MOUNTAIN QUALITY FOOD PROJECT
2002-2004

Introduction

In 2000, on the occasion of the Trento Mountain Convention, Euromontana emphasised the comparative advantage of the food products of the mountain areas, which it justifiably describe as "reservoir of diversity". However, both the world and equally the European economic context tend to progressively marginalise these regions and their products, which in a purely economic logic have trouble finding their place. It is essential therefore to study the development of mountain products through innovation and quality, responding to the consumer expectations. Euromontana decided to act by establishing with 14 partners a European study programme on the mountain food products.

Context of the project and objectives

Euromontana has coordinated from October 2002 to September 2004 a European research programme on mountain food products, financed by the framework of the 5th RTD Programme of the DG Research (European Commission). The aim is to develop and put at the disposal of the actors and professionals some useful tools for the development of mountain products.

The 14 partners are from different mountain areas of 8 European countries: Spain, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania and Norway. They are development agencies, local authorities, research or training centres or associations that work on this theme of food products at the level of their mountain territories.

The two objectives of the project are:

• The creation of an Internet site that will make available strategic information on the mountain products with the long-term potential to become a resource centre for the professionals in these areas,
• The development of political proposals and strategic recommendations at the European level, based on a European Charter of the mountain products.

Methodology and results

The study comprises two series of questionnaires conducted in 10 study areas in 8 European countries. The first questionnaire permitted the collection of data on more than 120 products. The second study took the form of case studies on 18 of the previously studied products. The legislation concerning these products has also been studied in the 8 countries.

Consultation with a larger public has been made possible through two seminars. The "technical" seminar in Turin (February 2004) involved the participation of targeted experts to deepen and refine the final findings of the project. Then, the final conference in Cordoba (July 2004) enabled a large audience to validate the future developments of the Internet site and a European Charter of quality mountain products.

European information website

In 8 languages, the website makes available the results of the project, namely :

• information on the national and European regulations on the mountain and quality products,
• examples of local innovative initiatives, the relevant contacts to promote exchanges,
• an analysis of the success factors.

This European resource centre will be developed by referring other processes to it, ongoing projects, and news on this theme in order to make it a "centre for exchange of information on mountain food products on the European level". This site will be available online from October 2004 and should be associated to projects and exchanges in the field with the support of Euromontana.

A European Charter on quality mountain food products

The point of such a Charter is to write down the common perceptions and the concepts on what constitutes a mountain product in order to promote the cooperation, begin the engagement of different actors in order to develop these products and finally to raise awareness and engage the European and national institutions. Euromontana foresees a period of consultation from now on and will be going progressively towards a wide recognition and ownership of this Charter by the mountain organisations in Europe. The Charter would have first a political role. It would be signed by all the professionals, national or international institutions, research and development centres. Euromontana will also formulate its own recommendations to the European Commission, and when appropriate, to the national governments.

The whole information on this project is available at:
Internet site:www.mountainproducts-europe.org