Co-Extra Partners

List of partners

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Joint Research Centre (JRC) (http://www.jrc.cec.eu.int )
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of commercial or national interests.

ARGENTINA

Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA) (http://www.inta.gov.ar)
INTA is a public research and extention Institute founded in 1956. Forty two experimental stations, 240 extension and technology transfer units, and 12 national research institutes, enable INTA to contribute substantially to production and managerial change processes the Argentine farming sector needs to be able to compete in the world's new production and marketing scenario.

BELGIUM

Centre wallon de recherches agronomiques (CRA-W) (http://www.cra.wallonie.be)
The Centre wallon de recherches agronomiques is a Belgian public leading scientific institution established in 1872 depending since recently from a regional authority. CRA-W works at regional, national and international (mainly inside EU) level whose main business activities are fundamental research and routine analyses (chemical, molecular biology). CRA-W is a member of ENGL. The Centre participates to the project through the Quality Department of Agricultural products which focuses its research on analytical techniques linked to quality and authentication of agro-food products The role of CRA-W in Co-Extra is contribution to WP4 through representativity of the test portion and to WP5 through developing an alternative method (NIR) to PCR.

Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding (Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research-Ghent) (ILVO-T&V) (http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be/TandF/)
The Agricultural Research Centre (ILVO-Ghent) is a multi-disciplinary research institute made up of 7 departments. All research activities are mainly oriented towards developing sustainable agricultural and fishery systems and controlling the quality and safety of all agricultural and nutritional products. In this context, ILVO fulfils a pioneer role in support of a forward-looking agricultural policy. The Unit Technology and Food (T&V) hosts a section on applied plant biotechnology research (molecular markers and genetic modification) and peforms breeding of ornamentals as well as outdoor vegetables and fodder crops. Within Co-Extra, ILVO-T&V is responsible to develop strategies for modular validation and for sampling GMs in food and feed supply chains (WP4), develop reliable quantitative PCR methods to detect GMOs and taxa, exploit PCR multiplexing options and develop plasmid standards (WP5), explore anchor PCR approaches to multiplex screening, quantitation and characterisation of unknown GMOs and is responsible for the work related to gene-stacking (WP6).

Eppendorf Array Technologies SA (EAT) (http://www.eppendorf.be)
EAT has developed the full technology platform for biochips detection of gene expression, for siRNA detection, for genomic detection after PCR amplification of the DNA and for SNP detection. EAT provide a technology which demonstrate the know how in these new genomic based miniaturization and multi-parametric assay.

Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) (http://www.vib.be)
VIB is a research institute where 850 scientists conduct gene technological research in a number of life-science domains, such as human health care and plant systems biology. Through a joint venture with four Flemish universities and a solid funding program for strategic basic research, VIB unites the forces of nine university science departments in a single institute. Through its technology transfer activities, VIB strives to convert the research results into products for the benefit of consumers and patients. VIB also distributes scientifically substantiated information about all aspects of biotechnology to a broad public. Within Co-Extra, VIB takes part in WP8 and responsible for the organization of the stakeholders dialogue. VIB will coordinate the stakeholder dialogue meetings that will be organized by the national relays. A stakeholders board will be put in place to work out the general approach for the regional workshops and monitor the activities.

Hogeschool Gent – Department of Biotechnological Sciences (HOGENT) (http://www.hogent.be)
HOGENT is an educational research institution and consists of 13 departments, a Center for Applied Research and Services, an 11ha research farm, a 20ha site including a historic park for agriculture and horticulture, different research laboratory on chemistry and biotechnology and a variety of pilot plants for food and feed production, brewery, industrial chemistry,... The Department of Biotechnological Sciences, which covers the education of Bachelor and Master in Bio-sciences, will be partner in the co-extra project. Based on the expertise from an earlier project in the field of "traceability along the animal feed production chain", HG will participate in WP 2 in describing and modeling the supply chain structures for soy and in WP3 to assess the internal and external costs and benefits generated by the implementation of co-existence and traceability for the feed production chain.

