CELEX: 51978PC0768
Language: en
Date: 1979-01-17
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION adopting a European Economic Community research and development programme in the agricultural research sector consisting of four multiannual concerted projects (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

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COM (78) 768
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 ---pagebreak---       COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                     COM(78)768 final.
                                                     Brussels . 17 January 1979
                            PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
           adopting a European Economic Community research and development
                     programme in the agricultural research sector
                            consisting of four multiannual          ,
                                  concerted projects
                     (submitted to the Council by the Commission)
                                                      \
COM(78 ) 768 final .
 ---pagebreak---                                    -1-
                  MULTIANNUAL CONCERTED PROJECTS
                           in the sec-tor of
                       AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
                          TABLE OP CONTENTS .
                                                                Page
I.     Summary                                                    3
II «   Introduction •                                             3 ,
III .  Description of the concerted actions .......               5
       Project A. Maize as a basic feed for "beef . . . . .       5
                   production
               1 . Motivation
               2 . Aims and objectives
               3 . Research topics
             ' 4 * Requirements and Timing                >
       Project B. The production and feeding of single cell .     8
                   protein
               1 . Motivation
               2 . Aims and objectives
               3 . Research Topics
               4 * Requirements and Timing              ,
       Project C. Early weaning of piglets •••••••            . 15
               1 . Motivation
               2 . Aims and objectives
               3 * Research Topics
               4 * Requirements and Timing
       Project D. Mineral nutrition on basic field crops •      18
                   ( Soil -Humus -Nitrogen )
               1 . Motivation
               2 . Aims and objectives
               3 . Research Topics
               4 * Requirements and Timing
IV .   Implementation •••••••••••••••••                        21
V.     Financial Aspects ••••••••••••••••                      21
AMEX I Proposai for a Council decision adopting a R & D
       programme of the European Economio Community in the
       seotor of Agricultural Research ••••••••                23
 ---pagebreak---                       -2-
AMEXES A - D to AOTTEX I
Contributions of the Member States to the concerted
action by research topics   •                       26
AKNEX E. to AKNEX I.
Terms of reference and composition of the Concerted
Action Committee ••••••••••••••«.,                  30 *
 ---pagebreak---                                        *
                                          -3-
 Ii     Summary
        A coordination programme in the sector of agricultural research is
        proposed . This programme consists of four multiannual concerted
        actions in the fields of :
       'A.    Maize as a "basic feed for "beef production (5 years )
    . B.      The production and feeding of single cell protein (5 years )
        C.    Early weaning of piglets (5 years )
        D.    The mineral nutrition of field crops ( soil-humus–nitrogen) (5 years )
        The legal 'oasis for this programme is Article 43 of the Treaty esta­
        blishing the European Economio Community and the Council Regulation (EEC )
        n° 1728/74 of 27 June 1974 .
       . .                  This programme is consequent upon a suggestion made "by
        the Yugoslavian delegation to the Committee on European Cooperation
        in the field of Scientific and Technical Research ( COST).
        A concertation between this programme and the relevant programmes of
        Third States will he established.
        The principal objectives of this programme are :
        – to facilitate t"he co-operation with the Community 's European
            neighbours , including potential new entrants ,
        – to bring under Community ( R + D policy an increasing proportion of
            European research activities in the sector relating to agricultural
            policy in the mutual interest of the Community and the Member States ,
        – to complement the findings of the Community Agricultural Research programme .
        The maximum financial contribution of the Community for expenditure
      • commitments and for staff necessary for the implementation is estimated
        at 1.76 million EUA and 2 staff for the duration of the programme .
        The programme is foreseen to start in June 1979 *
II .    Introduction
        It is recognised that the Community research , wherever possible , be
        complemented by international co-operation mainly within the COST
         ( European Co-operation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research )
        framework which is the principal forum for co-operation with the Community 's
        European neighbours . Such co-operation would, optimise research efficiency
        and save time and money. Furthermore , considering the scientific achievements
        of certain countries outside the Community in some specific sectors of
        agricultural research , the most successful outcome to some coordination
         effort could be best achieved by an extended European Co-operation.
 ---pagebreak---                                       -4-
   The present programme , consequent upon a suggestion by the Yugoslavian delegation
    in COST , has to "be seen against this background.. This proposal for a Council
   decision adopting a R + D programme of the ESC in the area of Agricultural
   research has been elaborated by the Commission , advised by the experts of
   the different Uorkiug Farti.es appointed by the COST countries , in the spirit
   of the Council Resolution of 14 -January 1974 on & programme of the European
   Communities in the field of science and technology®
   Moreover this programme proposal corresponds to the guidelines for the
     Common policy in the field of science and technology adopted by the
   Commission in -which the Community agricultural research programmes must
   also wherever possible support the objectives of other Community policies ,
   for example , environment , regional development , energy saving and aid to
   developing countries .
   This programme consists of four multiannual concerted actions in the fields
   of :
   A.   Maize as a basic feed for beef production
   B.   The production and feeding of single cell proteins
   C.   Early weaning of piglets
   D® The mineral nutrition of field crops ( soil - humus - nitrogen ).
   These actions relate to three of the four groups (viz . socio-structural
   aspect , efficiency of production and alternative products ) of main develop­
   ment and trends in agricultural research in the Member States drawn up by
   the Commission as most urgent' following consultation with the Standing
   Committee on Agricultural Research .
   In general the choice of topics for the coordination of each project has
- been formally accepted by the national research organisations in accordance
   with the following criteria :
   - compatibility with common agricultural policy
   - complementarity with the Community agriculturalprogramme
 , - scientific and economic importance
   - possibility of implementation and of coordination                       '
   - common interest of Member States
   - the relevant activities ongoing in other countries as well as those of
      appropriate international organisations such as international Society
      of Soil Science , PAO , OECD eto .......
 ---pagebreak---                                         -5-
III . Description of the Concerted Actions ,
      PROJECT A. Maize as a "basic feed for "beef production#
  1 . MOTIVATION .
      During recent years the area under forage maize cultivation in Europe has
      increased spectacularly.                                ■
   •  The principle reasons for this extension are as follows :
      a ) much work has "been done on the creation of hybrids with short vegetation
          periods so that the area of maize production ha.s moved northwards to the
          very areas where the previous species with long vegetation periods were
          unable to thrive due to unfavourable weather conditions .
      b ) the maize crop can be completely mechanised and with the use of hybrid
          varieties is capable of giving high yields .
      c ) there are numerous possibilities for using maize in animal feeds . In
          practice , the entire maize plant , supplemented with other concentrated
          feeds , rich in protein , is quite suitable for the nutrition of young
          as well as mature animals .
      Thus emerges , the leading role of maize in the technology and economy of
      cattle production.
