Organisation
Landbouw-Economisch Instituut (WUR-SSG), part of Stichting Dienst
Landbouwkundig Onderzoek (DLO Foundation). The mission of WUR-SSG is
“To promote the quality of food, the living environment and living
conditions within international society”. WUR-SSG works for
government and industry developing economic knowledge in the fields
of food, agriculture and green space. By undertaking committed,
independent and reliable research, we provide support for clients
faced with making socially and strategically sound policy choices.
Our research is conducted in close contact with clients and other
parties involved. Our expertise is based on comprehensive knowledge
of the sector and the applied use of concepts and techniques from
economic and social sciences. Our work field covers the agricultural
sector, fisheries, nature management and the use of green space. All
links in the chain from consumer to producer are involved. An
increasing proportion of our research focuses on international
issues.
Besides strategic research for long-term policy, we conduct research
targeting more operational issues concerning the management of
sectors and businesses and the management of rural areas. We also
conduct statutory research tasks for the Ministry of Agriculture,
Nature and Food Quality. This includes providing annual reports
about income development, environmental performance and structural
changes in agriculture and horticulture, as well as managing a
related Farm Accountancy Data Network.
Main task in project
WUR-SSG is coordinator of task 3.1 of WP3 on the identification of a
short list of potential policy instruments towards the aims of the
Action Plan on Animal Welfare. Furthermore, they contribute to WP0,
WP2 and WP4.
Experience and network
WUR-SSG is involved in many EU-funded projects, e.g. Welfare Quality®,
PROMSTAP and FASTFISH. They are also coordinator of several projects
for the Dutch Ministery of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality on
economic and societal aspects of animal welfare.
Staff members
Dr. Gé Backus (Ph.D.) is senior researcher and head
of the section market and networks. His Ph.D. thesis was entitled “Economic
Simulation to Support Investment Decisions in Pig Farming”. He has
twenty years of experience in the pig industry (extension and
research). His research is focusses on food safety issues and supply
chain optimization within the pork chain. He assisted major
companies like Cargill, Vion Food Group, Dumeco, and Rabobank
International in developing and analysing future scenario’s for the
European pig industry. He contributed to various conferences in the
US, China, Brazil, UK, Germany, Spain, Austria, France, Italy,
Poland, where he spoke on pig industry issues.
Dr. Paul Ingenbleek (Ph.D.) is senior Researcher,
and assistant professor in marketing at Wageningen University in the
Netherlands. He holds an Msc. degree from Erasmus University
Rotterdam in history of society and received a PhD in marketing from
Tilburg University (2002). Since 2002 he is involved in marketing
and public policy projects on animal welfare of the Dutch Ministery
of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. He is also involved in
Welfare Quality and presented for the European Working Group on
Animal Welfare (i.e. group of corporations involved in animal
welfare improvements, chaired by McDonald’s Europe).