Use it or lose it -- processors urged to grab European cash

Time is running out to take the lion's share of research funding

Research areas include products and manufacturing processes for "the well-being and welfare" of consumers, "communication, technology transfer and networking" across Europe, food safety and supply chains.

But Beate Kettlitz, scientific and regulatory affairs director of the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the European Union (CIAA), which co-ordinates the European Technology Platform on Food for Life, said the industry could lose cash to other sectors if it failed to act, especially as cuts were looming.

"It's a competition," said Kettlitz. "We want to actively influence the research agenda."

The food platform is one of many launched by the European Commission (EC) in the run-up to the seventh framework programme of research. Although a budget has yet to be set, the EC has already talked of slashing the R&D spend by as much as 40%, said Kettlitz. Initial bids should be made by October, with detailed proposals lodged next year.

The Brussels-based CIAA, whose members include the UK's Food and Drink Federation, is focusing on promoting technology transfer to small firms. Kettlitz said that the programme had already generated a lot of interest.

Meanwhile, the government's Waste Resources Action Programme has set a September 15 deadline for bids for up to £650,000 to be spent on projects to cut household food and packaging waste originating from retailers.

Projects should run for a maximum of 18 months and be completed in 2007. They can cover topics such as product design, product dispensing and prototyping.

Contact Kettlitz on +322 500 8752 or o.xrggyvgm@pvnn.or.