      A seminar on this subject was held in Yugoslavia in 1976 under the auspices
      of the EEC and with the participation of COST countries :
      ~ to make an assessement of the present situation on the utilisation of the
         maize crop for beef production in relation to its scientific and economic
         aspects .
      - to discuss the needs for further research and to identify the topics most
         suited for a coordinated research action .
      The present project meets these     requirements .
  2 . AIMS AOT) OBJECTIVES .
      The aim of the proposed research project is a systematic investigation of
      the most efficient method of use and supplementation of maize feed to provide
      adequate nutrition and quality of products . Inevitably these investigations
      will involve a study on the use of alternative feeds in addition to maize and
      an examination of methods of predicting feeding value with a view to their
      standardization throughtout the COST region . Research objectives must take
      account of factors which lead to maximum efficiency of use of specified
      resources per unit of beef produced . Efficiency can be considered in relation
      to land or crop use ; the energy used growing and feeding the crop ; the
      intake and utilisation of nutrients by the animal ; and in economic terma .
      Problems requiring research arise in seeking to minimise the input of protein
      and energy supplements and to replace these with non-protein nitrogen (NRT )
      arid to increase voluntary intake , which limits the use of maize as silage .
      There also may be interactions between genotype , sex or age of animal , and the
      type of maize diet .
      The proposal is directed towards promoting and coordinating a joint colla­
      borative research effort with the following main objectives :
      - Better utilisation of animal feed and prevention of waste .
 ---pagebreak---                                           -6-
    - Adoption of standardised, methods of measuring and predicting feeding
       value .
    - Establishing, "by reference to the use of alternative feeds , the role of
       maize in farming systems under varying cost/price and market situations .
3 . RESEARCH TOPICS .
    Research topics were limited to two broad subject areas . Projects undertaken
    in both of these areas will be linked , wherever possible , by using the
    practical experiments described under research topic number 3.1 » to inves­
    tigate the more fundamental aspects contained in research topio number
    3 .2
    The research topics are as follows :
    3.1 . Practical and applied aspects of using the maize crop (whole , -plant ,
          grain and stover ) for beef production , including reference to the use
          of alternative feeds .
          3.1.1 . The use of supplements supplying energy , protein , non-protein
                   nitrogen (NFN ; and minerals plus vitamins
                   - Plant protein (bean, lucerne )
                   - Non-protein nitrogen
                   - Concentrate level .
          3.1.2 . Utilisation of crop by-products
          3.1.3 . Effect of smut fungal infection of the maize crop on its feeding
                   value and on possible toxic residues (alkaloids ) in meat
          3.1 .4 » Systems of feeding beef cattle on the maize crop in relation
                   to other feeds .
    3.2 . Methods of measuring the nutritive value of the maize crop and alter­
          native forages or crop residues for ruminant production .
          3.2.1 . Standardisation of techniques
                   3.2.1.1 . In vivo digestibility measurement with sheep and cattle .
          3.2.2 . Methods of predicting feeding value .
                   3.2.2.1 . Dry matter .
                   3.2.2.2 . Energy.
                             - Stage of growth
                             - Digestible organic matter (DOM) determinations with
                               detailed analyses of feed and faeces for soluble
                               carbohydrates , cell walls ( cellulose , hemi-cellulose ) etc .
                             - If DOM is not determined then some digestibility trials
                               should be used for local regression between digestibility
                               and simple tests .
 ---pagebreak---                                       -7-
                       – Morphological analyses of the plant
                       – Total metaboli sable energy (ME ) content *
                       – Nett energy content
             3*2.2*3 * Protein
                       – Total nitrogen (N) content of the crop
                       – Non-Protein nitrogen fraction
                       – Age and type of animal .
     3.2.3 «   Factors affecting crop growth and nutritive value * ,
                                     J                                          ■  ■
               – Stage of maturity
               – Cultivar
               – Climate
               – Soil                   S
               – Fertilisation                                                 !
               – Plant density
4. REQUIREMENTS AND TIMING
   Besides the general requirements for co-ordination purposes (meetings of
   the Management Committee , secretary and project co-ordinator ) , this
   project will need facilities for meetings , seminars , workshops , visits
   and short exchange of research workers for the dissemination of know­
   ledge and the discussion of results , training of specialists and publications .
   It is envisaged that the project will last five years * In agricultural - ' • '
   research , especially where it is of an applied nature and so dependant
   on weather factors , it is acknowledged that shorter periods of investi­
   gation could give misleading: results * In the initial years , work will
   be concentrated on co-ordination of existing work and , wherever possible ,
   the standardisation of methods * In the final period , the research pro­
   gramme will be reoriented to take account of the most recent developments *
 ---pagebreak---                                    -8-
   PROJECT B. The production and feeding' of single cell protein .
  MOTIVATION .
  The use of "by-products and waste from agriculture        forestry
               as substrates for the production of Single Cell Protein ( SCP )
  shows a definite potential * Unicellular organisms have the ability to
  convert into proteins a wide range of low cost and. often little used raw
  materials . This approach combines recycling of organic matter , environ- .
  mental protection and the supply of more proteins for animal feedingi
  In the near future , 'this unconventional protein source could also play a
 more direct role in human nutrition .
  EEC countries produced 1„5 billion tonnes of waste in 197& , almost two
 thirds of which were generated fro       .o agricultural sector a Waste production
  is increasing at 5 per annum . On        other hand , the world demand for
 protein is expected to double by the end of the century. The EEC has been
 able to supply from its own resources only 20 % of its supplemental protein
 requirements for animal feed . The balance , equivalent to 7„5 million tonnes
 of soya bean , is imported mainly from a single source as one product , at a
 cost of 1.2 billion dollars in 1976 .
 If research into the use of cellulose and whey for the production and
-feeding of single cell protein is successful , it could have a pronouced
 impact on protein production . However , the greatest short term impetus
 for SCP production comes from the increasing legislative requirement for
 the disposal of both solid and liquid wastes in a manner compatible with
 the preservation of the environment . If effluent treatment charges are
 allowed for , then it would improve the competitiveness of SCP for animal
 feed * The main cause of uncertainty with regard to profitability is the price
 of reference proteins , e.g. soya bean . This position is likely to change
 under the pressure of population growth accompanied by world food shortage .
 In general , it can be expected that as processes improve and production
 expands and diversifies , SCP costs will become increasingly competitive .
 The complex problems associated with an examination of the multidisciplinary
 aspects of SCP production and feeding were made during the last year . It
 showed that the scientific problems were both many and complex. Moreover to
 realise the most efficient use of the limited research facilities available
 a close multidiciplinary collaboration between chemist , biochemist geneticist
 microbiologist , enzymologist , toxicologist , nutritionist , engineer , etc .
 at International level was the most likely way of achieving a successful
 outcome . Therefore an    efficient coordination between the different Insti­
 tutes id recommended if clear and relatively early results are expected .