Scientific Institute of Public Health (IPH) (http://www.iph.fgov.be http://www.biosafety.be)
The Scientific Institute of Public Health is a scientific institute of the federal Belgian State. Its main mission is scientific research in view of support of health policy. It provides also expertise and public service in the field of public health. IPH is represented in the project by the Division of Biosafety and Biotechnology (SBB). SBB provides scientific expertise in relationship with activities involving pathogenic and/or genetically modified organisms. It also performs experimental and normative biosafety research, in particular in the field of qualitative and quantitative detection of GMOs in Food. SBB is a member of the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL). Last but not least, SBB is active since many years in the development and management of Internet-based systems for information sharing in the field of biosafety. Within Co-Extra, IPH participates in 3 workpackages: WP4 and WP5 (laboratory activities including the development of alternative reference material and of multiplex PCR assays) and WP8 (design, development and maintenance of the Co-Extra website).

BRAZIL

Instituto Vez Unibrasil para o Desenvolvimento da Ciência e Cultura (Unibrasil) (http://)
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BULGARIA

AgroBioInstitute (ABI) (http://abi.bg)
The AgroBioInstitute is a leading Plant Agro-Biotechnology Center in Bulgaria and Balkan Region. Main business activities of ABI are plant agro-biotechnology research, technology transfer and expertise for the improvement of agriculture and solutions for national and regional agricultural and ecological problems. Within Co-Extra, the AgroBioInstitute is involved into WP1, WP7 and WP8.

DENMARK

Danish Research Institute of Food Economics (FOI) (http://www.foi.dk)
FOI is a research institute under the Danish Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Farm Management and Production Systems Division of the Institute, which is involved in this project, is primarily concerned with research related to farm management and production economics. A considerable part of this work is carried out in collaboration with technical and biological research institutions.

FRANCE

ADRIANT (http://www.adriant.com)
ADRIANT is a well known French Company in Consumer research on Food products. Their competences include organisation and supply of market research studies: Quantitative surveys, Qualitative surveys, Ethno-Marketing surveys and Consultancy. They have been involved in many studies in order to understand the factors which influence food choices for multinational and French food companies or organisations. They work in a variety of sectors like food & drink, hygiene-cosmetics, household products, and others areas like Health, Electrical, Telecommunications ... They participate to different European projects involving European consumers, in particular they perform studies to understand the attitudes of old people towards food and nutrition. Within Co-Extra, Adriant will be the French office able to give regional information and to collect experiences, attitudes and opinions of stakeholders. They will be the national relay to disseminate the results of the project and will organize regional workshops with these different stakeholders.

ARVALIS – Institut du végétal (ARVALIS) (http://www.arvalisinstitutduvegetal.fr)
ARVALIS - Institut du végétal is in charge of Applied Research in France on cereals, maize, pulses, potato and forage crops. This Technical Institute is run and financed by farmers, it exists since 1959 (until 2002, the name of the institute was ITCF; ITCF and AGPM-Technique have merged on 18 December 2002 to form ARVALIS – Institut du végétal) and has been growing to reach now 400 staffs. The activities performed by Arvalis include: - Sustainable crop management: crop rotation, soil cultivation, varieties, fertilisation, crop protection – weeds, diseases, pests - post harvest field management. Protection of the environment; - Precision farming, remote sensing, satellite images, geographic information systems (GIS); - Biotechnology; - Statistics applied to agronomical studies (field experiment, exploratory data analyses, surveys,...); - Farm economics: cost of production, margins; - Sustainable cropping systems, farm equipment; - Qualities and end uses: storage, preservation, human food, animal feed; - Safety quality, quality assurance, traceability; The methodology used by Arvalis includes modeling, simulation, as well as field experimentation. 2000 trials, organized in networks, are carried out every year in the main producing areas in France according to the Good Experimentation Practices officially approved. The transfer of the results of research towards farmers and advisors is essential and is implemented by different means: "Perspectives Agricoles", a monthly publication, training, meetings, field days, brochures, on line information including decision support softwares,... Within Co-Extra, ARVALIS will work in the frame of WP1: Biological approaches for gene flow mitigation. Task 1.1 (validation of biological mitigation techniques): test of sterility in fields, test of reversibility in greenhouses, test of the proportion "fertile / sterile" variety. Task 1.2 (review of factors affecting large scale pollen flow): research on pollen emission, according to agronomical context and climate conditions. Task 1.3 (prediction of pollen emission and impact over large distance): long distance dispersal of maize pollen studies, using isolated sites in the South of France. ARVALIS could also be involved in Task 1.4 (evaluation of the reliability of the CMS-based Plus Hybrid system as a biological mitigation technique for gene flow) with the test of the xenia effect, and maybe in WP2 (supply chains analysis, description and modeling) due to its skill and experience on this matter.

