
      administrative and technical management )
5.1     Total cost over the whole of the expected duration :
        From the Budget of the Communities         :     25.000
        From other sectors at the national level   s     45.000
                                   TOTAL                 70.000
 1  The Council Decision concerning the Framework Programme of
    Community Activities in the field of Research and
    Technological Development ( 1987 - 1991 ) COM ( 86 ) 430 final
    includes the provisions for this action under Action Line 4 .
 28
 ---pagebreak---     5.2    Schedule of Commitment Appropriations and Payments - FLAIR
Commitment Appropriations    1989    1990   1991  1992   1993     Total
Contracts                    4.846   4.700  5.060 4.590  1.940    21.136
Operating Costs              0.220   0.480  0.570 0.520  0.560     2.350
Personnel costs              0.234   0.320  0.370 0.390  0.200     1.514
TOTAL                        5.300   5.500  6.000 5.500  2.700    25.000
Payment
Appropriations       1989 1990  1991   1992  1993 1994  1995    Total
Contracts          1.146 3.179 4.356 4.831 4.056 2.429 1.139   21.136
Operating Costs    0.220 0.480 0.570 0.520 0.560                2.350
Personnel costs    0.234 0.320 0.370 0.390 0.200                1.514
TOTAL              1.600 3.979 5.296 5.741 4.816 2.429 1.139   25.000
    5.3   Method of calculation
    a)     Expenditure by contract
    This expenditure covers the Community 's financial contribution to :
    those activities carried out as concerted actions to be carried out
    by participating European States ; pre-competitive research and
    development work , under cost-shared contracts to be concluded with
    research and industrial ( food ) groups established and active in
    Europe , including small and medium sized enterprises ( average
    Community financial contribution - about 50% of total costs ); to
    studies , analytical work , and training /mobility grants for each
    type of action .
    b)     Operational expenditure
    Administrative costs ( management committee and working party
    meetings , document distribution or dissemination of techniques , use
    of data processing and telecommunications facilities ). And
    supporting coordination activities .
                                                                      29
 ---pagebreak--- c)     Personnel costs
The requirements of this programme hâve been estimated on the basis
of a management staff of :
                        2 temporary officiais - category A
                        1 temporary official - category B
                        2 temporary officiais - category C ,
together , with costs of missions and consultants .        This staff is
requested under the Budgets 89 to 93 . 2 . For 1989 , the expenditure
concerning personnel has been calculated on the following basis
( see P.D.B 89 ): A = 93.000 ECU ; B = 58.000 ECU ; C = 37.000 ECU . For
1993 , the expenditure concerning personnel has been calculated at
50% , as the programme is scheduled to conclude in mid-1993 .
6.    Financinq of expenditure
The appropriations required to cover the Community's contribution
to this project are to be entered in the Community's future
budgets .
7.    Type of Control
      Administrative control by the Director General for Financial
      Control as regards budget implémentation
      Scientific Control :
        .     CGC Committee ;
        .     Officiais of the Commission
        .     Audit by the Court of Auditors in accordance with
              provisions of the Treaty .
      The programme will be evaluated in accordance with the
      " Community plan of action relating to the evaluation of
      Community research and development activities for the years
      1987 to 1991 " ( COM ( 86 ) 660 final ). See Evaluation Criteria in
      annex .
 2    Staff is 1 A , 1 B and 1 C in 1989 ; 2 A , 1 B and 1 C in 1990 ;
      and 2 A , 1 B and 2 C in 1991-93 . The cost of new staff has
      been calculated at 50% in the commencement year , and in the
      following years , 4% inflation has been provided for .
 30
 ---pagebreak---              COMPETITIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT
I.     Reason for proposing the programme
The main reason for the proposed technical development programme is
to promote industrial competitiveness and economic growth in the
medium and long terms through encouraging research and development
which enhances the quality , safety and nutritional profile of the
outputs of the European food industry .
The structure of the European food industry ( predominantly small
scale ), makes public research a necessity . The relatively small
scale of national research groups faced with the growing
transnational nature of the food system and the rapid changes in
food demand patterns towards " healthiness " and diversity , makes
collaborative research and development imperative .