 AIK5AOT) OBJECTIVES .
                                                                             «
 The aim of the proposed action is to obtain knowledge on all aspects of
 SCP production for agriculture andforestry waste in order to provide
 scientific and technical assistance to farmers , industry and environmental
 agencies concerned with the efficient recycling of an ever growing amount
 of by products and waste .
 The research work is expected to cover the following objectives :
 - better use of agricultural and forestry by products and waste
 - reduction in environmental pollution
 - increased supply of protein containing material for animal feed compatible
    with nutritional and toxicological requirements .            i
 ---pagebreak---                                      -9
    - possible development of novel "technology for use in the third world
      where the valorisation of waste for either animal feed or human food
      is especially important .
3 . RESEARCH TOPICS .
    The objectives of the programme caui be best attained by categorising the
    topics of research into three main areas s
    3.1 . Single cell protein production from whey .
    3.2 . Single cell protein production from cellulosic materials .
    3.3 . Nutrition and toxicology .
    These selected topics involve much applied research although nutrition
    and toxicology aspects relate largely to checks and controls required
    to determine nutritional value and to assess the harmlessness of the
    product and consequently its acceptability to consumers .
    3.1 . Single Cell Protein ( SCP ) production from whey.
          The steady increase in world cheese production has accentuated the
          problem of whey disposal . The development of cheese production in
          the 19 member countries of COST from 1943 - 197$ ha.s trebled . Thus
          creating additional problems of whey disposal . Assuming a mean
          production of 8 tonnes whey per tonne of cheese , the total amount
          of whey in these countries was 31.3 million tonnes in 1976 . The
          cheese production in the COST area comprised 82 $ of "the prodnotior"
          in Europe and 40     of the world production in the same year .
          Increasing demand by environmental protection agencies , and iL-a
          necessity for efficient recycling of byproducts make it necessary
          to find an urgent solution to the whey disposal problem .
          SCP production is one of a number of options for the disposal, uf
          whey or waste process streams from whey processing , e.g. ultra­
          filtration and lactose production . The other possibilities are
          mainly processing to whey powder , lactose chemicals or whey proteins
          and direct feeding. However , acid whey and permeates are known to
          present some problems when processed through the last mentioned
          channels . A quantitative survey should be made of the kinds of whey
          processing presently employed in the 19 COST countries , as well as an
          analysis of the quantities of whey available for SCP production on
          a national and local basis . The most reliable estimate from some
          countries indicate that some 25 % of the whey is treated as warte and
          consequently acts as a serious pollution hazard .
          The research sub-topics aiming at clarifying the different aspects
          of SCP production from whey and whey products , are the following :
          3.1.1 . Sélection of microorganisms
                  3.1.1.1 . Selection of microorganisms for growth on lactose medium
                  3.1.1.2 . Selection of microorganisms for initial breakdown of
                            lactose
                  3.1.1.3 * Selection of microorganisms for growth on lactose
                            derived products , e.g. lactate and carbohydrates .
 ---pagebreak---                                    -10-
3.1.2 . S election of fermentation systems .
         3 J 1*2 0 1 O Design and/or adaptation of pilot scale and industrial
                       ferment ors to handle liquid and/or concentrated whey
                       products .  Emphasis to be placed on systems with pros­
                       pects for   viability at relatively small scale of operation*
         3cl.2.2® Substrate        modification by chemical or enzymic methods .
         3®le2«3 « Substrate       supplementation , e.g. carbohydrates and other
                       nutrients .
        3.I.2.4 . Conditions of fermentation .
                       - Efiicient oxygen transfer and CO^ removal
                       - Temperature and pH control in relation to nucleic
                         acid levels .
                       - Batch v. continuous fermentation and degree of
                         asepsis .
        3.1.2.5 . Recovery and treatment of biomass
                       - Recovery e.g. filtration , centrifugation, fluocculation
                         etc .
                       - Treatment e.g. drying, autolysis , preservation, etc .
        3.1.2.6 . Fermentation waste .
3.1.3 . Nutritional and toxicological properties .
         ( see 3.3 : Nutrition and Toxicology)
        3.1.3.1 . Composition : protein and amino acids , nucleic acids ,
                       cell wall components , minerals , vitamins and conta­
                       minants .
        3.1.3.2 . Nutritive value
                       – Availability of amino acids and degradation of cell
                         wall components
                       - Suitability for human and animal nutrition
        3.1.3.3 . Toxicological aspects : short and long term studies .
3.1.4 . Relative economics .
        3.1.4.1 . COST analysis
        3.1.4.2 . Comparison with alternative methods for processing
                       whey.
        3.1 . 4.3 . Prospects of SCP in comparison with other available
                       protein sources
        3.1.4.4 . Energy balance of the process .
        An evaluation of the present situation has been compiled
        from the responses of national co-ordinators .
 ---pagebreak---                                       -11-                     ..       .     -
3.2 . Single cell protein (SCP ) production from cellulosic materials .
      Important amounts of agricultural and forestry lay-products are not
      effectively utilised. Environmental protection as well as improvements
      in recycling organic matter need more appropriate consideration in
      future . Production of single cell protein from cellulose containing
      waste material like sawdust , woodwaste , leaves , corn cobs , corn or
      wheat straw, oil seed husks , sulphite liquor and fibrous matter is a
      possible way for proper utilisation of such material . Besides the
      possibility of simple pre-treatment with chemicals to improve the
      digestibility of such material , recent developments show a more
      efficient way "by saccharification. The entire process is analysed
      through the following sub-topi ess
      3.2.1 . Substrate Preparation .
              3*2 .1.1 . Pre-treatment of the substrate .       '
                            - Physical methods : evaluation of various milling
                              methods .
                            - Chemical methods : short acid or alkaline pre­
                              treatment ; pre-treatment with solvents .
                            - Microbial methods : screening for rotting strains .
              3.2.1.2 . Hydrolysis of substrate .
                                                       i
                            - Chemical : Saccharification with acid or alkalines ,
                              recovery and recycling of chemicals .
                            - Enzymatic : Development of potent enzyme preparations
                              ("cejlulase", "lignase", "hemicellulase")
                            - Microbial : Screening for cellulase producers ,
                              treatment with mixed cultures ( cellulase producers
                              and SCP strains )
              3.2.1 . 3 . Waste water s recovery and recycling of chemicals and
                            enzymes .
