Objectives of the workpackages

Workpackage 1: Project initiation

Objectives:

• activating the whole project
• defining guidelines for the evaluation of existing data collection and processing systems

Workpackage 2: Data collection and processing systems for conventional markets

Objectives:

• Collate information on existing data collection and processing systems (DCPS) for conventional markets
  
• Analyse these in order to develop reference models for organic market information systems.

Workpackage 3: Data collection and processing systems (DCPS) for organic markets

Objectives:

• collate information on existing data collection and processing systems (DCPS) for organic markets
• compare conventional and organic DCPS
• make suggestions for harmonisation of organic DCPS within running systems of conventional DCPS.

Workpackage 4: European seminar on development, harmonisation and quality assurance of organic DCPS

Objectives:

• further develop the proposals for harmonising data collection and processing systems for organic and conventional markets by means of a European seminar for national and international experts and stakeholders
  
• develop proposals for ensuring the quality of collected data
  
  

Workpackage 5: Co-ordinate and evaluate pilot applications of DCPS improvements in selected countries

Objectives:

• To co-ordinate pilot studies in key European countries (GB, DE, AT, CH, DK, IT, NL, PL) and at international level (Eurostat, FAO)
• To collate and evaluate the pilot study results with respect the recommendations generated out of WP2, WP3 and WP 4.

Workpackage 6: European seminar to define framework for a European Information System for Organic Markets

Objectives:

• Prepare a framework for the long-term establishment of a European wide data collection and processing system (DCPS) including:
  
• possibilities to improve the current situation of volume and quality of data collecting systems, including the needed cost frames for the upgrading,
  
• recommendations to implement data collecting and processing systems for the organic sector in Europe
  
• recommendations for the integration of conventional and organic data collecting and processing systems
  
• Debate proposals at a 2nd European workshop and agree final proposals with key national/international agencies, so that these agencies can undertake implementation phase as part of ongoing activities
  
  

Workpackage 7: Communication and dissemination

Objectives:

• Support the activity in other WPs by implementing an electronic system of information exchange among partners
• Establish a forum for communication between partners in EISfOM and stakeholders (farmers, consultants, inspection bodies, academics, policy makers, public institutions, consumers and citizens, firms and other institutions)
• Disseminate the results of the EISfOM Concerted Action to interested parties within organic farming and food production
• Present available organic market data in an internet-accessible electronic database
• Complete annual financial and progress reports