Proposal for a new Joint EIARD-SCAR Strategic Working Group

Transcription

1 Proposal for a new Joint EIARD-SCAR Strategic Working Group European Agricultural Research towards greater impact on global challenges In response to a recommendation by the SCAR/EIARD/ERA-ARD Task Force in their report Improving the contribution of European Agricultural Research to Agricultural Research for Development and on the initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs Coordinator of the ERA-ARD II project funded under the 7 th Framework Programme of the European Commission, a preparatory group was established to prepare a Draft Terms of Reference for a new Strategic Working Group (SWG). The group comprises Jürgen Anthofer, Patricia Wagenmakers, Elfriede Fuhrmann, Wolfgang Kasten, Eric Regouin and Alex Percy-Smith. These draft Terms of Reference will be presented to the SCAR Plenary and EIARD WG/ECG for adoption. Page 1 of 6

2 Draft Terms of Reference for a new Joint EIARD-SCAR Strategic Working Group European Agricultural Research towards greater impact on Global Challenges AR <>ARD Background Whilst Agricultural Research (AR) in Europe has traditionally addressed national needs in Europe, Agricultural Research for Development (ARD) has focussed on development goals in poorer countries often aiming at contributing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Nevertheless, the ERA-ARD conference held in June 2007 demonstrated the beginning of a convergence of focal issues to be addressed within AR for Europe and ARD at the international level, and this has been followed up at the 2013 International Conference. Today, we focus on even broader partnerships including NGOs and the private sector to promote effective research-topractice e.g. L Aquila Food Security Initiative, G8, G20, GCARD, etc. According to a study published in 2012 by DG AGRI 1 and to EUROSTAT data, European public investment in agricultural research amounts to around 3 billion p.a. and some 300 m. p.a. from the European Commission. Based on data collected by ERA-ARD and EIARD members 2, European funding for ARD programmes channelled through institutions such as the CGIAR, FARA, ASARECA, the various national agricultural systems of developing countries, some CSOs, etc. is estimated at around 350 m. per year. This amounts to only around 10% of the European investment in AR by the European Commission and the Member States. A further 350 m. is used by EU Members states to fund European agricultural research institutions to conduct research activities in (and generally with) developing countries. More important than these quantitative figures is the fact that ARD investments are nested within many different budget lines and channelled through different ministries and line agencies at national level leading to fragmentation and uncoordinated support. The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) is committed to contributing to harmonization of Agricultural Research within Europe. The SCAR is increasingly addressing global challenges like food security and climate change. Moreover, with the launch of the European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-A) following a multi-stakeholder approach the methodologies of AR and ARD are converging. 1 European Commission, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development. "CAP towards 2020 Impact Assessment"; Annex 7: Research and Innovation. Brussels. December See at: /index_en.htm 2 Report Task force SCAR/EIARD/ERA-ARD Page 2 of 6

3 The European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development (EIARD) is a permanent informal ARD policy coordination platform with the goal of promoting and implementing coherent European policies at international, regional and sub-regional levels in order to increase the impact of agricultural research for development (ARD) on poverty reduction, food security and sustainable management of natural resources in developing countries. According to FAO projections, there will be some 9 billion people to feed globally by the year The pressure due to lack of food security, changing food habits, concerns for the environment and use of natural resources together with the effects of climate change are immense not only for developing countries but also for Europe and include access to commodities and markets, material, addressing emerging diseases etc. Agricultural research and innovation is one of the main options available to address the challenges of improving food security, reducing poverty and creating income growth while ensuring environmental sustainability, particularly in the longer term. It is widely recognised that many of these challenges are global issues and often need to be addressed in global, multi-stakeholder partnerships but balanced with regional and local issues. This places huge demands on coordination of efforts at National, European and Global levels. However, despite positive developments insufficient coordination of European investments in AR and ARD still exists. Lack of coordination between different ministries and funding mechanisms at national and at European level still represents a hindrance to more effective use of public investments aimed at addressing global challenges and ultimately increasing impact on poverty alleviation. There is also a lack of coordination with other international agencies and with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in developing countries. The SCAR/EIARD/ERA-ARD Task force report 3 responded to these persisting uncoordinated investments by formulating a key recommendation to set up a Strategic Working Group on linkages between AR and AR4D. Rationale European agricultural research must now also focus on global challenges such as food security and climate change. Cooperation between SCAR and EIARD through a Joint EIARD-SCAR Strategic Working Group will strengthen Europe s position in solving global issues that are the common interest and commitment of Europe and the global community. In order to further strengthen mechanisms for focusing on global issues, AR and ARD will improve policy dialogue as well as coordination mechanisms at European, national and institutional levels. This includes more joint funding. In order to address global issues, links between Europe and other regions and countries of the world are imperative. The geofocus of these linkages should 3 Improving the contribution of European Agricultural Research to Agricultural Research for Development Report from a SCAR, EIARD & ERA-ARD Task Force Page 3 of 6

