Indicator 2.30 Government support to agricultural research and development

The indicator refers to Government budget allocations for R&D (GBARD) for agriculture. GBARD data measure government support to research and development (R&D) activities, or, in other words, how much priority governments place on the public funding of R&D. GBARD data are compiled using the guidelines laid out in the OECD’s Frascati Manual from 2015 and and the European Business Statistics Methodological Manual for R&D statistics of 2023. The data are expressed in current prices, meaning that the overall development of the indicator is in part also influenced by general price inflation.

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 2 on ending hunger and malnutrition; which are embedded in the European Commission’s 2024-2029 Priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: Food security, water and nature’. SDG 2 - among other things - aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Improving agricultural productivity and maintaining sustainable and resilient food production systems are key factors in achieving this goal and depend to a large extend on increased investment in agricultural, food and nutrition research and development.

Countries compile GBARD data following the Frascati manual recommendations. Among the few methodological issues which can affect the comparisons across countries, are the stage in the budgetary process from which final GBARD data are drawn (final budget appropriations or actual outlays); the inclusion of VAT or EU funds for R&D. GBARD data are broken down by: -Socio-economic objectives (SEOs) in accordance to the Nomenclature for the analysis and comparison of scientific programmes and budgets (NABS 2007). - (See Annex 3 at the bottom of the page). -Funding mode: project funding and institutional funding (non-mandatory data). The part of GBARD allocated to transnational cooperation in R&D is further broken down into three specific categories: transnational public R&D performers; Europe-wide transnational public R&D programmes; and bilateral or multilateral public R&D programmes established between Member State governments or with EFTA and candidate countries.

Enhancing market orientation and competitiveness (short-term rating 2018–2023 4.9%; long-term rating 2008–2023 1.5%)