FOCUS-BALKANS · Food Consumer Science in the Balkans: Frameworks, Protocols and Networks for a better knowledge of food behaviours

The general objective of the FOCUS-BALKANS project is to improve competencies and understanding in the field of consumer food science in the Western Balkan countries (WBC). The scientific results of the research will make important contribution to the public health and consumer protection and to the achievement of the objectives within the FP7. The specific objectives are to: - Develop a network of universities, institutes, high schools, consumer organisations, NGOs and private enterprises active in the field of food consumer science with are able to develop joint-research activities; - Have a better understanding of food consumers in the WBCs, with a focus on products with positive nutritional properties (fruits and health / diet foods) and / or sustainability (organic and traditional food products). Formal training will be organised for key research organisations in the WBCs to enable them to become familiar with state of the art methodologies, practical techniques and theories. The training activities, organised in each WBC-country, target a wide range of organisations from the public and private research sectors, NGOs & consumer associations. 6 regional training meetings will be designed by the project partners and associated organisations. Four studies on niche markets plus one quantitative survey will systematically be conducted by WBC organisations as a mechanism for learning-by-doing. Two open seminars will bring together a wider spectrum of stakeholders including food supply chains representatives and policy-makers. Altogether, these actors will be invited to participate in the “Food Consumer Science Balkan Network”, which will seek to stimulate regional and interdisciplinary co-operation. The research, training and networking activities are intimately interlinked and will have strong synergies.