The problem

EUROCROP aims to define a common vision for the future of research and development related to arable crops. EUROCROP brings together concerned stakeholders and actors, to reach a collective analysis of research needs in order to improve the European arable crops competitiveness, and propose appropriate action.

Overview:

EUROCROP employs a cross-cutting approach which focuses on:

• Arable crops (cereals, oilseeds, sugar beets, fibre crops, potatoes, grain legumes and maize)
• Transversal elements of competitiveness including technical aspects at farming level, farm economics and production costs, outlets and markets, quality of agricultural products, environmental impacts and socio-economic issues

These topics will be addressed by specialists and invited experts, in a series of workshops. The main results of this 32 months coordination action will be a strategic research plan and the establishment of a European network of experts.

Contribution to policy development:

• The project will help develop a common vision of Europe’s arable crop R&D needs.
• By prioritising R&D objectives, it will enhance the cost- and socio-economic benefits in this field.
• The project will develop recommendations for policy improvements on ethical and health standards and environmental protection in arable agriculture.

Project deliverables

• Specifications for addressing research needs by crop - September 2006
• Chain synthesis reports for minor cereals, oilseeds, sugar beet, fibre crops, potatoes, grain legumes and maize - April 2007
• Analyses of farm economics and production costs, outlets and markets, quality of agricultural products, environmental effects, and socio-economic issues - February 2008
• Final conference - August 2008
• Final report - December 2008

Dissemination

• Project website - from August 2006
• Conference proceedings - August 2008
• A series of expert workshops on key themes affecting arable agriculture research

Technical information

Project acronym: EUROCROP
Project's official full title: Agricultural Research for Improving Arable Crop Competitiveness 
Research priority: Modernisation and sustainability of agriculture and forestry, including their multifunctional role in order to ensure the sustainable development and promotion of rural areas
Specific webpage: http://www.eurocrop.cetiom.fr
Proposal/contract no: 22757
Start date: May 2006
Kick off meeting: May 2006
Completion date: January 2008
European Commission scientific officer: Hans-Jörg Lutzeyer (Hans-Joerg.Lutzeyer@ec.europa.eu)

Coordinator: Etienne Pilorgé
Name: Centre Technique Interprofessionnel des Oléagineux Métropolitains 
Abbreviated name: CETIOM
Address: BP4, Centre de Grignon, 78850 Thiverval-Grignon
Country: France
Tel.: +33 1 30 79 95 66
Fax: +33 1 30 79 95 90
Website: http://www.cetiom.fr/    

Partners

Name: European Agricultural Research Initiative
Abbreviated name: EURAGRI
Country: The Netherlands      

Name: Università di Bologna, Dipartimento di Economia e Ingegneria Agrarie
Abbreviated name: DEIAGRA
Country: Italy 

Name: Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León
Abbreviated name: ITACYL
Country: Spain           

Name: Federal Agricultural Research Centre
Abbreviated name: FAL (GE)
Country: Germany      

Name: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Département caractérisation et Elaboration des Produits Issus de l'Agriculture
Abbreviated name: INRA CEPIA
Country: France         

Name: Central Science Laboratory
Abbreviated name: CSL
Country: United Kingdom      

Name: Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research. Station ART
Abbreviated name: ART
Country: Switzerland  

Name: European Seeds Association
Abbreviated name: ESA
Country: EU-Belgium 

Name: European Fertiliser Manufacturers Association
Abbreviated name: EFMA
Country: EU-Belgium 

Name: European Crop Protection Association
Abbreviated name:
Country: EU-Belgium 

Name: Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations in the European Union
Abbreviated name: COPA/COGECA
Country: EU-Belgium           

Name: Arvalis Institut du Végétal
Abbreviated name: ARVALIS
Country: France         

Name: Agricultural Research Institute Kromeriz Ltd
Abbreviated name: Institute Kromeriz
Country: Czech Republic        

Name: Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants
Abbreviated name: UFOP
Country: Germany

Name: International Institute for Beet Research
Abbreviated name: IIRB
Country: EU-Belgium 

Name: Institute of Natural Fibers
Abbreviated name: INF Poznan
Country: Poland         

Name: British Potato Council
Abbreviated name: BPC
Country: United Kingdom      

Name: European Association for Grain Legumes Research
Abbreviated name: AEP
Country: EU-France  

Name: Confédération Européenne des Producteurs de Maïs
Abbreviated name: CEPM
Country: EU-Spain    

Name: Organisation Générale des Consommateurs
Abbreviated name: ORGECO
Country: France         

Name: European Feed Manufacturers Association
Abbreviated name: FEFAC
Country: EU-Belgium

Name: European Committee of Associations of Manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery
Abbreviated name: CEMA
Country: EU-Belgium

Name: Confederation of Food and Drink Industries in the EU
Abbreviated name: CIAA
Country: EU-Belgium 

Name: European Chemical Industry Council
Abbreviated name: CEFIC
Country: EU-Belgium 

Name: Gruppo183
Abbreviated name: Gruppo183
Country: Italy