Project info
Funding programme: 6th framework programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6)
Duration: February 2007 – January 2010
Coordinator: Euromontana
More info: project brochure
EuroMARC
Mountain agrofood products in Europe, their consumers, retailers and local initiatives
EuroMARC aims to provide a representative overview of the different consumer perceptions of mountain food products and related retail practices.
To this end, EuroMARC analysed the actions of producers, farmers and policymakers in relation to these products. The project integrated different approaches, including consumer research, economic analysis, rural sociology and political science. EuroMARC partners also carried out consumer surveys, distribution channel analysis, interviews with stakeholders in the food supply chain and field studies on mountain food and rural development in different mountain areas in the Highlands, Alps, Scandinavia, Massif Central and Carpathians.
The partnership consists of 10 partners from 6 EU and non-EU mountain countries. Euromontana is the project coordinator and ENITA Clermont-Ferrand is the scientific coordinator. Three Euromontana members are part of the consortium: University of Maribor, ISARA – Lyon and UHI Perth College.
Impact
Through the study of mountain food value chains and surveys of producers, consumers and retailers, the EuroMARC project has contributed to a better understanding of the perception of mountain products in the wider society. EuroMARC has helped to demonstrate the value of mountain products and their reputation for quality. The project has shown that stakeholders are interested in highlighting the assets and quality of mountain food products.
Moreover, by analysing the policy framework related to quality food, the project has paved the way for a reflection on the creation of a European label for mountain products, which could enhance the quality of the products while guaranteeing their origin.
Key results
Briefs on mountain products
To improve the general understanding of the valorisation of mountain products, EuroMARC has produced a series of briefs:
• An overview of consumers’ perception of mountain quality food products
• An overview of retailers’ perceptions of mountain quality food products
• An overview of the actors of the food supply chain involved in the promotion of mountain food products
• An overview of successful initiatives to promote mountain food products, in particular through LEADER
• An overview of European and national policies affecting mountain food value chains
Partners
Euromontana (coordinator)
ENITA – Clermont Ecole Nationale d’ingénieur des Techniques Agricoles de Clermont-Ferrand, Food Quality and Economics Departement
University of Innsbruck, Mountain Agriculture Research Unit
Scottish Agricultural College
University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture
Österreiches Institut für Raumplannung
ISARA – Lyon, Institut Supérieur d’Agriculture Rhône-Alpes
University of Highlands, Perth College Centre for mountain studies
Institute of Montanology from Cristian-Sibiu
National Institute for Consumer Research