Arcadia International works for a broad range of international private sector clients and institutions.
Note: All of our projects are covered by full confidentiality. The following items, listed herafter, have been approved by our customers prior to any publication.
Provisions of external impact assessment expertise in the field of food safety and health for the European Parliament. This project covers food safety issues and public health; checks on foodstuffs and food production systems are also included.
Keywords: Impact assessment, food safety, health
Value: Framework contract of up to € 1 Mio
Partners: Matrix Insight (leader), Arcadia
The objective of this study aims first at collecting information on minor uses in the EU to estimate the current and future economic importance of the issue, and second at identifying different options on the establishment of an European fund which could address the problem of minor uses and including an analysis of the costs and benefits, strengths and weaknesses of each option.
Keywords: Plant protection products, pesticides, minor uses, EU funding
Value: € 110,000
Partners: Arcadia (leader), Van Dijk Management Consultants via the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium (FCEC)
The main objectives of the study are to collect information on the different national legislations on fertilising materials with the EU 27 MS as well as to formulate policy options related for a revised EU legislation, to complete an evaluation of the policy options and to assess impacts of each option.
Keywords: Fertilisers, fertilising material, EU regulation, policy options, impact assessment
Value: € 210,000
Partners: Van Dijk Management Consulting, Arcadia International and BiPRO
The purpose of the study is to understand the methodologies used to assess economic viability of identity preserved (IP) crop production and food supply chains at international level in order address technical and economic feasibility of “GM-free” food supply chains in France.
Keywords: GMO, co-existence, identity preservation, economic viability
Value: € 95,000
Partners: Arcadia International and Celeres
The purpose of the study was to collect information regarding the different positions of EU policy makers and stakeholders regarding the new CAP (after 2013) and the role of the second pillar in the new policy to be adopted.
Keywords: CAP, rural development policy
Value:
Partners: Promar Japan (Lead), Arcadia International
An assessment of best practices in sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) training for the Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) programme of the EC – DG SANCO. To this end, a comprehensive review was undertaken of key training programmes designed and implemented by major national, regional and international organisation, including the FAO, WTO-STDF, OIE and the WHO. The review aimed to identify the critical factors on organising training activities, and the criteria for success. The BTSF programme was then benchmarked against other identified good and best practices, and finally new practices to implement in the framework of BTSF with a view to its improvement in terms of more effective training and to higher levels of dissemination of knowledge were proposed.
Keywords: Capacity building, training, food safety, SPS standards, animal health, plant health
Value: € 135,000
Partners: Van Dijk Management Consultants (Lead), Agra Ceas, Arcadia International via the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium (FCEC)
This assignment is jointly conducted with with Asüd, the Turkish dairy sector professional organization, and MARA, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Keywords: Food safety, EU standards, Regulation, General food law
Value:
Partners:
The first objective of the evaluation was to analyse the legislative framework with regard to the risk assessment and regulatory approval process and the compulsory labelling of GM food and feed. The second objective was to develop policy options for the future, including consideration of the status quo option. Research methods included desk research and analysis, a series of interviews with key stakeholders at the EU level, a survey of Competent Authorities, a separate survey of key stakeholders in each Member State and the construction of 6 thematic case studies carried out in 12 Member States.
Keywords: GMO, regulatory approval process, labelling, nutrition
Value: € 460,000
Partners: Agra CEAS(Lead) and Arcadia International via the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium (FCEC)
The Community legislation on the marketing of seed and plant propagating material (S&PM) that was developed in the late 1960s was evaluated in 2007-2008 by ARCADIA International as a first step in the process of a legal review and was placed in the general context of Better Regulation.
The objective of this assignment was to collect, through field visits in at 10 MS, additional data to complete the existing dataset and to fill the knowledge gaps in the field of variety registration (DUS costs and VCU costs).
Keywords: Seed, variety registration, VCU, DUS, costs, administrative burden
Value: € 120,000
Partners: Arcadia(Lead), Van Dijk Management Consultants via the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium (FCEC)
The first objective of the evaluation was to analyse, in an independent way, the results of the existing CPHR as compared to the acknowledged objectives that were set out by the Community when it was introduced. The evaluation was carried out using a range of tools, including a general survey of Competent Authorities and stakeholders, a specific cost survey, 12 Member State field visits and five thematic case studies.
The second objective of the evaluation was to clarify which aspects of the current regime need to be improved and to suggest potential options for amendment, including possible improvements to its structure and working practices. This aspect would have a strong focus on options and recommendations for the design of the future policy and the development by Commission services of a new Community plant health strategy.