Centre de recherche sur le droit des sciences et des techniques, équipe de recherche du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – Université de Paris I (CRDST - CNRS – Paris I) (http://panjuris.univ-paris1.fr/pages/txtcrdst.html)
The CRDST includes legal researchers and professors, who work on science and technology regulation, and in particular plant, animal and human biology. The Centre is interested in scientific or technical "objects", which are examined through the prism of various types of legislation, international, European, and of course national law, but also civil law, criminal law, public law, etc. The Centre is specifically specialised in the field of innovation protection (patents, plant breeder’s rights and quality labels), conservation of genetic resources and biological diversity, and risk regulation. Within Co-Extra, the CRDST will study coexistence regulations in francophone countries. It will also stress how the various actors plan and have planned, as well as implemented contracts to ensure the organisation of supply chain coexistence, quality control agreements and certification mechanisms. It will review liability and redress issues.

Centre technique interprofessionnel des oléagineux métropolitains (CETIOM) (http://www.cetiom.fr)
CETIOM is a R&D Centre financed by the French oilseed producers. It provides farmers with products and services to enhance their competitiveness. The main crops involved are rapeseed, sunflower, soybean and linseed. CETIOM's first goal is to improve the added value of the oilseed chain. Listening to the civil society, it is concerned with sustainable agriculture, environmental issues and food safety. CETIOM's extension services are working with stakeholders through 10 regional offices. To carry out applied research, it has specialists collaborating with institutional organizations. A dedicated department ensures the dissemination of information. Within Co-Extra, CETIOM is involved in the validation of biological mitigation techniques, review of factors affecting large scale pollen flow, and prediction of pollen emission and impact over large distances. The results of CoExtra will be used to propose assessed innovations, in term of risk/ benefit, to farmers and rural communities. They will be disseminated in large part through CETIOM's extension service.

Groupe d'Intérêt Public – Groupe d'Etude Et de contrôle des Variétés et des Semences (GIP-GEVES) (http://www.geves.fr)
GIP-GEVES is the French official organization in charge of (1) plant variety testing for the registration of new plant varieties and the legal protection of plant breeders' rights; (2) seed testing for the certification of crop seed lots before commercialization. GEVES is involved in the establishment of the identity and in the traceability of plant varieties and seeds. The laboratory BioGEVES, belonging to GEVES, develops and uses modern biomolecular techniques for plant variety genotyping and seed diagnostics. BioGEVES is accredited for GMO detection and is a member of the French network of GMO detection laboratories and of ENGL. Within Co-Extra, GIP-GEVES, via its laboratory BIOGEVES, is involved in WP4 and 5, and will work on (1) the implementation of criteria and minimum requirements of DNA extraction methods for validation (WP4.1), (2) the study of the compatibility of control plans, influence of genetic backgrounds and biological factors on quantification (WP4.5), and (3) the establishment of a simple and efficient way to test the presence of inhibitory effects (WP5.4).

Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) (http://www.inra.fr)
The National Institute for Agricultural Research (Inra) was founded in 1946 and became a national public scientific and technological establishment under the joint authority of the Ministries of Research and Agriculture. Its objectives are: to serve the public interest, whilst maintaining consistency between its research goals and the demands of society; to acquire and disseminate information on scientific knowledge and innovation, particularly in the fields of agriculture, food and the environment; and to contribute to decision-making and training, to promote the transfer of scientific knowledge and participate in the science-society debate. Within Co-Extra, INRA will be coordinating the project, leading WP2 and participating through the involvement of 8 of his teams to the WP1, WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6 and WP7.

INRA Transfert (http://www.inra-transfert.fr)
INRA Transfert, fully-owned INRA subsidiary, was created by INRA in 2001 as part of its effort to exploit research results and innovative technologies, and develop them into concrete business opportunities. INRA Transfert is a technology transfer company specialized in the field of innovating technologies arising from agriculture-related research. INRA Transfert's team manages the technology portfolio of INRA and supports development of innovative start-up companies. Through its "European projects" activity, INRA Transfert assists the key players in Research and Innovation in setting up and managing their european research projects and networks. Within Co-Extra, INRA Transfert leads WP0 "Consortium Management". They are in charge of the operational management, the various day-to-day management and coordination tasks. They assist the Coordinator, the Executive Committee and the Management Board in the steering of the Project.

