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First stage questionnaireThe market for organic food has been growing rapidly in Europe, but has been characterised by a lack of sound statistical data on its size, characteristics or growth rates. Responding to this, EISFOM is an EU-funded Concerted Action whose aim is to develop a framework for reporting valid and reliable production and market data on the European organic sector, in order to meet the needs of policy makers, farmers, processors, wholesalers and other actors involved in organic markets. It has been formed by a network of researchers and agencies who have been researching and publishing organic farming statistics for several years. The network aims to co-operate closely with regional, national and European statistical offices as well as market partners on all levels, using existing structures for collecting and processing data on the organic market as well as stimulating the development of new ones by adapting existing models. The concerted action is therefore about co-operation between all agencies engaged in collecting and using data, involving the integration and harmonisation of existing systems, both general agriculture/food industry and specialist organic. We are seeking to avoid duplication of activities and to explore potential for building on systems already in place rather than "reinventing the wheel". We have already secured the full co-operation of Eurostat and DG Agri in the European Commission in this initiative. We would now like to ensure the fullest participation of other data collecting agencies, stakeholders, users and other interested parties in the process of developing a comprehensive statistical system and would like to invite relevant organisations and individuals to respond to our initial questionnaire and to become a member of the concerted action. If you would like to be involved in this project, please complete this first questionnaire and expression of interest in membership. Please return it as soon as possible to Alison Vaughan at the address below or e-mail: acv@aber.ac.uk. We would welcome a response and a completed questionnaire even if you do not wish to become a full member. Yours sincerely Nic Lampkin
Return address for the information sheetAlison Vaughan Tel: +44 (0)1970 621626
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