Keywords: Plant health, harmful organisms, SPS standards, IPPC, official controls
Value: € 530,000
Partners: Agra CEAS(Lead), Van Dijk Management Consultants and Arcadia International via the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium (FCEC)
DG SANCO commissioned a study with the objective to analyse the technical feasibility and the costs and benefits of the introduction of EID for bovine animals within the legal framework of Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000. This analysis took into account the objectives set in the EU legislation and the strategic aims and objectives set out in the Commission Communication on a new Animal Health Strategy for the EU in relation to animal traceability and concentrated on the economic impacts of three different options (e.g. obligatory, voluntary, 'do nothing') of introducing EID for bovine animals. The cost analysis focused on the necessary investments (identifiers, reading equipment) and the impact on labor costs (working time, reading accuracy) evaluated the extent to which administrative costs would be influenced by the use of EID.
The Commission services will use the results of this study for an impact assessment as to whether a legislative review is deemed necessary on this issue.
Keywords: Plant health, harmful organisms, SPS standards, IPPC, official controls
Value: € 530,000
Partners: Agra CEAS(Lead), Van Dijk Management Consultants and Arcadia International via the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium (FCEC)
The main objective of this contract for DG Agriculture of the EC was to evaluate how effectively the measures implemented within the CMOs for hops have contributed to meeting the stated objectives of the regimes in terms of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. This evaluation, which covered the EU-27 in the period 2000 to 2007, involved a number of methodologies including data collection and analysis, case studies, econometric sector modeling, reviews of literature, face-to-face and telephone semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and the formation of evidence-based judgments, conclusions and recommendations. This contract required the management, co-ordination and synthesis of inputs produced by an EU-wide team of experts.
Keywords: CAP, hops, evaluation, environment
Value: € 195,000
Partners: Deloitte(Lead), LEI-WUR and Arcadia International
This study for DG SANCO of the European Commission is carried out as part of the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium and provided a base for the Commission Impact Assessment of a new Regulation to replace Directive 89/398/EEC.
The project examines the impact of three potential policy options in relation to dietetic food (as covered under Directive 89/398/EEC.
Four specific issues were examined:
• The definition of dietetic foods/scope of the legislation;
• The notification procedure;
• Categories highlighted in legislation but for which no decisions have yet been made; and,
• The prior authorisation procedure of new ingredients.
A case study approach was taken with research taking place in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden. The final purpose of this analysis is to support the drafting of the Commission’s Impact Assessment on new legislation.
As the whole continental Portugal was considered to be a free zone for PWN, it was subject to emergency measures set out in Decision 2006/133/EC to prevent the further spread of PWN; these included compulsory surveillance and eradication programs in cases of outbreaks as well as compulsory heat treatment for all newly susceptible wood packaging material leaving Portugal. Despite these measures, it appeared that further strengthening of the existing Community measures were needed to stop further spread of the PWN within the EU territory.
This study performed as part of the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium provided the Commission with an assessment of possible alternative options and the implications of these in terms of socio-economic impacts and the spread of PWN to the rest of the Community.
Keywords: Plant health, harmful organisms, pine wood nematodes, cost-benefit analysis
Value: € 25,000
Partners: Van Dijk Management Consultants (Lead), Agra CEAS and Arcadia International
Diabrotica virgifera is listed in Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a regulated harmful organism. Whilst Community emergency measures already are in place to control this pest, there has been increasing pressure from some MS, and from farmer's organisations, to considerably review/amend the current rules in the light of the ongoing spread of the pest. An impact assessment will be undertaken for five previously identified policy options. The FCEC consortium has been responsible for the collection and collation of data on the economic, social and environmental impacts of the policy options, including on the status quo, on which information is needed to establish the baseline scenario. To this end, we have consulted with all relevant stakeholders, including MS competent authorities, industry organisations such as European farmers/maize growers/breeders and seed producers associations, pesticide toxicity experts, environmental NGOs, etc.
The Commission services will use the results of this study for an impact assessment as to define a long term Community strategy against Diabotrica.
Keywords: Plant health, harmful organisms, Diabotrica, cost-benefit analysis
Value: € 145,000
Partners: Van Dijk Management Consultants (Lead), and Arcadia International
The Commission, DG Trade in cooperation with DG Health and Consumer Protection, wanted to provide a five-day seminar in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary issues for administrators from several Developing Countries (DC).
The objective of this training session was to provide a seminar to senior administrators from Developing Countries (DC) in the field of traceability of meat to improve the DC knowledge of the import related EC legislation in the field of traceability of meat. Moreover, the provision of technical assistance in this area would help to reduce the current difficulties being experienced by DCs in the area of meat traceability issues.
Tasks under this projects included seminar content management, identification and hiring of key EU experts, organisation of 2 field visits; and moderation during the 5 days
Keywords: Food safety, general food law, meat, traceability
Value: € 135,000
Partners: MCI (Lead), and Arcadia International
The diffusion and transfer of information and results on (innovative) technologies to the food SME encounters many human and technological obstacles; together these contribute to generally slow pace at which innovation is introduced into processing plants.
DG ENTR aimed to organize seminars to facilitate the diffusion and transfer of innovative technologies towards the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food production sector through the organisation of several two-day events in different EU27 Member States. Arcadia International was responsible for the content management of each individual event (9 in total), the proposal to the Commission of national partners as well as the moderation during the seminars.
