E Ceglarska, EC Research Directorate General, Brussels, Belgium

This cross-theme seminar covering EU-Funded Research, cuts across the entire BCPC Seminars themes. It will focus on research activities supported under the European Union (EU) funded Fifth and Sixth European Community Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development.

For those unfamiliar with this European research initiative, Framework Programmes (FP) are the EU’s main means of research funding in Europe . They come as a result of EU government’s determination to create an internal market for science and technology. To foster scientific excellence, competitiveness and innovation through the promotion of better co-operation and co-ordination. Economic growth increasingly depends on research, and many of the foreseeable challenges can no longer be solved at national level alone. Framework Programmes cover a five year period, with the last year of one FP, and the first year of the following FP overlapping.

The primary aim of this seminar is to disseminate the results already obtained in the completed and current projects. At the same time, the objective is to raise awareness of the opportunities open to academia and industry, including SMEs, from both European and other countries in the EU's research programmes.

Fifth Framework Programme

In the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), which ran from 1998-2002, financial contributions were made to some 50 projects on related topics within the Quality of Life sub-programme, with key actions in the Sustainable Agriculture and Environment and Health areas.

Sixth Framework Programme

Research projects under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), which will run from 2002 to 2006, are just beginning. A flavour of the contents of the Programme, its various implementation instruments in action and prospects for future research, will be presented.

Finally, the impact of the research on economic development, comparison with international competitors and research needs in this area will be tackled in a round-table discussion.

For more information on the FP6 visit http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6. Details on research programmes to be funded under the Food Quality and Safety Programme, as well as details on how to apply for funding can be found at http://www.cordis.lu/food.

Chairman's Introduction
Dr T Clark, Syngenta, Bracknell, UK and Chairman, BCPC Seminars Programme Committee

Pesticide related research in the past and current framework programmes. Orientation for the future
C Patermann, Director, European Commission DG RTD, Brussels, Belgium

Concerted action to develop a European Framework for probabilistic risk assessment of the environmental impacts of pesticides
(EU Project: Eufram [CA])
A D M Hart, Central Science Laboratory, York, UK

Threat to European maize production by invasive quarantine pest, Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera): a new sustainable crop management approach
(EU Project: Diabrotica [RTD])
S Vidal, Institute for Plant Pathology and Plant Protection, Georg-August University, Goettingen, Germany

Development of biocontrol agents for commercial application against post-harvest diseases of perishable foods
(EU Project: BiopostHarvest [RTD])
J Usall, N Teixidó, M Abadías and R Torres, Universidad de Lleida, Spain;
I Viňas, IRTA, Lleida, Spain

Producing plant disease suppressive composts for horticulture
(EU Project: Recoveg and Compost Management [RTD cluster])
R Noble, HRI, Wellesbourne, UK

Novel tools for developing Fusarium resistant and toxin free wheat for Europe
(EU Project: Fucomyr [RTD])
U Scholz, M Lemmens, H Buerstmayr and
P Ruckenbauer, Institute for Agrobiotechnology, Tulln, Austria;
A Mesterhazy, Cereal Research Non Profit Co, Szeged, Hungary;
F Doohan, University Collage of Dublin, Ireland;
P Nicholson, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Development of diagnostic tools and host plant resistance to control the rapid spread of lettuce big- vein and ring necrosis disease in leafy vegetables
(EU Project: Discovar [RTD])
R A A van der Vlugt, Plant Research International, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Making plants resistant to plant parasitic nematodes: no access – no feeding
(EU Project: Nonema [RTD])
J Helder, Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, the Netherlands

Naturaloxylipins and defence in ornamentals
(EU Project: Nodo [RTD])
J J Sánchez-Serrano, Centro Nacional de Biotechnologia, Madrid, Spain

Improving quality and safety and reduction of cost in the European organic and “low input” supply chains
(EU Project: Quality Low Input Food [TP5-IP])
C Leifert and S Wilockson, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
U Niggli and L Tamm, Research Institute for Organic Farming, Frick, Switzerland

Harmonised environmental indicators for pesticide risk
(EU Project: Hair [Scientific Support for Policies – STREP])
R Luttik, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands

Development of a system for appropriate management of access and transfer of microbial resources
(EU Project: Mosaics [TP5 – SSA])
P Desmeth, Belgian Science Policy Office, Brussels, Belgium

Round table discussion led by the chairman
Professor D Powlson, FP6 TP5 Advisory Group member, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK