In the Official Jounral of the European Union (OJ), a decision dated the 7th of May 2008 has been published concerned with the setting up the High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Agro-Food Industry which will be functioning until the 1st November 2009.

The group should address issues that determine and will determine in the future the competitiveness of the Community agro-food industry. Based on the outcome of its discussions the group should formulate a set of sector-specific policy recommendations with a view of enhancing the competitiveness of the agro-food industry in accordance with the Community policies, in particular the objectives of food safety and health, agricultural policy and sustainable development.

The group's task shall be the following:

1. To address issues that determine and will determine in the future the competitiveness of the Community agro-food industry and related challenges.
2. To identify the factors that influence the competitive position and sustainability of the Community agro-food industry, including future challenges and trends with an impact on competitiveness.
3. To formulate a set of sector-specific recommendations addressed to policy makers at the Community level.

Also the Commission may consult the group on any matter relating to the competitiveness of the Community agro-food industry.

The members of the group shall be appointed by the Commission from high level specialists with competence and
responsibility in areas which are related to the competitiveness and related challenges of the Community agro-food industry.The group shall comprise up to 27 members composed as follows:

• 8 representatives of the Member States;
• 13 representatives of the agro-food industry;
• 6 representatives of civil society and professional associations.

The Decision shall be applicable until 1st November 2009. The Commission shall decide on a possible extension before that date.