4 include not just the traditional poorest countries of the South, but also the heterogeneous group of countries with economies in various stages of development such as the so-called BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as well as countries included in other groupings. The Joint EIARD-SCAR SWG will strengthen linkages between AR and ARD and, thereby, be in a position to support these changes in focus. Cooperation between funders of research will improve efficiency of research investments and impact on global issues. Coordination of research programmes between Ministries at national levels and between DGs at the level of the European Commission and improved alignment of policies and programmes within Europe and between Europe and other regions of the world will also improve efficiency of research investments and increase synergy. The Joint SWG will add value to coordination at the various levels. Acknowledging that research on its own will not address development problems completely, it is necessary to use a broader approach. The issues of converting research into useful knowledge and practises and the task of transferring this knowledge and practice to farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, is a critical issue, as is the task of strengthening the capacities of farmers to make use of new agricultural knowledge. In addition, the role of the private sector should be integrated into a broader approach. A further critical issue is the need to create better linkages that help embed research in the broader development context thereby enabling developmental change. The Joint SWG will ensure such linkages are considered. Objectives A Joint EIARD-SCAR Strategic Working Group for improved linkages between Agricultural Research and Agricultural Research for Development aims at improved coordination in Europe leading to more efficient investments in agricultural research and consequently to higher impact on the solution to global challenges. Expected outcomes The expected outcomes of a Joint EIARD-SCAR Strategic Working Group for improved linkages between Agricultural Research and Agricultural Research for Development include: Improved coordination between countries leading to more synergy Greater impact on solving global issues Improved efficiency of use of research funding Potential activities General Reflect on and respond to the recommendations made in the SCAR/EIARD/ERA-ARD Task force paper Improving the contribution of European Agricultural Research to Agricultural Research for Development Page 4 of 6

5 Once established the Joint SWG should broaden the task force study to include a greater number of countries and a broader number of issues in cases where an added value can be identified Evaluate the potential of aligning national and international funding and strategic partnerships Country level Consult and advise ministries on inter-ministerial coordination on AR and ARD linkages either through EIARD and SCAR or directly to inter-ministerial groupings when they exist Lobby for the establishment of national coordination mechanisms Coordinate and back-up national coordination mechanisms where existing Establish country platforms working towards closer AR-ARD linkages at national level Promote exchange of experiences between European countries and promote best practices in linkage mechanisms at the levels of institutions, funding instruments and partnerships between research, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and NGOs. European level Initiate a permanent coordination mechanism (SRIC) at EC level on AR and ARD linkages targeting DG RTD, DEVCO and AGRI Establish an advisory group to support and advise the European Commission on improved coordination of research policies and themes as well as developing existing and future research funding mechanisms and instruments Maintain a regular dialogue between Member States and the Commission in order to improve coordination of national and European initiatives Global level Provide contributions to the GCARD Road Map and other initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural research for global impact Provide contributions to improve coordination between international agencies, particularly the CGIAR, and national, regional and sub-regional research systems Modalities of operation The SWG will be a Joint EIARD-SCAR SWG and comprises National Representatives from both groupings that are committed and willing to invest time in the activities of the SWG. It will be led by a Chair appointed by the SWG itself. Regular meetings will be held and considerable emphasis will be put on communication of its work and recommendations to a broad range of stakeholders through national bodies, SCAR, EIARD and others. This Joint SWG reports to the SCAR Plenary through the SCAR Working Group and to the EIARD European Coordination Group through the EIARD Working Group. Page 5 of 6

6 Regular reflection of achievements of this Joint SWG will be made. An evaluation made will take place after 2 years and presented to EIARD and SCAR prior to a possible continuation. Next Steps The Preparatory Group will carry the preparatory phase forward in a parallel process to the next SCAR Plenary on 6 th June 2013 and to the next EIARD Working Group meeting. The EIARD and SCAR Executive Secretaries will invite member states to a first meeting to be held as shortly after these meetings. At the first meeting the Joint SWG will establish itself and appoint a chair person. Draft Terms of Reference written by: Jürgen Anthofer, Patricia Wagenmakers, Elfriede Fuhrmann, Wolfgang Kasten, Eric Regouin and Alex Percy-Smith Page 6 of 6