      3.2.2 . Selection and Improvement of microorganisms
              3.2.2.1 . Selection of microorganisms for pre-treatment of
                            substrate
                                                     ι
              3 .2.2.2 . Selection of microorganisms for the saccharification
                            of the substrate
              3.2.2.3 . Selection of microorganisms for SCP-production
      3.2.3 . Selection of fermentation systems
              3.2.3.1 . Scale-up studies : optimisation for cheap equipment ,
                            process control
              3.2.3.2 . Substrate supplementation : optimisation of nutrients
                            for microbial growth or enzyme production
              3*2 . 3 . 3 . Conditions of fermentation : optimisation of process
                            parameters , evaluation of relevant process parameters
                            for maximum protein yield , high productivity on enzymes
                            etc.. process layout (batch or continuous )
 ---pagebreak---                                          -12-
           3«<2.3u4 <» Preparation of feed : concentration, of product ( filtration ,
                       centr ifugation , f loccul at ion ) preservation of product
                        ( drying, autolysis ) , upgrading 'through supplement at ion .
          3o2«3^5o Fermc:?.?t?.tion wvste treatment ? T»ns.--?c.irg of waste water
                       recovery®
3*2 „ 4 . Nutritional and toxicologica.1 aspects ( see 3»3 . : Nutrition and
                                                           toxicology)
          3e2.4cl . Composition : protein and aminoacids , nucleic acids , cell
                       wall components , minerals , vitamins , contaminants , develop­
                       ment of routine tests
          3.2.4.2 . Nutritive value s animal feeding tests , acceptability .
          3.2.4.3 . Toxicological aspects .
3.2.5 . Economics
          3.2.5.1 . Cost analysis , cost structure
          3.2.5*2 . Comparison with alternative methods for processing by­
                       products e.g. sulphite liquor
          3.2.5.3 . Prospects of SCP in comparison with other available protein
                       sources
          3.2.5.4 . Energy "balance of the process .
          An evaluation of the present situation has been compiled from the
          responses of national co-ordinators .
 ---pagebreak---                                         -13-                      _   __
  3.3 . Nutrition and Toxicology .
          Previous investigations have shown that the nature of substrate , the
          composition of the medium , conditions of fermentation , drying procedures
          and storage of the product , have important effects on the nutritional
          properties of the SCP products .
          In this project , nutritional and toxicological aspects of SCP produced
         will be studied in relation to :
         a ) the specificity of microorganisms ;
         b ) the conditions of fermentation ( including pretreatments and composi­
              tion of media ) and type of substrate ;
          c ) the processing of the resulting product .
         This programme is , in principle , in accordance with IUPAC ( l ) and PAG
         guidelines ( 2 ) and Commission proposals ( 3 )« Special attention was given
         to the time sequence of the various tests to be performed . It was stressed
         not to do too many toxicological tests on rodents but to commence small
         scale field trials on target animals at an early phase of the programme . •
         Depending on the outcome of the first early feeding trials , specific and
         limited toxicological studies" may be envisaged for the elucidation of possible
         adverse effects observed in the target animals® However , it was felt to be
         mandatory to conduct cajreful and extensive studies of the possible patho­
         genicity and allergenicity of the chosen microorganisms for man and animals .
         When the experimental characterisation of the material has been completed
         and promising results for large scale use of the product become evident ,
         then a careful evaluation of the animal food product safety must be
         carried out . In the animal products , residues of the substrate axid its
         contaminants should be determined and their tolerance level should be
         established . Experimental studies , which are both long term and costly ,
         are only justified for such substances shown to have a futuristic value .
         The cost estimate of one long term study in rats is approximately
         J5 1/4 M.
         In the course of the project , a good dialogue between toxicologists
         and nutritionalists must b9 developed to ensure that possible adverse
         effects of the material can be detected, as early as possible .
         The time sequence of the various research sub-topics proposed for the
         co-ordination action is in descending order from 3»3«1 « "to 3«3«6 ;
         the research sub-topics being as follows s
. ( l ) I.U.P.A.C. ( international Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Technical
      . Reports N° 12 , August 1974 * Proposed Guidelines for Testing Single-Cell
        Protein Destined as Major Protein Source for Animal Peed . 25 pp®
  ( 2 ) PAG Guideline N° 15 on Nutrition and Safety Aspects of Novel Protein
        Sources for Animal Feeding, 9/9/74 * Protein-Calorie Advisory Group of
        the United Nations System .                                              .
  ( 3 ) Draft proposal for a Council directive concerning certain products used
        in animal nutrition. O.J. N° C 197/3 * l8/8/77 »
 ---pagebreak---               jfroxiaate prir».oipj es (, Mencia aztalysis j
           - Amino aoids , .ïïor-protein nitroge/i (HES' )
            - Principal minerals e
|U 3 » 3 « Short -term tests for nutriti onal qua lity determinations in vitro and
           in vivo » e.g. in rats , -oiglets and ch:'. ekens ( e.g. digestibility ?
           biological value and protein efficiency ratio ( PIE )
>• 3-4 * T ests on target animals of diff erent speci es and age , vri th various
           concentrations of SCP in "balanced practical diets ( including determi­
           nation of nutritive value such as metabolisable energy (MS ) and amino
           acids digestible protein and supplementary value ) to allow economic?.!
           evaluations .
3»3«5® Detailed chemical , microbiological and physical characterisation of the
           products and definition of product specification .,
           - Chemical composition ( carbohydrate , aminosugars , nucleic acids ,
              lipids , trace elements , vitamins , "by-products and/or toxicants such
              as heavy metals polycyclic hydrocarbons and others depending on the
              substrate ) .
           - Development of routinely applicable methods for the control of the
              presence of SCP in animal feeding stuffs (+)
           - Physical properties (density and particle size ; storage properties ;
              functional properties ).
           - Development of screening methods for the evaluation of nutritional
              quality of SCP                              -
3«3.6 . Animal Product Quality determinations and toxicological evaluation
           of residues in the animal product .
REQUIREMENTS AÏTD TIMHTG .
Besides the general requirements for coordination purposes (meetings of the
Management Committee , secretariat and project coordinator) , this project will
need facilities for meetings , seminars , workshops , visits and short exchange
of research workers for the dissemination of knowledge and the discussion
of results , training of specialists and publications .
It is envisaged that the project will last five years . A shorter period of
investigation is not recommended following an evaluation of the present
research situation in the various countries . In the initial years work will
be concentrated on coordination of existing trials . In the final period of
the investigations the research programme will be reoriented to take account
of the most recent developments .
(+) In several countries , such methods are not required for registration*
 ---pagebreak---                                          •15-
      PROJECT C. Early weaning of piglets with special reference -to age . rearing
                   and physiology of reproduction of sows#
1 , MOTIVATI 01T .