Keywords: Food production, competitiveness, innovation, food supply chain
Value: € 880,000
Partners: MCI (Lead) and Arcadia International
This evaluation of the Community acquis on the marketing of seed and plant propagating material (S&PM) was carried out as part of the Food Chain Evaluation Consortium and was placed in the context of the Better Regulation initiative.
The first step of this review process consisted of an evaluation of the current legislation that provided documented answers on the strengths and weaknesses of the current system for achieving the set objectives, and highlighted the need to set new objectives in order to respond to new and anticipated challenges. An equally important aim was to explore the possibilities for simplification and a reduction of administrative burdens on both public authorities and private sector stakeholders.
The conclusions of the evaluation and the recommendations made by the evaluators will feed into the review of the Community legislation on the marketing of S&PM.
Keywords: Marketing of seed varieties, registration, certification, evaluation, better regulation, administrative burden
Value: € 195,000
Partners: Arcadia International (Lead), Agra CEAS and Van Dijk Management Consultants via the FCEC.
This impact assessment for DG SANCO established the economic, environmental, and social impacts of options related to the revision of the Directive 91/414/EEC on the placing of Plant Protection Products on the market. Specifically, it assessed the economic, environmental, and social impacts of three policy options, namely the possibility of mutual recognition of authorisation and establishment of three authorisation zones; a system of compulsory data sharing with compensation and an arbitration mechanism; and a comparative assessment of selected active substances.
Keywords: Marketing of plant protection products, risk assessment, pesticides
Value: € 55,000
Partners: Civic Consulting (Lead), Agra CEAS and Arcadia International via the FCEC.
The general objective of the contract (in consortium with Van Dijk Management Consultants) was to launch a BPPS data collection process to complement the (chemical) PPP data collection.
More specifically, the objective was to:
• Establish a list of commercial products and methods used for biological plant protection;
• Identify the actors in the sector (producers, distributors, and users);
• Describe the organisation of the market and gather detailed information on the volumes marketed in terms of both quantities and economic values.
The project also resulted in a consolidated methodology that could be used regularly by the Commission to follow the evolution of the sector.
Keywords: Marketing of bio-pesticides, market data, pesticides
Value: € 155,000
Partners: Van Dijk Management Consultants (Lead) and Arcadia International.
This meta-evaluation assessed the intervention logic, coherence, added value, effectiveness and efficiency of the various EU policy measures that relate to animal health, including intra-EU trade, imports from third countries, eradication programs and control measures for exotic diseases, animal identification and traceability. It also touched on environmental objectives and the extent to which these are currently taken into account in the formulation of policy on animal health.
The second part of the evaluation has a forward-looking objective that seeks to determine future policy in this area, to feed into the Commission’s strategic thinking on animal health for 2007-13.
Keywords: Animal health, evaluation
Value: € 455,000
Partners: Agra CEAS (Lead), Arcadia International, Civic consulting and Van Dijk Management Consultants via the FCEC.
For a large multinational company in the agri-food sector preparing registration dossiers for biotechnology based feed additives, including scientific evidence, toxicology data, etc.
For European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) assessment of technical and economic feasibility of 'non-GM' supply chains in animal feed (soya) and pig meat in the EU - Feasibility analysis, cost modelling, risk analysis, recommendations.
Impact of GM technology on acceptance of new biopharmaceuticals - regulatory strategy and discussions with EMEA for a US-based crop biotechnology company.
For a large, technology intensive, food ingredients multinational company assessment of potential market in Europe for 'functional ingredients', that is ingredients which carry scientifically proven health benefits.
Assessment of technical and economic feasibility of 'non-GM' supply chains in animal feed (soya and maize) and meat ( beef, pig, poultry) in the UK for Sainsbury's, NFU and MAFF
Assessment of technical and economic feasibility of 'non-GM' supply chains in the milk products suply chain in France for CNIEL (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Economie Laitière).
Analysing the issue of mycotoxins in food and feed ingredients: types of mycotoxins, intensity, risks, approaches to cure, survey of regulation in the EU for a large multinational company in the agri food sector.
Analysing and describing European food safety policies, instruments and institutions, including EFSA and selected Member State Food Agencies for a Food division of a large Japanese group
Identifying and assessing traceability concepts and solutions for chocolate ingredients imported in Japan from Europe for a Food division of a large Japanese group.
Analysing and describing European food safety policies, instruments and institutions, including EFSA and selected Member State Food Agencies for a Food division of a large Japanese group
Project on EU regulatory issues in stem cell products for a company considering moving from research materials supply to therapeutic applications. Discussions with national regulatory authorities on import issues, regulatory frameworks and dynamics.
Clinical acceptance, regulatory strategy and market trends in the EU for a xenogeneic cell product, a live pig cell based liver-support system; strategic discussions with regulatory authorities and clinical services for a US life sciences company.
