Six food and agriculture theme areas within food and agriculture will now be extended to thirteen. This is one of the changes arising from the latest agreement on research-based public sector consultancy between the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Aarhus University.

In 2007, the parties entered into their first agreement on providing research-based public sector consultancy. The latest one just signed is the sixth rolling of the agreement, and it is valid for the period 2013–2016.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to reach a new agreement with the ministry via good dialogue. It ensures that Aarhus University can constantly maintain knowledge at a top international level in the thirteen academic theme areas we’re committed to in the agreement,” says Centre Director Niels Halberg, DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture.

The thirteen theme areas mentioned above are classified so as to support the three elements in the mission of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. These are:

• A development and growth oriented food industry
• Responsible management of natural resources
• Food safety, consumer options and healthy dietary habits

Five theme areas have been selected for the first element. They are concerned with 1) sustainable livestock production, 2) sustainable plant production, 3) sustainable technology development and technology assessment, 4) resource efficiency, and 5) bioeconomy, bioenergy and agricultural development.

The second element is supported by five theme areas. They are 1) food production and cultivated soil, 2) food production and bioresources, 3) food production, landscape, nature and biodiversity, 4) food production, excipients and the environment, and 5) food production, climate and greenhouse gases.

The third element consists of three theme areas, which are 1) food quality, 2) consumer behaviour and food preferences, and 3) the importance of food and meal habits for health.

The agreement means that DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture receives DKK 285.8 million in 2013 falling to DKK 268.7 million in 2016 from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. The funds will mainly be used for research that makes research-based public sector consultancy possible. In addition to public sector consultancy tasks, DCA contributes to providing knowledge and technology transfer to companies, authorities and other relevant parties.

Wherever relevant, reports are drawn up on the basis of the consultancy tasks that have been carried out. See a summary of DCA reports (in Danish only).

The framework agreement between Aarhus University and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (PDF file in Danish only).

Description of the thirteen theme areas (PDF file in Danish only).

For more information, please contact

Centre Director Niels Halberg
DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture
+45 8715 8037
niels.halberg@agrsci.dk