Agricultural problems need to be better identified, say experts
Some actual problems need to be better identified, according to the External Advisory Group reporting on the Key Action "Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Integrated Development of Rural Areas". For example, more explicit descriptions are required for the specific problems facing European agriculture, such as "the future of European agriculture with respect to genetically modified organisms" and "the growth and control of organic farming". However, the work programme of this Key Action under the thematic programme "Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources" of the fifth Framework Programme (FP5) for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (RTD) covers all potential problems, which either exist now or can arise, according to the EAG. The Group approached the work programme by asking three questions, the first being: "Does the Key Action deal adequately with the problem solving approach, have the correct problems been addressed and has the way to tackle them been correctly described?" The EAG considered that some of the actual problems needed better identification, with greater elaboration of specific problems facing European agriculture, such as "the future of European agriculture with respect to genetically modified organisms" and "the growth and control of organic farming". Furthermore there should be adequate recognition of and consultation with existing networks in the sectors established in past Framework actions, while adopting the problem-solving approach. The second question asked by the EAG was: "Have the deliverables been clearly presented and are they sufficiently measurable both during the lifetime of the programme and at the end?" The Group felt that the major socio-economic deliverable of this Key Action must be the establishment of conditions to ensure sustainable rural development. Furthermore, it must provide the scientific and technological basis upon which agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry non-food and related industries will retain their competitive edge, adapt to evolving societal requirements and respond to pressing environmental concerns. The EAG emphasised here that research is a very important tool in achieving this, although there are other factors that come into play and must be recognised when measuring the progress of the Key Action. "Is the choice of RTD priorities in 1999 appropriate to meet the programme objectives and achieve the anticipated deliverables?" was the last question the EAG asked. It was felt that the concept of a road map was very relevant, but, because of the complex nature of the bullet points within Key Action 5, it should be made clear which aspects are open and when. According to the EAG, linkage between RTD actions should be more transparent. Cross-referencing between sections should be shown, wherever appropriate. The Group also recommended a joint meeting of the EAGs on "Health, Food and Environmental Factors", "The Cell Factory" and "Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, including Integrated Development of Rural Areas" to discuss specific topics of mutual interest in order to promote synergies and avoid overlap.