An analysis is made of the perception of 'agrobiodiversity' by 45 individuals being directly or indirectly involved in the Dutch agro-food chain. The analysis is based on an on-line stakeholder dialogue (OSD) entitled 'Vision on Agrobiodiversity' and 25 personal interviews. The OSD was held between October 1999 and May 2000 and generated 105 contributions. It was initiated to investigate the limited attention for and fragmented perception of agrobiodiversity. In the process we were confronted with basic causes for these attitudes. This study first considers the advantages of an OSD over traditional forms of professional dialogue, such as conferences and working groups. The results of the OSD lead us to the observation that Dutch policy-making on agrobiodiversity has been mainly motivated by international obligations and has involved a very limited number of stakeholders nationally. To be effective, such policy-making will: (a) remain problematic without a coherent view consensus on the role of agrobiodiversity in the overall organisation of agricultural production, and (b) require higher investments in discussing and communicating the relevance of agrobiodiversity with all relevant stakeholders in the agro-food chain.

Policy and Britain by Nigel 2nd edition, 1987, revised pages, f27.50 paperback, This extremely valuable book is an essential source of reference for anyone concerned with the design and implementation of any project which may fall within the scope of EC (European Community) environ

No abstract