Introduction The library of RAFAEL

Here are a number of reports and studies that have been produced by all of the RAFAEL partners, to learn from one another, progress the project's activities to support the authentic food sector and share this information with the RAFAEL network. We hope that you find these interesting and useful. More reports will be added to this section as the project progresses.

Summary of existing Market Studies

The RAFAEL partners have reviewed existing market studies in their regions and countries. This review indicates that organic or locally-distinctive products are able to contribute in a number of ways to the rural economy and sustainable development across the Atlantic Area. The research shows that there is a need for further investigation in relation to a number of policy areas including health and education; green and cultural tourism; fair trade; local procurement and tendering procedures; export marketing; social enterprise and community benefit. There are three broad categories of potential opportunity for developing food supply chains in the authentic food sector - developing the policy environment for authentic foods; encouraging and establishing alternative food networks (including trading of produce between RAFAEL regions); identifying and promoting authentic food products. Here is the full report 

(pdf 250ko) Existing market studies

Organisation of producer groups

Each partner provided information on the various ways that producer groups are organised in their regions, the benefits this brings and the difficulties encountered. The development of producer groups is important for various reasons; it is a way of joining-up the efforts of producers to promote and sell their products. The report helps inform the RAFAEL supply chain activities, both locally and between regions. Here is the full report 

 (pdf 150ko) Organisation of producer groups