Opening Remarks

Abstract

I would like to say a few words at the opening of this Seminar on behalf of my colleagues who have organised it. I have the pleasure to welcome you all most heartily to this IAC building where we are able to hold the seminar on seed legumes. I would like especially to extend a welcome to Dr. Prendergast from the Commission. As you all know, the Commission has supported the research programme on plant proteins for several years now. It has done so mainly through two types of support. First, it supports national research projects of common interest, and secondly, it provides support by co-ordination activities, through workshops, seminars, and so on. The financial support for national projects of common interest has undoubtedly stimulated national research efforts in this field of research which is aimed at a high degree of independence in the protein supply of livestock in Europe. In my opinion these common programmes, or contracts, would not have been nearly so effective without the sustaining co-ordination activities. For example, thanks to these co-ordinating activities, this group on seed legumes has already been able to meet four times. During these meetings members of the group have rapidly come to know each other, and they have succeeded in collaborating efficiently and pleasantly by exchanging views, ideas, information, knowledge and materials. As a result, good progress has been made, for example, in analysing the main yield limiting factors of European crops and in identifying desirable genetic traits for plant breeding.