     The adoption of early weaning techniques at farm level has "been partly
   - successful# The average age at weaning has heen reduced from 6-8 weeks
     to 5     ^ weeks# If the modern pig farm represents a guideline for future
     developments weaning will tend to "be achieved at 3 rather than 5 weeks#
     This will mean a lowering of production cost and a large improvement in
     the meat production per sow per year# It is known that the production of
     piglets is the most sensitive phase in the production of pig meat as a whole
     and that the further profitability of pig production depends on success in
     rearing piglets . The introduction of natal cages and improved feeding methods
     in the rearing of piglets has created a real possibility to cut time of
     weaning still more ; thus enabling the production of more and heavier piglets
     per sow# However these efforts of researchers to cut the time of weaning
     still further "by cage rearing methods and better feeding has given rise to
     new unforseen problems in the reproductive cycle of sows from which piglets
     have been early weaned#These problems include :?
     a) an increase in the number of matings which prove infertile ,
     b ) fewer fertile ova and therefore fewer piglets in the litter#
                                                                                 ν
     Hence further progress in pig production is limited with out intensive work
     on this subject in particular; and also on certain nutritional and rearing
     aspects of the piglets#
     Nutritional aspects are concerned with the preparation of an appropriate
     feed to replace the mother 's milk# Such feeds must :
     a) satisfy all the piglets' nutritional requirements .
     b ) contain only ingredients which are digestible by the enzymes present in
         the digestive system of the animal at different ages#
     c ) be palatable to the piglets#
     The rearing aspects are mainly concerned with the development of equipment
     to keep temperature , humidity and air flow constant at pre-set levels designed
     for disease control and maximum productivity# The type of cage for piglets
     from the time when they are removed from their mother until their weight
     reaches 15 - 20 kg is continually being improved#
     The cost of all these investigations would be prohibitive without some way
     of sharing the research topics and limiting them to some' selected aspects
     of early weaning that can be readily adapted at farm level . With this in
     mind the preferred standard or control weaning date is 21 days in which to
     compare the effects of weaning dates from birth to 6-8 weeks . A 28 day
     standard weaning date was considered optional for the benefit of some
     countries especially those where animal welfare laws and restriction?, on
     the use of feed additives favour late weaning. In such cases an acceptable
     system of early weaning mast be compatible with such restrictions# For many
     countries weaning at birth has considerable scientific and practical interest
     but the cost of the research was prohibitive for most countries to undertake#
 ---pagebreak---                                                                               à
                                        -16-
2 * AIMS A?TP OBJECTIVES .
    The aim of the proposed research project is to produce rore jmd beav?* er
    piglets per sow per year® Th ? selected topics involve mu.ch applied research
    ir.to the Bost profitable way of producing piglets under both high 3nd low
    cost systems®
    The proposal i9 directed toward promoting and coordinating a joint collabo­
    rative research effort with the following main objectives :
                                                                    I
    - to improve sow output through an increase in the number of piglets born per
       sow each year .
    - to rear more-uniform piglets by eliminating competition for feed and reducing
       their dependence on the possibly unequal milk content of the mothers teats®
    - to reduce piglet mortality by better control of environmental conditions and
       nutritional deficiencies®
    - to lower production costs and increase farm profitability®
    The results of the research will be assessed by using a uniform and detailed
    system of measurements to be taken at regular intervals®
3® RESEARCH TOPICS .
    Generally all the research topics will be aimed at the elimination of the most
    serious constraints to early weaning® The research topics are as follows :
    3.1® Rearing of piglets in cages and sow fertility as affected by length of
          lactation ®
          3.1.1® Embryonic mortality and ovulation rate®
          3.1.2® The effeot of age at weaning of females and nutrition on successive
                  reproductive capacity®
          3®1 ®3® Hormonal status®
    3®2® Ration composition for early weaned piglets ®
          3.2.1® Proteins®
          3*2.2® Additives and Vitamins®
          3.2.3 . Other .
    3.3 . The effect of age at weaning and piglet rearing method on subsequent
          performance .
          3.3.1 . Cage rearing and management of piglets in cages®
          3.3.2® Environmental conditions e.g. Health , Hygiene , Behaviour
          3.3.3 . Economical considerations®
          3.3.4 . Fattening performances®
 ---pagebreak---                                       -17-
4 . REQUIREMENTS AND TIMING
     Besides the general requirements for co-ordination purposes ( meetings
     of the Management Committee , Secretariat and Project Co-ordinator ) , this
     project will need facilities for meetings , seminars , workshops , visits
     and short exchange of research workers for the dissemination of knowledge
     and disoussion of results , training of specialists and publications .
     It is envisaged that the project will last five years . In agricultural
 i- research , especially where it is of an applied nature , it is acknowledged
 ; that shorter periods of investigation could give misleading results . In
     the initial years , work will "be concentrated on co-ordination of existing
     work using new standardised methods for the assessment of the results .
     In the final period , the research programme will "be reoriented to take
    .account of the most recent developments .                            '
 ---pagebreak---                                       -18-
PROJECT D.    Mineral Nutrition on Basic Field Crops ( Soil -Huraus-Nitrogen )
1 . MOTIVATION
    Nitrogen is the most important aspect of the mineral fertilisation of
     crops to-day. Three main factors have to be considered in the utilis­
    ation of nitrogen , namely
                               - energy
                               – crop yield and quality
                               – environmental pollution
    Energy* I"t is estimated that 15 to 25% of the total energy imput into
    intensive agricultural production is necessary for nitrogen fertilisation ,
    compared with less than 5i° energy for potassium and phosphors fertilis­
    ation . The energy used for fertilisation is about equivalent to that
    used for the production of agricultural machinery and is exceeded only
    by fuel energy consumption in' agriculture . Hence it is clear that in
    an effort to lower energy consumption as well as cost in all technical
    processes , agriculture must make more efficient use of nitrogen ferti­
    lizer .
    Crop yield and quality. Excess of nitrogen has an unfavourable effect
    on crop yield and quality because of alterations of some inorganic
    constituents of the plants . Furthermore , an excess of nitrogenous
    fertilization increases the susceptibility of plants to diseases and
    can be harmful to the consumers .
    All these considerations refer to protein production by plants and
  . their nutritional properties .
    Environmental pollution . Wasteful use of nitrogen causes serious pollu­
    tion damage to inland waters through leaching losses of nitrogen in
    ionic form and to the upper atmosphere through gaseous products of deni–
    trification .
    There is some evidence that these economic . quality and environmental
    factors are influenced by the source of nitrogen , especially that of
    organic origin .
    Better use of both organic and inorganic forms of nitrogen depends on
    our understanding of the Itynamic of Soil Organic Matter ( DSOM).
    In the past , the lack of knowledge in methodology prevented a thorough
    investigation of this problem . The methodology can now be made available
    but the solution of the problems requires a large set of experiments
    carried out with different types of soils and under different climatic
    conditions . As these variables are naturally spread over many countries ,
    the best way to realise this project is to carry out experiments within
    them in their natural environment in a co-ordinated way.
2 , AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
    The aim of the proposed action is to acquire a knowledge of the dynamic
    of soil organic matter ( DSOM ) in order to improve the efficiency of
    nitrogen utilisation , not only in economic terms as a financial input/
    output relationship , but also for crop yield and quality and environ– .
    mental reasons .
