CIRAL project [ Back to the list ]
	Agroalimentaire local

1. Initial situation

Integration of IST within food companies differs according to their size and geographical situation. In very rural areas, this integration is only linked to local development projects. The initiative is never taken by companies which only take advantages of the techniques they never make their own. Besides, companies in more urban areas (Rhone and Alpine valleys) are more willing to acquire equipment, but do so in an often chaotic way. Projects are also on going, within ADAPT in order to create reliable distance learning tools. At last, in the Allier area, an agro-food resource centre is being implemented by the local authorities, targeted toward professionals and accessible through internet.

2. Objectives and Project Partners

Creation of a sectoral local agency to disseminate and link the existing or future projects regarding IST in agro-food SME's. The geographic area covers some diversified zones in a triangle : Montluçon, Bourg-en-Bresse, Valence including Lyon urban area.

The Agro-food European Pole (Pôle Européen Agro-alimentaire (PEA COMAGRO) is the leader and contractant of CIRAL project. This organization is well known in the geographical area involved for the implementation of European projects. The survey coordination has been sub-contracted to IHIE (Institut d'Hygiène Industrielle et de l'Environnement). France TELECOM, leading telecom company in France, is in charge of technical aspects of the project.

The other partners are:

• ESPACE FORMATEURS : specialist in distance learning in Rhône-Alpes. Pedagogical aspects.
• Centre de formation CCI LYON : Counselling organization for companies in the Lyon area.
• CHAMBRE DES METIERS de l'AIN : Counselling organization for craft companies in the Ain area.
• D3A : Publicly funded advising organization for agro-food companies in Allier area.
• + a maximum of 30 pilot small agro-food companies that will be selected after the first results (among a panel of over 2000).

3. Project content

• Task I:

1.1 Detailed work plan.
1.2 Participating in kick-off meeting.
1.3 State of the art, quantitative questionnaire.
1.4 Results of the quantitative analysis and priorisation of activities.

• Task II:

2.1 Pilote sensibilization and information tool for SME's (Internet).
2.2 Qualitative analysis, specifications of proposed actions.
2.3 Oral presentation of project idea and results at workshop.

• Task III:

3.1 Total standard evaluation of the whole awareness action.
3.2 Results dissemination to the European network and preconizations to relevant authorities including professional bodies.
3.3 Reporting of results to Epsilon and Promise structures : good practice, transferable results, innovative tools and recommendations.

4. Deliverables

1/ State of the art and quantitative questionnaires

2/ Results & prioritisation

3/ Qualitative survey & pilot actions

4/ Internet site

5. Evaluation

1/ Identification of critical success factors.

2/ Regular checking.

3/ Validation of each phase and corrective actions if need be.

4/ Analysis of feed-back from end-users.

6. European dimension and benefits

IST development enables the exploitation of an important potential for European commerce, mainly for SME's which have to compensate a heavy handicap regarding marketing because of physical and financial bars. Moreover, the European consumer demand for different products and increasing importance of food safety and environmental issues imply the quest for new food products insisting on their quality and traceability. Of course these objectives can't be reached without a thorough training, through distance learning !

So there lie possibilities to create links and networks between European SME's from similar sectors. Therefore even very small companies can go further than their restricted local market. Using those links will enable them to penetrate new markets or help other SME's investigate their own existing markets.

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