Laboratoire de la Direction générale de la concurrence de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes (Labo DGCCRF 67) (http://www.minefi.gouv.fr/dgccrf/)
Labo DGCCRF 67 is a directorate of the French Ministry of Economy, Finances and Industry which role is the regulation of businesses and the protection of the public against consumer fraud. A network of nine laboratories, within DGCCRF, is in charge of consumers protection by the official control of the commercialised products. A team of "Laboratoire 67" (Strasbourg) is dedicated to the detection and the identification of GMO and the control of food labelling since 1996. Laboratoire 67 is member of the European Network of GMO laboratories (ENGL) and participates to various standardisation programmes. "Laboratoire 67" has a wide experience in DNA extraction and in quantitative (real-time PCR) / qualitative detection by PCR of GMO in seeds, food ingredients, food and feed.

GERMANY

Bundesinstitut fur Risikkobewertung (BfR) (http://www.bfr.bund.de)
The BfR is a scientifically oriented and independent superior authority responsible to the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture in Germany. The BfR was been established in 2002 as one of the successor institutes to the Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine (BGVV). Activities concentrate on an improved protection of the health of consumers. Among other tasks the BfR is the responsible body in Germany for the safety assessment of Novel Foods including foods derived from genetically modified organisms.

Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants – Julius Kuehn Institute (JKI-BBA) (http://www.jki.bund.de/)
BBA is both a Federal Authority in its own right, and a Federal Research Centre under the jurisdiction of Germany's Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture (BMVEL). BBA's sovereign and administrative tasks are defined by the Plant Protection Act and the Gene Technology Act. BBA is advising BMVEL in questions of GMO biosafety. BBA's Genetechnology and Biosafety Division is part of the Institute for Plant Virology, Microbiology and Biosafety. Its research on GMO biosafety includes studies on pollen-mediated gene flow, virus - plant interactions, biological confinement measures, marker gene elimination, and biosafety systems for molecular farming. The role of the Division for Genetic Engineering and Biosafety in Co-Extra includes WP1 leading and research in Task 1.1 "Validation of biological mitigation techniques", Task 1.2 "Review of factors affecting large scale pollen flow" and Task 1.3 "Prediction of pollen emission and impact over large distances". Joachim Schiemann is a member of Co-Extra Management Board and Executive Committee.

Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung - Institute for Process Engineering & Packaging (Fh-IVV) (http://www.ivv.fraunhofer.de)
At Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering & Packaging (IVV), Department Process Engineering, an interdisciplinary research group is focusing mainly on the development of food and feed ingredients from protein crops and oil crops as well as the analysis of EU food ingredients supply chains. The product development includes the extraction of the ingredients, their analysis and characterization, application in model foods and transferring of the results into ready-to-market products. Another main activity is the identification of natural, biologically active substances for the production of functional food. Within Co-Extra, Fh-IVV is going to act as a partner in WP2. To investigate regional case studies of the whole food and feed chains, identifying EU operators and designing an appropriated questionnaire with WP3 describing and reporting current traceability and segregation systems with respect to pre-selected processing chains in Germany.

GeneScan Analytics GmbH (GeneScan) (http://www.genescan.com)
GeneScan Analytics GmbH is a company with 12 years of history in the field of molecular biology analyses of food and was one of the world's first commercial GMO analytical laboratories. Due to a very strong specialisation in GMO detection GeneScan has a unique experience in this field in research as well as routine analysis of a very large number of samples throughout many years. GeneScan is specialised on qualitative and quantitative GMO analysis, research and development in the field of GMO and species identification. GeneScan participated in research projects (e. g. QPCRGMOFOOD) and contributed to different committees and working groups, e. g. for method development and standardization on CEN and other levels. The main business activities of the company are: Analytical services for detection and quantification of GMOs; Consulting on traceability and identity preservation programs in the context of GMO; Production of PCR test kits; Research & Development in the fields of GMO analysis, species identification and detection of microorganisms. Within Co-Extra, GeneScan will be focusing on the aspects of method development in the field of PCR based detection including validation, DNA extraction and streamlining approaches and analytical strategies. Multiplexing of real time PCR approaches as well as automation aspects will be emphasized.

Genius – Biotech GmBH (Genius) (http://www.genius-biotech.de)
Genius is a specialised agency for communication and science in the areas of strategy counselling, scientific consultancy, communication and marketing. Special emphasis is laid on plant biotechnology, agricultural economy and food safety.

Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (represented by the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology) (MPG) (http://www.mpimp-golm.mpg.de)
The Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam is one of the biggest research institutes for plant science in Europe. The mission of the institute is to study the dynamics of plant metabolism in the context of the plant system as a whole. By combining traditional biological approaches with techniques relevant to functional genomics, research groups at the institute are forming a holistic view of the structure, function, dynamics, and regulation of entire plant genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes. Within Co-Extra, the MPG will be involved in WP1 and has two major tasks: (i) to provide a report on the evaluation of plastid transformation as containment strategy and (ii) to develop an experimental system to quantitatively evaluate the biosafety of transplastomic plants.

University of Applied Sciences / Science Centre Straubing (FW) (http://www.fh-weihenstephan.de)
The University of Applied Sciences of Weihenstephan exists since August 1971 and consists currently of seven scientific departments. Around 4,000 students were educated in twelve diploma and three post-graduate study courses in 2004. Specific relevance for the project have the scientific departments of biotechnoloy, agriculture, horticulture and food technoloy, and agribusiness. Several professors and other scientific researchers are dealing with aspects of agricultural plant production and processing, biotechnology, and food production and processing from a biological, technological, processing, economic and social point of view. The professorship of Marketing and Management of Biogenic Resources is participating in the project. Prof. Klaus Menrad holds this professorship since 2003 which is located in the Competence Centre of Competence for Biogenic Resources in the city of Straubing. Research topics of the professorship are market situations and potentials of biogenic resources, as well as optimisation of value chains, consumers attitudes of /user to new products/processes, optimisation marketing strategies for biogenic resources, potentials of new technologies (e. g. biotechnology) and last but not least innovation systems and innovation management. In addition to Prof. Menrad Dipl. Ing. agr. Tobias Hirzinger is active in the CoExtra project as well. Within Co-Extra, FW is involved in 2 workpackages: WP2: analysis of case studies on technical aspects and organization of co-existence and traceability systems in the food processing industry in Germany; WP3: analysis of cost effects of co-existence and traceability systems in food production and food processing in Germany; investigation of consumers' willingness to pay for GM and non-GM food products in Germany.

GREECE

National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) (http://www.eie.gr)
National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) is the main Research Center in Greece. Established at 1958, is a multidisciplinary center consisted of six Institutes. Among them, the Institute of Biotechnology (IBRB) conducts fundamental research in Biological Sciences exploiting the results of basic research for applied and biotechnology, and training of undergraduates, graduates and post-doctoral fellows. Within the IBRB operates the office of communication and bioethics with activities focusing in issues of communication and understanding of science and technology, social issues and public perception, legal and ethical aspects of Biotechnology. The Office of Communication and Bioethics of the NHRF is participating in the WP8 of the CoExtra project. Its role will to be act as a regional partner contributing in the stakeholders survey, analyzing the perception in Greece and conducting the regional monitoring services. Also will contribute in the clearing house with web based data-base to be created by the WP8. Finally will contribute in the International conference.

ITALY

Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali – CRPA S.p.A. (CRPA) (http://www.crpa.it)
CRPA provides both the private and public sector with its experience in the fields of agricultural food production and environment. The main issues dealt with are: quality and safety of livestock production; feed, supply and implements for agriculture; environmental compatibility in the agro-food production sector; development of the rural business economy. The activities carried out are: organisation, management and completion of research projects; economic analyses; implementation of feasibility studies; setting up and management of computer systems and data bases; technical consultancy and assistance; training, education and dissemination. Within Co-Extra, CRPA is involved in WP7 – Integration with respect to legal, scientific, social and ethical issues. Tasks are to help SMSs and farmer to implement traceability (T7.19) and Information flow management (T7.20).

Istituto superiore di sanita (ISS) (http://www.iss.it)
ISS is the main Italian institute of scientific-technical research, control and advice in public health. Founded in 1934, it has become since 1978 the technical and scientific body of the Italian National Institute of health Service. It is under the authority of the Minister of Health. It carries on different activities for surveillance, control and promotion of public health: research, control and intervention, advice, conferences, courses and publications. ISS laboratory is part of The National Centre for Food Quality and Foodstuff Risks that guarantees the food safety and takes care of food contamination emergencies. The future activities will also concern the consumers risks related to the intake of food additives, spices and the introduction of GMO in the food chain. ISS is also member of the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL), and participates in the CEN activities. Within Co-Extra, ISS contributes to tasks of WP4.