 ---pagebreak--- Therefore , the proposal is directed toward promoting and co-ordinating
a joint collaborative research effort with the following main objectives
– to examine the nitrogen cycle in the soil plant system to establish
  a possible relationship between the dynamics of organio and inorganio
  nitrogen compounds and plant yield and quality,
- to examine the dynamics of the easily decomposable and hydrolysable
  materials in soils and their effect on plant yield and quality, in
  connection with the availability of soil nitrogen ,
– to evaluate economio and nutritive value aspects of using organic
  material of different origin for plant production ,
– to elucidate the possible effects of the dynamics of the soil organic
  matter system ( DSOMS ) in order to be able to effect more efficient
  control over soil fabric , soil carbon and nitrogen contents , leaching
  and gaseous losses of nitrogen , nitrification , urease aotivity,
  infections of crops and interactions between soil organic matter
  fractions and pesticides *
 RESEARCH TOPICS
 A limited number of field trials on the ratej time and method of appli­
 cation of inorganic and organic nitrogen will be undertaken to inves­
 tigate the dynamics of the soil organic matter system# These will be
 supplemented with some existing field trials ( including the long-term
 studies on nitrogen and straw incorporation carried out by the Inter­
 national Working Committee on Soil Fertility under the auspices of the
 International Society of Soil Science ). The investigation will give
 special emphasis to changes in the soil organic matter fraotion and its
 use by plants ( cereals , sugar beets and some other crops)#
 The results of this research will be assessed by using a uniform and
 detailed system of routine and specific measurements on soils , crops ,
 and climate *
 The programme proposals are as follows :
 3*1 *  Investigation of the Dynamics of Soil Organic Matter
     3*1*1 * Mineral Nitrogen fertilization efficiency with and without
             addition of organic materials of different sources *
         3*1*1*1 * The relationship between the efficient utilisation of
                   mineral fertilizers , crop yield and the dynamics of the
                   soil organic matter system ( DSOMS )
         3*1*1#2* Influence of environment ( climate , soil cropping
                   system, rotation , irrigation , etc*) and biological
                   factors ( species , variety) on the dynamics of soil
                   organic matter system in connection with inorganio
                   and organic fertilization*
         3.1.1.3 . Alterations of some inorganic and organic constituents
                   of harvested crops , as symbols for quality ( amino acids ,
                   protein baking quality, noxious nitrogen, etc**), by a
                   shift of metabolic pathways *
 ---pagebreak---                                        -20-
           3.1.1®4 . Possibilities of regulating the nitrogen cycle in the
                       Soil -Plant-System "by addition of chemicals ( inhibition
                       of nitrification or urease activity, etc .). Correlation
                       of the speed of nitrification with other enzyme activi­
                       ties as a measure for "biological activity in soil (e 0 g»
                       dehydrogenase activity, etc .).
           3.1.1 . 5 » The residual effect of legume crops on the dynamics of
                       soil organic matter system ( DSOMS ), especially changes
                       in the soil organic nitrogen fraction .
     3.1.2 . The residual efficiency of plant pr otection products on plant
             growth , as affected by the dynamics of soil organic matter
             sy~st em ( DSQMS") .
     3.1»3 . Preliminary investigations on the content of phenolic compounds
             in plant varieties as a possible explanation for higher resis–
             tance of some plants against disease .
4. REQUIREMENTS AND TIMING
                                               ι
   Besides the general requirements for co-ordination purposes ( meetings
   of the Management Committee , secretariat and Project Co~ordinator) ,
   this project will need facilities for meetings , seminars , workshops , visits
   and short exchange of research workers , training of specialists ,
   publications .
   It is envisaged that the project will last five years » In agricultural
   research , specially where it is of an applied nature and dependant on
   weather and other environmental factors , it is acknowledged that shorter
   periods of investigation could give misleading results . In the initial
   years , work will be concentrated on co-ordination of existing work and ,
   wherever possible , the standardisation of methods . In the final period ,
   the Research Programme will be reoriented to take account of the most
   recent developments .
 ---pagebreak---                                -41-
 Implementation ,
 The present programme in the sector of agricultural research will b.e
 implemented by carrying out fojir multiannual concerted projects , because
 of-its scientific , and economic importance , it will be of interest to
 all Member States , even to those not involved in a particular line of
 research or lacking the required facilities to participate actively.
 In principle , the competent national authorities intend , as part of the
rules and procedures applicable to their national programmes , to carry
 out their contributions to the respective projects , and are prepared
to integrate such research into a process of coordination at Community
 level .
A Concerted Action Committee will be established for each project , in
which the Member States are represented by the persons responsible for
 coordinating the national contributions to . the programme1.
The coordination of the concerted project will be carried out under the
responsibility of the Commission , assisted by a project co-ordinator to be
appointed by the Commission in agreement with the respective Concerted
Action Committee .
After the Council Decision , a concertation between the present concerted
actions and the relevant programmes of the COST Third States will be
effected .
The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research will be kept informed
of the implementation of this programme ; this Committee is , in particular ,
duly qualified for giving, this research its proper place within the
 sectorial policy of the European Communities as well as for ensuring
 its success .
Financial aspects .
The financial volume of , the national research contributions to the
respective . concerted projects is estimated at 23 • 5 million EUA (European
Units of Account ) for the duration of the programme .
It is apportioned as follows - :
Concerted Project             Durât ion                   EUA
             g
                              in years                in million      I
                        Γ                                             I
           A                      5                        5
           B                      5                       10
           C                      5                        3.5
           D                      5                        5
                                 TOTAL                    23.5
 ---pagebreak---                                   -22-
The cost of coordination , charged to the Community budget , is estimated
at 1.76 million EUA for the duration of the programme .
