Work Package 2

Mercosur agri-food systems data-bases

Objectives

Provide a reliable, consistent, complete and up-to-date database on Mercosur agri-food systems regarding cost of production (e.g. labour), product quality, capacity to provide services to the retailers, and domestic/international price gaps, as well as structural elements (land availability, climate, etc.) to feed WP4 research. The data-base constructed for WP3 (policy comparison) will also be housed by third party CEPAL (partner IICA). In addition, to identify and include in a separate database, the time series data for key variables to be used to construct the Mercosur commodity models, for WP5 research.

Description of work

• Develop common methodologies and establish subsequent data needs for WP3, WP 4 and WP 5 data-bases, principally being the outcome of a workshop with implicated WP staff, with the help of some additional experts.
• Develop and fill out Info Gap Matrix for WP4 and WP5 data-base. This approach enables us to systematically identify what data is and what data is not present (quantitatively and qualitatively). The subsequent “information gaps” indicate future data collection activities.
• Identify and assist the collection of relevant data on selected variables/parameters. While identified by the IICA/CEPAL team, the missing data series need to be identified/purchased by the (6) collaborating countries.
• Sample the various data sets and compile in the WP 3, WP 4, WP 5 data bases

Deliverables

D3 Key references data-base on Mercosur agri-food systems competitiveness (WP4) [12,O,RE]
D4 Data-base for EU-Mercosur agri-food policies (WP3) defined [12,O,RE]
D5 Time series data-base for Mercosur commodities defined & constructed (WP5) [14,O,RE]

Milestones and expected results

M3 Common methodology for data collection and meta data description [6]
M4 Preliminary key references data base for WP4 [12]
M5 Finalized time-series data base for WP5 [14]
M6 Finalised policy data-base for WP3 [18]