II . . Features of the businesses involved
Despite advances elsewhere , food remains the Community 's largest
industry . The sectors involved in the food system account for
around 20% of the Community 's work forces and contribute 10% of its
income ( see FAST II final report ). Principally involved in the
current proposal ares
       - 4 million employées of the food Processing sector ;
       - 10 million upstream agricultural suppliers , whose own
         competitiveness depends on their ability to supply the
         correct quality raw material to a health food processing
         sector ;
       - 10 million down-stream employées of the food distribution
         and catering sector , the direct interface with the consumer
         and responsible for quality maintenance during the between
         time of manuf acturing and consumption ;
       - suppliers of non-agricultural inputs to food processing
         ( e.g. flavours , colours , preservatives , enzymes and food
         processing machinery ) .
The     proposal     should   stimulate    in   the   medium   term    the
competitiveness of European industry , both those which participate
directly , and those which are informed of the results ; but the
projects themselves shall be at the pre-competitive development
level .
The effects of the programme are not expected to favour specific
geographical areas . In the call for expressions of interest for
ECLAIR , responses relating to food were received from every Member
State . COST-food actions similarly involve all Member States .
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 ---pagebreak--- III   Obligations which this programme imposes directlv on
      businesses
The conditions for participation in the cost-shared actions ( i.e.
transnational co-operation ,     normally 50% ,   mainly industrial ,
financing expected , at least one industrial or agricultural partner
per project ) will ensure the business orientation of the programme .
There is of course no obligation to participate . Particular
emphasis shall be placed on communication and diffusion activities
during and after the programme . ( It is envisaged that this shall be
the full-time responsibility of one of the A-category personnel ).
IV    Indirect obligations which national , régional or local
      authorities might impose on businesses
By implementing this draft Council Decision no     action is required
by national governments or local authorities .     This proposal does
not have any disadvantage to firms , except for    the costs relating
to the preparation of unsuccessful proposals .     There is also the
positive benefit of the " free consultation "       and authoritative
feedback provided , even on rejected proposals .
V     Provisions in respect of SMEs
While no formal provisions in respect of SMEs have been proposed in
this programme , they would be foreseen as major beneficiaries of
this proposal . Being unable to undertake research on their own ,
such firms are dependent on the results of publicly funded research
and development . However , their participation in a project shall be
favorably considered in the selection of projects .
Dissémination   of  information about  the research results  shall be
given particular priori ty . Spécial emphasis shall be placed on the
availability of this information to SMEs .
The conditions of participation , modelled on those of the BRITE
programme , offer to SMEs the advantage that all signatories to an
FLAIR contract shall be treated on an equal basis .
VI    Likelv effect on s
a)    the competitiveness of business
As FLAIR is aimed at pre-competitive development , directly at
promoting     European   industrial   competitiveness   through   the
enhancement of the quality , safety , and nutritional profile of
food ; promotion of collaborative research ; and the development of
better links between processors distributors , researchers and
consumer , there should be some medium and certainly long term
effects in enhancing the competitiveness of European industry - see
point I .
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 ---pagebreak--- b)   on employment
The effects on employment are difficult to estimate , against the
background of long-term decline in employment in all food system
sectors . However , greater international competitiveness of the
European food processing sector may , in the long term , bring about
favourable    conseguences    for   employment   in   the   industry ,
particularly in small        firms with growth opportunities in
specialist high-value market niches . Agricultural employment will
similarly benefit from a competitive processing sector in rural
areas . Catering and distribution sectors employment will not be
adversely affected .
VII  Consultation of relevant représentative orqanizations
The programme has been presented to the CGC ( Management and
Advisory Committee ) for the Biotechnology research programme , the
Standing Committee on Agricultural Research , and the Working Party
on Biotechnology of the Industrial Research and Development
Advisory Committee ( IRDAC ). This comprises members from all sectors
of industry , industrial research institutes and trade unions .
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