Hitziger, M., M. Aragrande, J. Berezowski, M. Canali, V. Del Rio Vilas, S. Hoffmann, G. Igrejas, H. Keune, A. Lux, B. Mieghan, M. Palenberg, C. Pohl, M. Radeski, I. Richter, C. Robledo, R. Salerno, S. Savic, J. Schirmer, B. Vogler, and S. R. Rüegg. 2019. EVOLvINC: EValuating knOwLedge INtegration Capacity in multistakeholder governance. Ecology and Society 24(2):36. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-10935-240236

Policy strategies targeting imprudent antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock farming have been established at the global and country levels, recognising the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluates the strategies addressing AMU and AMR in animal farms and the food supply chain in EU Member States using a multimethod approach. Our aim is to contribute to the debates surrounding the goals set by the EU Commission and the 'Strategic framework for collaboration on antimicrobial resistance: Together for One Health'. We first review the policies, strategies and specific legislation in the European Union (EU) and Member States about AMU/AMR in livestock production. We then evaluate the national action plans for AMU reduction in the EU using the progressive management pathway tool from the FAO. Finally, we assess the measures that affect AMU reduction by applying a system generalised method of moments to a 8-year panel of the same countries. According to our results, efforts to reduce AMU could be focused on controlling excessive AMU in the pig sector. Further veterinary training on AMU/AMR and improvements in the performance of the veterinary sector, as well as strengthening the development of multisector and One Health collaboration and coordination, can also contribute to achieving better standards in AMU reduction in the livestock sector and, consequently, for AMR control.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of internationalisation among late starters in the wine sector. Strategic implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a young wine producing region are derived based on the findings.Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through a quantitative survey among 38 wineries that are engaged in export activity in the Romagna wine producing area (Italy). Both multivariate analysis of cardinal company data through multiple and fractional regression models as well as nonparametric analysis of Likert-type survey elements were carried out.Findings: The study identifies several determinants that affect the export intensity of businesses in the sample: Resources within the business turn out to be important, as well as the choice of distribution partners. Characteristics of exported goods were found to differ on comparing intra- and extra-EU exports.Practical implications: Competitiveness in the international marketplace is closely linked to the product quality, distribution network and productivity of a firm. Regional networks can help businesses to develop these factors, overcome export barriers and strengthen the competitiveness of a region as a whole.Originality/value: This study investigated the determinants of internationalisation in a wine producing region which is considered a late starter of internationalisation in the wine industry and it is the first one spotlighting on a regional firm-level in the Italian wine industry.

CAP regulation of sugar sector has frequently been questioned because of its potential effect on competition. In 2006 the CAP reform of the sugar sector established a relevant break in policy trend with potential albeit untargeted effects on price transmission. In 2012 DG AGRI commissioned a study to assess the effects of the 2006 reform of the EU sugar regime on the price transmission within the sugar sector. This paper highlights the effects of the new CAP sugar regime on sugar retail price and on the degree of competition and concentration in the sugar industry. Vertical price transmission is tested through econometric models. The relationship between concentration and competition is analysed putting in relation the concentration index and a modified version of the Lerner index. Results of empirical investigation show that vertical price transmission asymmetries still exist after the reform, which in turn contributed to increase sugar sector concentration, partly confirming the validity of the Structure-Conduct-Performance assumptions. The sugar market is far from efficient and the reform only created more favourable conditions for its improvement.