These costs include salaries for scientific and secretarial staff involved
in the coordinating action , ( the allocation of 1 A and 1 C is requested
for this programme ), administrative costs ( expenses for experts and meetings )
and expenditures "by contracts ( pi"°oject leader , exchange of personnel ,
workshop , training of specialists , publication , subgroup meetings ), subdivided
as follows   :
          Personnel               493 » °00
          Administration           181.400  EUA
          Contracte             1.088.600   EUA
                    TOTAL       1.763.800   EUA
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 23
                                                              ANNEX I
                        PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
                        adopting a European Economic Community
                        research and development programme in
                        the agricultural research sector consisting
                        of four multiannual concerted projects
  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
  Community , and in particular Article 43 thereof ,
  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ,
  Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ,
  Whereas , in its Resolution of 14 January 1974 . . on an initial outline
  programme of the European Communities in the field of science and
  technology^, the Council stressed that the whole range of available
  ways and means , including concerted projects , should be employed , and
. that whenever it proved desirable , steps should be taken to make it
  possible for non-member countries , particularly European non-member
  countries , to become associated in these projects ;
                                                 2
  Whereas , Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1728/74 provides for coordination
  at Community level of national agricultural research projects ;
  Whereas the four research projects in the sector of agricultural
  research were proposed by the Yugoslav delegation to COST ( European
  Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research );
  Whereas the Member States intend , under the rules and procedures
  applicable to their national programmes , to carry out the research
  described in Annexes A to D , arid are prepared to coordinate such
  research at Community level over a period of five years ;
  ( 1 ) O.J. No C 7 , 29.1.1974 , p. 6
  ( 2 ) O.J. No L 182 , 5.7.1974 , p.l
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 2.k-
 Whereas the execution of such research as described in Annexes A to
 D will require a financial contribution of about 13 million European
 Units of Account from the Member , States ;
 Whereas the Community is empowered to conclude agreements with non-
member countries in the fields covered by this Decision ; whereas the
Council of the European Communities agreed on certain methods of
co-operation within the framework of COST on 18 July 1978 ;
 yhereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee ( CREST ) has
 given its opinion on the Commission proposal ,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS s
                              Article 1
 In the sector of agriculture research , the Community shall implement
 for a period of five years four concerted projects , hereinafter
 referred to as " the projects ", in the fields of :
  . Maize as a basic feed for beef production ;
B. The production and feeding of single cell protein ;
C. Early weaning of piglets ;
D . The mineral nutrition of field crops .        •<
 The projects shall consist in coordination1 at Community level of the
 research described in Annexes A           to . D ■ , which form part of the
 research programmes of the Member States .
                              Article 2
 The Commission shall be responsible for coordinating such projects .
                              Article 3
 The total amount required for the duration of the programme is
 estimated at 1,76 million EUA, as defined in Article 10 of the
 Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 > and the staff allocation
 at 2 servants .   These figures are intended merely as a guide .
                              Article 4
 To facilitate the execution of the four projects , a Concerted Action
 Committee , hereinafter referred to as " the Committee ", shall be
 established for each project .
 For each project , a project coordinator shall be appointed by the
 Commission in agreement with the respective Committee . He shall ,
 in particular , assist the Commission in its coordinating action .
 The terms of reference and the composition of these Committees are
 defined in Annex E.
 Each Committee shall draw up its rules of procedure .        Its secretariat
 shall be provided by the Commission .
 ---pagebreak---                                     -25-
                                Article 5
 In accordance with a procedure to be adopted by the Commission in
agreement with the Committee , Member States          participating in the
projects shall exchange regularly all useful information concerning
 the execution of the research covered by each project and forward
 to the Commission all information that may be useful for coordina­
tion purposes . They shall also endeavour to provide the Commission
with information on similar research planned or carried out by
bodies for which they are not responsible . This information shall
be treated as confidential if so requested by the Member State which
provides it .
The Commission shall prepare annual progress reports on the basis of the
information supplied , and shall forward them to the Member States and
to the European Parliament .
At the end of the coordination period , the Commission shall , in agree­
ment with the Committee , forward to the Member States and to the
European Parliament a general report on the execution and results of
the coordination process . The Commission shall publish this report
six months after it has been forwarded to the Member States unless a
Member State objects . In this case the report shall be distributed ,
solely to institutions and undertakings which so request and whose
research and production activities justify access , to the results of
the research carried out under each project . The Commission may
make provision that the reports remain confidential and are not
disclosed to third parties .
                                Article 6
1 « The Community may , in, accordance with Article 228 Of the Treaty ,
    conclude agreements with non -Member States involved in European
    Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research
    ( COST ) with a view to ensuring cooperation as regards the Community
    concerted projects relating to topics defined in Annexes A to D and
    the relevant programmes of these COST States .
2 . The Commission, is hereby authorized to open negotiations for the
    conclusion of agreements of the kind referred to in the preceding
    paragraph in accordance with the conclusions adopted by the Council on
    18 July 1978 in connection with European Cooperation in the field of
    Scientific and Technical Research ( COST ) .          ..    .
                                Article 7
This Decision shall -enter into force on
Done at
                                                        For the Council ,
                                                        The President ,
 ---pagebreak---                                            -26-
                                        AUNEX A
                   Maize as a Basic Feed for Beef Production .
   Contributions of the Member States to the concerted projects by research
   topics .
    f                     Î        I     I        I       1     f     1       t     1
Research Topics                Β      D    DK        Ρ      GB     I    IRL     L     ML
                                 I
                             !
1 . Practical and                                       I
                             I   I
     applied aspects         j                          I
                                 !                      I
     of using the maize      i
     crop ( whole plant ,        I
     grain and stover )        X I
                                 I
                                     .X             (X) ! (X)     (χ)    χ            X
     for beef produc­
     tion , including re­
     ference to the use      I
     of alternative
     feeds .
2 . I'ietnods of measur­
     ing the nutritive
     value of the maize
     crop and alternati -*     X      X              χ       χ)    x     X            X
     ve forages or crop                                                           I
                                                                                  ί
     residues for rumi­
     nant production                                                        1
                                                                            I
                            I
                                                I
   ( X ) not confirmed
 ---pagebreak---               The Production and Feeding of Single Cell Protein ( SCP )
     Contributions of the Member States to the concerted project by research
 ' . topics .
- v                                                         I
 Research Topics              Β    D    DK   Ρ     GB   I   I IRL   L   NL
 l'.Single Cell Protein
  ; Production from Whey      X    X         X                  X        X
 2. Single Cell Protein
     Production from
     Cellulose                     X         X      X   X       X        X
 3» Nutritional and
     Toxicological eva-
     luation of Single
     Celi Protein             X    X         X      X                    X
 ---pagebreak---                                             -28-
                                          AMÏÏEX C
        Early Weaning of Piglets with special reference to age , rearing and
        physiology of reproduction of sows .
         Contributions of the Member States to the concerted project by research
        topics .
    Research Topics            '    Β     Β      ΕΚ Ρ GB    I     IRL   L     NL
   1 . Rearing of piglets
       in cages and sow fer­
       tility as affected           X     X       X X
       by length of lacta­
       tion
       1.1 , Embryonic morta- J                                             i
             lity and ovula­
             tion rate            1                   X
I      1.2 . The effect of age
             at weaning of fema-:
             les and nutrition            λ         X X         i
                                                                i
             on successive re-          i
                                        i
                                               i
                                               t
I            productive capacity.
       1.3 * Other ( specify)     I
             Hormonal status                          X
   2 . Ration composition for
       early weaned piglets         X
       2.1 . Proteins               x :             x X            X
       2.2 . Additives and
             Vitamins               Χ             χ χ χ            χ
       2.3 . Other ( specify)                     Χ   X    Χ       Χ
   3 . The effect of age at
 I     weaning and piglet
       rearing method on sub­
       sequent performance                X                X
       3.1 . Cage rearing and
             management of pi-
              glets in cage               X       X   X
       3.2 . Environmental con-
             dit ions e.g . Hygiè­
             ne , Behaviour               X         X X
       3.3 . Economical consi­
             derations                              X X
       3i4 « Other ( specify)
             .rattening perfor1-    F
             manees
 ---pagebreak---                                                   -29 -.
