Agricultural research to benefit from ERA structure
A European agricultural research area will be set up following discussions between the European Commission and directors of agricultural research (EURAGRI) from the EU's Member States. The announcement, made on 21 September, is the fruit of collaborative efforts dating back to an initial meeting between European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and EURAGRI in April 2000. Commissioner Busquin welcomed the initiative and spelt out how research could aid the development of agriculture in Europe. 'Research has a crucial role to play in developing forms of agriculture which are sustainable whilst at the same time satisfying the health and qualitative norms and demands of the consumer. The European research area and the new framework programme will provide a more visionary and coherent use of human and financial resources necessary to achieve these goals,' said the Commissioner. The practical details of the proposal were put to Commissioner Busquin and Agriculture and Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler in a EURAGRI position paper. The actions proposed in this include networking and co-ordinating national food and agricultural research programmes, with the option of opening them up to third parties. This would result in the creation of a strong scientific research base to support the European Union's common agricultural policy. Commissioner Fischler highlighted agriculture's need for further pioneering research to help it develop. 'Agricultural research can provide the necessary basis for making responsible use of new technologies,' he said, adding that nothing could be worse in the field of biotechnology than a 'wait and see approach.' The EURAGRI paper pinpoints areas such as agri-environmental interactions, genetic biodiversity, bio-nanotechnology, enlargement logistics, organic farming and the ethics of food production as areas where substantial progress could be made by creating networks of excellence. EURAGRI have also highlighted some existing networks of cooperation between Member States, which it would like to see expanded. In addition, the paper proposes that the qualifications attained by those working in this research be mutually recognised, such as PhD qualifications in food and agricultural sciences. It would also like to see a forum established to discuss the issues that arise from the area with European stakeholders. A citizens' conference is planned next year aimed at helping to establish the forum.