The definition of research priorities for the European food sector will necessarily focus on the single stages of the food chain, from raw material production through post harvesting, processing, post-processing, and distribution to the end consumer. Therefore it’s essential to have at the beginning an idea of the current state of the art of the sector and the main developments along the food chain at the moment. During the next 10 years, the European food sector will continue its since long ongoing structural transition. The traditional situation, with local demand being met by independent farmers and food processors in the neighbourhood, has been replaced by a global market.
