Workpackage 6 (WP 6)
Objectives
To evaluate project findings from the cross-country survey in WP4 and the country-specific research in WP5, and identify means of improving food chain performance with particular focus on communication and sustainable economic relationships. To derive recommendations for possible EU policy development and actions to be taken in order to enhance well-functioning relationships and communication within selected EU food chains.
Description of work
WP6 will draw on all research findings of the project. In particular, the theoretical framework outlined in WP1 will serve as the conceptual basis for the evaluation. The detailed cross-country analysis in WP4, and the country-specific research in WP5, will help evaluate the variables which influence communication and economic relationships in the selected European food chains. A number of evaluation levels will be considered, such as the relevance of the findings for food chain companies, SMEs, and policy-makers. The evaluation will consider the contribution of communication and economic relationships to various dimensions of efficiency (e.g., technical, pricing or allocative efficiencies), as well as the effectiveness of food chains in meeting the interests of their participants, from farmers through to consumers. The cost-benefit relationship of the research findings, and the potential interest for a wider, non-scientific public will also be considered.
Strong focus will be given to the significance of the research findings and evaluation for EU agricultural and related policy-making. The economic, social, market, political and cultural factors which influence communication and economic relationships in the selected food chains will be evaluated, with a view to highlighting those factors which may have contributed to the weakening or strengthening of links in European food chains.
Based on the overall findings, policy recommendations will be derived which identify in particular the areas and means of improving economic relationships and communication in EU food chains. Other recommendations in relation to areas such as chain operation, business interaction and support systems will also be made. Preliminary recommendations will be presented to the consultation panel for discussion.
The evaluation will consider the country-specific situations, alongside the wider EU perspective. Recommendations will be made, as appropriate, at the different geographical levels.
Deliverables
Report 6 (D7), will deliver a series of evaluative perspectives of the project findings, and will make recommendations according to country, food chain type, and commodity type.
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