University of Parma (UPAR) (http://www.unipr.it - http://www.dsa.unipr.it)
Since 1999 Department of Environmental Sciences, Section of Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, has been involved in national and international research activities dealing with traceability, at qualitative and quantitative level, of GMOs both in food products and feed material at different phases of the production chain. To this aim novel high throughput methodologies, such as multiplex Real Time PCR, PNAs and DNA microarrays, have been used and further developed. Techniques for extracting DNA have been also applied and ranked in order to study DNA degradation along processing steps of different food derived from soy and maize. The research activity which will be carried out by University of Parma within the project (Task 4.1 in WP4) will be the validation of new qualitative and quantitative methods of transgenic DNA analysis taking in account different extraction/matrix conditions in order to develop efficient and reliable guidelines for the modular validation approach for the GM analysis.

The NETHERLANDS

RIKILT Institute of Food Safety (RIKILT) (http://www.rikilt.wur.nl)
RIKILT Institute of Food Safety is an independent institute for research on the safety and quality of food products. RIKILT is part of Wageningen University and Research Centre. The institute performs high-quality research for the safety assessment, detection/identification and functionality of (food ingredients in) foods of vegetable and animal origin. Within Co-Extra, RIKILT Institute of Food Safety participates in WP6 'Technical challenges' in the development of improved methods for the detection of unauthorized GM varieties. Furthermore RIKILT participates in WP7 in the structuring and integration of the data of all COEXTRA WPs to achieve the project goals.

Schuttelaar and Partners (S&P) (http://www.schuttelaar.nl)
Schuttelaar & Partners, consultancy for societal communication in life sciences, understands the importance of societal trends, opinions and signals and translates them into strategic and practical advice. Our expertise is biotechnology, agriculture, sustainability and health & nutrition. In these fields S&P is specialised in dialogues, communication strategies, issue management, crisis support, societal positioning, media approach and text writing. As the first specialised consultancy for societal communication in life sciences, S&P works with multidisciplinary consultancy units and has an office in Brussels as well. Within the biotechnology unit, bioprocess technologists, agricultural experts, medical experts and scientific journalists work together on strategic advice and implementation of communication activities with regard to the societal aspects of biotechnology, genomics, labelling, start-up companies, positioning and media approach. Schuttelaar & Partners is a member of the European Crisis Management Partnership (ECMP) and the Triple Helix Communication Group, Life Sciences Communication. Within Co-Extra, Schuttelaar & Partners is partner in WP8 involved with communication and dialogue. Schuttelaar & Partners will monitor the developments on coexistence and traceability in The Netherlands and Finland and will organize a meeting with stakeholders in The Netherlands.

NORWAY

Matforsk AS (http://www.matforsk.no)
Matforsk is a private non profit research institute. The organisation covers many different aspects of food research. It main activities are to perform research for the Norwegian Food Industry. The Matforsk contribution will build on the significant competence Matforsk has on PCR and DNA detection methods and development of GMO detection methods. Matforsk will mainly contribute to "Rationalising the analytical procedure, Multiplex quantification of GMO3 in WP6.

National Veterinary Institute (NVI) (http://www.vetinst.no)
NVI is the Norwegian national reference laboratory for GMO testing. Their main activities are research and advising Norwegian competent authorities and food and feed industries. Within Co-Extra, NVI will be leading the workpackage "Technical challenges of GMO detection". and participating to the workpackages "Sampling and testing approaches" and "Development and integration of detection methods".

POLAND

Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW)
Warsaw Agricultural University carries out multi-aspect scientific research directed at solving contemporary problems of national economy especially in the field of agriculture and related areas.

RUSSIA

Center Bioengineering Russian Academy of Sciences (CB RAS) (http://www.biengi.ac.ru)
Center "Bioengineering" the Russian Academy of Sciences was created in 1991. One of the most important trends of the Center is expert participation in the State control and regulation of GMO's, GM - foods and feeds. According to the order of the Government of the Russian Federation the Centre "Bioengineering" performs medical-genetics assessment of novel foods. In frame of this task Center elaborates and develops new methodical approaches to GMO identification taking into account world and European practice.

SLOVENIA

Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (http://www.kis.si)
Agricultural Institute of Slovenia is a public research institution founded in 1898. At all times, its operations have included research, professional and development, and promotional work. Its present founder is the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. Its foundation rights are asserted through the representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food on the Board of Directors. The status of a public research institution implies a governmental non-profit institution with defined activities in the sense of public service.