                                              AMET D
                      Mineral nutrition of Basic Field Crops
                                     ( Soil-Humus-Mtrogen )
Contributions of the Member States to the concerted project by research
topics .            .
Research Topics                    Β     D    •    DK      Ρ   • GB      I       ERL   L    NL
                              I
    t                         |
        1 . Mineral         ■ I
nitrogen fertiliser
efficiency with and
without the addition              (X     X                               X       (X)       (χ )
of organic materials
of different sources
      2 * The residual
                                                                                     t
efficiency of plant
protection products                X     X  '
on plant growth as                                                           y
affected "by the
DBQMS                                                                                    !
                                                                    ° I
      3 . Preliminary     -
investigations on
the content of the
phenolic compounds
in plant varieties                       X                              (X )
as a possible expla­
nation for higher
                                                                      I
resistance of some                                                    t        i
                                                             I
plants against                                           I
                                                                      i
disease .
                                I               I
 ( x) Not confirmed
 ---pagebreak---                                          -30-
                                   ΑΜΈΧ Ε
               T£RI£> 0i?' Liu? KiiXii-j Oiii Aaj sjCIIPOSJTICI^
                OF THE CONCERTED ACTION COMMITTEE
The Committee shall :
1.1 . contribute to the optimum execution of the programme "by giving
      its opinion on all of its aspects ;
1.2 . evaluate the results and draw conclusions as regards their
      application ;
1.3 . ensure the exchange of information referred to in Article '5 ( a );
1.4 . keep abreast of national research being done in the fields
      covered by the concerted project , and more especially of
      scientific and technical developments likely to affect the
      execution of the project ;
1.5 . suggest guidelines to the project co-ordinator .
The Committee 's reports and opinions shall be forwarded to the
Commission and to the Member States participating in the project .
The Commission shall forward these opinions to the CREST and to
the SCAR .
The Committee shall be composed of persons responsible for coordinating
the national contributions to the programme , and the project co-ordinator .
Each member may be accompanied by experts .
 ---pagebreak---                              FINANCIAL DATA ,
BUDGET CHAPTER s    Chapter 33 item 3371 financial plan reference 371 »1
                             «
HEADING OF THE BUDGET TITLE :           Item 3371 – implementation of conoerted
                                        action projects . Finanoial plan reference s
                                        371*7 • Agricultural Research .
JURIDICAL BASIS s Article 43                                    ■ x
"                    Council Regulation (EEC ) N® 1728/74 of 27 June 1974^-
                     O.J. N° L 182/1 of 5 July 1974 .
DESCRIPTION . OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION OF ACTION :
 4.1 .    Description
          Coordination of some important research work in progress or
          planned in the Member States on four agricultural subjects .
          The enlargement of the coordination to the relevant activities
          undertaken in European Non-Member States is also foreseen .
  4.2 .    Objectives :
           Joint European research effort by implementing four concerted
           projects in the field of
             - Maize as a basic feed for beef production (5 years )
           v, Tl.o yj: q ." motion and feeding of single cell protein (5 years )
           C. Early weaning of piglets (5 years )             .     |
           D. The mineral nutrition of field crops (5 years )
                                 !                  I  -
  4*3 »    Justification .       :    .
          ■Tnis proposal for a research programme is consequent upon a
        suggestion made by the Yugoslavian delegation in COST . The proposed
           research work is in line with the second agricultural research
           programme (Decision of the Council of '30/31 October 1978 ) and it
          has a direot bearing on the Council regulation (EEC ) n° 1728/74
          of 27 June 19740 *                 .
 ---pagebreak---  TOTAL FINANCIAL INCIDENCE OF ACTION IF EUA o
 5.0 .    Incidence on expenditure
 5.0.0 . The . total costs , during the term envisaged ,            funded
         - on Community budget                       1 . 763.800
         - by national administrations J
         - by other sectors at national , 13.000.000
            level                                )
                                         TOTAL     14.763.800       EUA
5.0.1 . Multiannual term i
         C0KMITMENT                                                        in EUA
                            1979        1980        1981        1982         1983     TOTAL
Staff                       87.100      93.200      98.400     104.500      110.600   493 . 80(
Admin .                     32.000      34.200      36.160 :    38.400       40.640   181.40c
Contracts                  192.000     205.400    217.000      230.400      243.800 1.088.600
TOTAL                      311.100     332.800    351.560      373.300      395.040 1.763.800
        ΡΛ γ ,·. ΙΓν>ττρ
                         I  1979   !    1980        1981        1982         1983     TOTAL
                                               !
Staff                       87.100      93.200      98.400     104.500     110.600    493.800
Admin .                     32.000      34.200      36.160      38.400       40.640   181.400
Contracts                  192.000   ! 205.400    217.000      230.400     243.800 L. 088 . 600
TOTAL                      311.100     332.800     351.560     373.300    • 395.040 1.763.800
 ---pagebreak---      5.0.2 •  Evaluation method
              a . Staff expenditures
                  The staff needs for this programme are estimated at :
                  1 category A staff
                  1 category C staff
    w.            In addition to staff number estimates , the evaluation takes into
     i            aooount the parameters adopted for the establishment of the pro­
                  posal for the "budget forecast 1979 * Only a variation of the
                   correction ooeffioients is considered to meet possible rseeSs
                   originating from the general evolution of pricea in the CoEHaiualt,
              b . Administrative expenditures
                  They cover the costs of missions , organization of meetings
                   ( concerted action committees ), convocation of experts .
              c. Contracts expenditures
                  They cover all expenditures arising from service-contracts and
                  provid.6               the means for : project coordinator , hi ^ secretariat $
                  workshops ,                            exchange of research workers , training of
                  specialist , publications , etc .
              d . Multiannual forecasts
                  ■ ■i - in –■ ■ i ■ i ■  –i – ■   ■■■■■    ■■ ■
                  The indices applied to calculate the forecasts are as follows :
                  1980 - 1.07 , I98I - 1,13 , 1982 - 1,20 , 1983 - 1,27 .
    5.1 .     Incidence on the funds
6 . CONTROL MEASURES FORESEEN .                           ,
      Scientific control : each concerted project is controlled by its Concerted
   . Action Committee .
      Administrative controls :                                                      . x            «
      - Regularity of expenditures                             Financial Control
      - Budget exécution : Financial Control
7 . FUNDING ACTION .             '            .
      7.0.                                       ,      .          .
      7.1 .                            .                        '
       7.2 .
       7.3 . Funds to be included in future budgets .