Focus is on overcoming obstacles and promotion of ongoing local interaction between actors of the food chain to achieve more sustainable rural development. The aim is also documentation of the local cases.

Planned results: Knowledge, competence and implementation of local, ecological recycling based food chains to reduce consumption of limited resources, greenhouse gas emissions and eutrophication in the Baltic Sea region

Results: The first BERAS – publication is now available in printed or electronic form, Local and Organic Food and farming around the Baltic Sea.
BERAS Newsletter 1 2004 06.pdf

Strategic focus is on analysis and evaluation of results achieved: resources conservation, energy use, CO2-emissions, nitrogen and phosphorus emissions, and effects on diversity and landscape of the agriculture-society system

Planned results: Recommendations and feedbacks to WP 1 to optimise the system for achieving better nutrient recycling and lower greenhouse gas emissions. final evaluations as an input to dissemination through WP 5.

Results: The second BERAS – publication is now going in print describing the present environmental situation caused of surplus of nutrients in the project countries around the Baltic Sea, the background to the situation of to day and the potential of ecological recycling farming system.

Strategic focus: Assessment of the market economic consequences for the actors involved and of the economic consequences at the societal level and from a natural resource economy point of view.

Planned results: Recommendations and feedbacks to WP 1 to optimise the system for achieving the formulated goals, adapted to market and national economies. final evaluations as an input to dissemination through WP 5.

Results: The first reports will be finalized during December 2004.

Strategic focus: Analysis of sociological consequences, including rural development, job opportunities, eco-tourism and cultural life in rural areas, and elaboration of possible spatial planning and political strategies.

Planned results: Recommendations at societal level on integration of diverse crop and animal production, small-scale food processing, and food consumption based on local/regional production.

Strategic focus: Final evaluations, dissemination of experience and results achieved, through demonstration, seminars and support for implementation of other similar initiatives around the Baltic Sea.