Institut "Jozef Stefan" (IJS) (http://www.ijs.si/)
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National Institute of Biology (NIB) (http://www.nib.si)
The National Institute of Biology (NIB) is a public non-profit organization performing basic and applied research in the fields of biology, biotechnical sciences and biotechnology, medicine and ecology. Basic and applied research is focused on bacterial systems, plants, invertebrates and higher animals and human pathology. NIB provides different services for users such as monitoring the status and situation of the environment, pathogen detection, GMO detection and counseling for industry as well as expert support for different Ministries. Within Co-Extra, NIB will be involved in development of reliable quantitative PCR methods to detect GMO, in evaluation of different methodological means to increase accuracy and reduce costs of analysis, in integration of obtained results and extraction of the data to be suitable for use in stakeholders dialogue, and in management of the project.

SPAIN

Centro de Investigación en Economía y Desarrollo Agroalimentarios (CREDA)
The Centre for Research in Agro-food Economics and Development (CREDA) is a recent created institute participated by the Polytechnic University of Catalunya (UPC) and the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (IRTA). José M. Gil is the responsible of the team of food demand and consumer behaviour. Current research interests of the team focus on the economics of food quality and safety and related policy issues with respect to the consumer, the food industry and trade. Also, the team has a considerable experience in econometric and statistical methods for analysing household purchasing behaviour. Recently, the research team has specialised in the use of experimental economics. Researchers at CREDA have investigated in the last 4 years consumers' knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and purchasing intention of GM versus non-GM food products. Also, CREDA has investigated effectiveness of alternative ways to communicate to consumers new product characteristics. Thus CREDA's contribution will concentrate on WP3, aiming at analysing the demand side of the co-existence issue.

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) (http://www.csic.es)
CSIC is a governmental research institution in Spain that encloses, among others, the Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB). The Molecular Plant Genetics Department from the IBMB has a very strong tradition on molecular biology studies on plants, especially maize, rice, potato, and others. It has developed a number of transgenic plants mainly for research purposes, and has greenhouses officially validated to grow GM plants. This department comprises also the "Servei de Anàlisis Biològiques Quantitatives" (SABQ) for the detection, identification and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food.

SWITZERLAND

Biolytix AG (http://www.biolytix.ch)
Biolytix AG is a service laboratory specialized in the real-time PCR technology applied for the detection of genetically modified organisms. Biolytix has been the first service laboratory in Switzerland that offered quantitative real-time PCR GMO detection in 1999. Within Co-Extra, Biolytix will be focusing on the aspects of method development in the field of DNAextraction, validation of rtPCR-systems and analytical ready-to-use strategies. Biolytix participates in Co-Extra as a contractor in one workpackage (WP5).

Delley Semences et Plantes (DSP) (www.dsp-delley.ch)
DSP is a private Swiss breeding company working in the breeding of different species: wheat, triticale, maize, different forage crops, aromatic plants and legumes. DSP will participate in the WP1. DSP will bring in its experience in the testing of cms and xenia effects in maize hybrids (plus-hybrids). Within this research project DSP will examine maize hybrids of very different sources, to examine the applicability of the plus-hybrid strategy in a broad genetic background.

Forschungsinstitut fur biologischen Landbau (FiBL) (http://www.fibl.org)
FiBL is research institute dedicated to agricultural economics, organic farming, extension, and dissemination service. The institute has a turnover of 6.5 million Euros and 80 employees. They will be of the main contributors to WP3 with competence on organic farming research with respect to the overall workpackage (labelling, traceability, consumer attitudes) and will specifically be responsible for the case-studies to be performed in CH.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) (http://www.ethz.ch)
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) is an institution of the Swiss Confederation dedicated to higher learning and research. Excellent research conditions, state-of-the-art infrastructure and an attractive urban environment add up to the ideal setting for creative personalities. 18,000 people from Switzerland and abroad are currently studying, working or conducting research at ETH Zurich. ETH earned its excellent national and international reputation through major achievements in research as well as through first-rate teaching and services. The Group of Agronomy and Plant Breeding of ETH, lead by Prof. Peter Stamp, will participate in Workpackage 1 "Biological measures for gene flow mitigation". Its role will be to clarify the potential of the "Plus-Hybrids", i.e. mixtures of CMS transgenic hybrids and non-transgenic, unrelated pollen donor hybrids, as a method for transgenic pollen flow containment and simultaneous yield increase.

