Strategic Use of Competitiveness towards Consolidating the Economic Sustainability of the european Seafood sector

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SUCCESS (Strategic Use of Competitiveness towards Consolidating the Economic Sustainability of the european Seafood sector)

Berichtszeitraum: 2016-10-01 bis 2018-03-31

SUCCESS is investigating solutions to improve the competitiveness of the European fisheries and aquaculture sector and examines mostly two strategies: (i) increasing demand for EU seafood products, especially enlightening the awareness about the advantages of European production; and (ii) changes in production systems. Around 18 promising ‘rooms for improvement’ were identified, as well as over 25 operational policy options.

A modelling toolbox was developed, combining for the first time three different models: adaptation of two existing macroeconomic models (AGMEMOD and MAGNET) and construction of a microeconomic model (‘marginal cost approach’). Outcomes from this modelling work have been presented in several international events, and were quoted by some general media (e.g. The Guardian). Such a toolbox makes it possible to address quantitatively some general issues such as the Brexit, changes in consumption patterns or fisheries management issues. The importance and impacts of non-tariff measures (NTM) on the whole seafood sector have been also analysed through the development of a full database and interviews of key stakeholders. A workshop has been organized on NTM with industry representatives and policy makers, and some first results were presented during the WSC 2017, as well as during the DG MARE Conference organised in Malta in 2016.
In order to further analyse consumer preferences, a report on the economic patterns of international seafood consumption (D2.1) analysed the consumption functions for the period 1990–2011. Two large surveys were launched in 8 countries, with consumers’ Focus Groups (FG) being organised in the meanwhile to test the results and refine the questioning. First results were presented in international conferences (IIFET 2016, Aquaculture Europe –AE- 2016), and further results were presented in several SUCCESS events (Slowfish 2017; Santander 2017). SUCCESS also contributed also to the priority “public perceptions of aquaculture” of the Galway Statement, by presenting outcomes of the project at several International events (EAFE 2015, WAS 2016, AE 2016, EAFE 2017, AACSF 2017, Halifax, NMEA 2017, Charleston). This work was complemented by an analysis of the impact of culinary TV programs on consumers’ preferences through an online survey conducted in several countries. Results were presented at EAFE 2015, IIFET 2016 and AIELF 2017 (Poznan 2017). Some analyses were conducted about the of seafood products in public restaurants in several countries (D2.2). Results were presented in international Conference (GIKA 2017 and stakeholder workshops - Brest 2016). Lastly, new products and packaging methods has been developed (e.g. ‘unvalved mussels’ in Greece, involving also consumers’ tests and promotion workshops).
To help improving the competitiveness of the seafood industry, several production systems have been fully analysed through the description of management systems in place and the description of production systems involved in the project’s case studies. This work was finalized with three key deliverables dealing with competitiveness indicators, ‘rooms for improvement’ and comparative analyses. Some of the results from this work have been presented in international events (e.g. EAFE 2017, Slowfish 2017, MARE 2017, AE 2017). Outcomes were also given back by partners to local contributors or interested stakeholders. Outcomes about this work have been disseminated through different articles in industry journals (e.g. Eurofish Magazine issues 2017/4, 2017/6 and 2018/1). This work also includes the development of an “easy to use” tool for processing AER fisheries time-series connected with other source of data. To complement this work, some initiatives have been developed to identify and qualify the potential non-market values in three different countries and for two different production systems (D3.5).
A description of the value-chains has been undertaken at ‘general’ and case studies (CS) levels, with the collection of primary data. An initial study has been completed on price integration in international seafood trade and was complemented by a full analysis of price transmission and market power in the CS value chains. Results were presented at IIFET 2016; WAS 2016; EAFE 2017, SLOWFISH 2017, Spanish Aquaculture Conference - CNA, Santander Workshop).
To provide adequate outcomes, key stakeholders have been identified and intensively consulted. The project resulted in the identification of numerous and practical policy options (D5.2; D5.3). In addition, several films on Success Stories have been produced to inform about and promote alternative practices from all over Europe.

1. Added-value of the modelling tool box is expected for the existing internationally recognized macroeconomics models, with the development of a a ‘seafood’ dimension. This is a clear innovation in the modelling world, conducted also in cooperation with specialists in this area of work (e.g. FAO and OECD).
2. The non-trade measures activity enabled the development of a huge international trade database and the collection of pioneering information from stakeholders. Due to the sensitivity of such topics, these results are expected to generate strong impacts in the future.
3. The work about consumption patterns ( incl. public restaurants and impact of TV culinary programs) generated some important new knowledge whose outcomes could be especially of interest for policy makers. Some regional and local policy-makers have already shown strong interest in the work performed.
4. The analysis of the competitiveness of the different production systems is expected to generate important impacts in the fisheries management sector. In particular, the work conducted challenged the (in)adequacy of DCF available data in fisheries and aquaculture for research needs on competiveness and sustainability assessment including several dimensions (economic, social and environmental) in particular for specific segments.
5. The project also showed that in addition to STECF / AER data, national data are needed to define and estimate more accurate indicators of competitiveness. Results obtained through the project can clearly improve knowledge about the economic performances of the production system and one of the methodologies adapted from the agriculture sector (Agri- Benchmark) also has some promising potential.
6. Methodologies developed for full value-chain understanding are expected to have some further impacts, as suggested by the presentations made during international events and SUCCESS events. In particular, a better understanding of the markets, including the substitution effects, can be of direct interest for both the seafood industry and the policy makers. In this context, the policy options identified are likely to generate important impacts on the society as a whole.

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Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SUCCESS (Strategic Use of Competitiveness towards Consolidating the Economic Sustainability of the european Seafood sector)

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