Workpackage 2 (WP 2)

Objectives

To review the study countries in terms of agri-food production and marketing (including the influence of CAP) and with a particular emphasis on the study commodities. To review and evaluate the study countries in terms of social, cultural, economic and political factors (potentially) influencing economic relationships and communication, with a focus on the food chain environment of the selected commodities. To confirm the commodities and associated differentiated products to be studied in each country. To provide input for the primary data collection process in WP3.

Description of work

The review of agri-food production and marketing systems will cover key structural and conduct features as well as performance, drawing on secondary information sources. The review and evaluation of the study countries’ food chain systems and influencing factors will involve desk-based research of existing literature and data in each participating country, including research conducted for previous EU funded projects with which the consortium members have been involved. Desk-based research relating to all objectives will be supplemented by interviews with representatives from industry/trade associations as required.

Up to three depth interviews (one each representing farmers, processors and retailers) will be conducted for each commodity. These interviewees will form the basis of a consultation panel. This panel will be consulted at critical stages throughout the project and will have particular importance in WP6.

Particularly those factors potentially influencing the development of sustainable economic relationships and communication that have been identified in WP1 will be reviewed and evaluated. In doing so, the focus of WP2 will be on the production, processing and marketing of the selected commodities. That is, economic relationship, co-ordination and communication within the business to business (B2B) component of the chain and factors influencing these will be explored mainly. However, it is intended to include also relationship, co-ordination and communication issues between businesses and consumers (B2C) where it effects, and is important for, the former (B2B).

WP2 will be a key input to WP3. It will confirm the selected commodities/products, provide data for the development of a sampling frame and guidelines on associated selection criteria, and give guidance on the issues to be included in the questionnaires. Research hypotheses developed in WP1 will be advanced in order to be tested in the survey.

Deliverables

Report 2, one section per country (D3), will review some of the key characteristics of the study countries, will enable confirmation of the selected commodities and associated differentiated products and provide key input into WP3.

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