UNITED KINGDOM

LGC Limited (LGC) (http://www.lgc.co.uk)
LGC is Europe's leading independent provider of advanced analytical and diagnostic services, offering chemical, biochemical and forensic analysis, DNA testing and genetic screening, research, method validation, consultancy and analytical outsourcing. LGC is the UK National Measurement Institute for chemical and biochemical analysis. Biological measurement is focussed within LGC's Bio-Molecular Innovation team, where research experience includes the development and standardisation of sensitive and specific analytical procedures, used to address such issues as food authenticity and GMO detection. Within Co-Extra, LGC is the appointed task leader for sub-task 4.2 entitled "Statistical models to aid validation". LGC's role will be to co-ordinate activities related to: a) Procedures for data handling in validation studies and multi-parametric methods; b) Development of specific guidelines for the validation of novel technologies.

Lumora Ltd (http://www.lumora.co.uk)
Lumora is an early stage company based in Cambridge UK which has developed a new detection technology having a wide range of applications in clinical medicine, public health and hygiene. Lumora’s technology can combine various isothermal nucleic acid amplification technologies with a proprietary real-time luminescence output. This enables rapid, quantitative and sensitive identification of bacteria, viruses and GM plants as well as representing a powerful genotyping tool. A key feature of the technology is the simple hardware requirements which greatly facilitates the development of point-of-use systems. Within Co-Extra, Lumora is working in collaboration with NIAB: to determine if the method operates with plant material; to identify whether the transgenic junction sequences are suitable for iNAAT primer design; and, to validate the iNAAT – BART assay as a method for identifying specific GM events. The ultimate objective being a field portable test. Lumora technology works in conjunction with a number of iNAATs.

Central Science Laboratory (CSL) (http://www.csl.gov.uk)
CSL is an Executive Agency of the UK Government Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. We specialise in the sciences underpinning agriculture for sustainable crop production, environmental management and conservation and in food safety and quality. Arising from the research we carry out is a wide range of analytical, diagnostic and consultancy services designed to support the international land-based and food industries. CSL carry out inspections of GM field releases and audits of seed companies, have a commercial GM testing service and R&D in testing methodology and expertise in supply chain analyses and economics of UK crops. Within Co-Extra, CSL is involved in WP2 (graphical description of regional supply chain case studies – sugar beet and rapeseed oil), WP4 (analysis and development of sampling plans and guidelines) and WP5 (development of on site detection both in DNA and protein based detection approaches; development of quantitative PCR methods to detect GMO; evaluation of different equipment to increase accuracy of analysis).

NIAB (http://www.niab.com)
NIAB is an SME running a broad range of research programmes funded by the agricultural industry and the UK government. Researchers at NIAB have been studying the impact of GM crops on agriculture and the environment. Jeremy Sweet led a team of researchers across NIAB since 1990 which also includes Dr Law, Matthews, Lee, Smith and Pendergrast. The team has been involved in monitoring and gene flow studies in oilseed rape and maize; sampling and novel testing approaches and policy driven approaches to co-existence for the UK government. Dr Sweet is coordinator of the UK LINK project 'BRIGHT' studying the impact of herbicide tolerant beet, rape and maize funded by government and several agricultural industries. In addition, he is coordinator of the European Science Foundation Programme 'Assessing the Impact of GMOs'. NIAB has also developed a landscape scale model 'GERARD' for monitoring commercialisation of GM crops. NIAB is a partner in a large DEFRA oilseed rape gene flow project in the UK and will act as a liaison with this project contributing research on gene flow in oilseed rape and maize. NIAB also co-ordinates the EU funded STREP SIGMEA together with INRA. Within Co-Extra, NIAB participates in five workpackages: WP0 (serves on Management Board and Executive Committee), WP1 (studies of outcrossing in maize), WP5 (work on GM diagnostics), WP7 (development of a pre-decision support system and work on the final Decision Support if further funds are secured), WP8 (organisation of the UK National relay centre, organisation of stakeholder surveys and dialogues on opinions on Co-existence and traceability, organisation of an International conference).

University of Reading (UREADAE) (http://www.rdg.ac.uk)
UREADAE participates to the project through the Department of Agricultural and Food Economics. Within it, the Centre for Food Economics Research (CeFER) is responsible for the Department's food-related degrees and carries out research related to food consumers, the structure and organisation of the food industry and international trade (and trade barriers).