1. Regulation in Europe and IBMA’s PR/Lobbying Role
Wyn Grant

2. What does political science say about the political agenda?
The political agenda can only deal with so many issues at one time
There are cyclical fluctuations in attention
How an issue is ‘framed’ is important – the language that is used to label topics – ‘hurrah’ and ‘boo’ words
16700 Students
Includes visiting and exchange students (heads) and HEFP students in local colleges. Excludes students taught overseas and on external programmes.
3800 Staff
3000 full and part time, 800 casua, 96% non-academic staff live in Coventry. 3rd largest employer in Coventry area
£174.5 m turnover
For year ended July 2001, projected to rise to £222 m by 2004/05
Arts Centre
250,000 visits each year, 70% of audience from Coventry/Warwickshire, 67% self-generated income. £580,000 University subsidy to Arts Centre each year (not all grant)

3. The changing nature of the policy agenda
Emphasis placed on expertise and evidence
Yet rise of single issue interest groups has led to a more emotive form of politics
24 hour media has a key role here
A good case is not enough

4. Biocontrol: some challenges
The language – differentiating biologicals from synthetics
Lack of public profile
Generally unsympathetic attitude of environmental groups
SMEs have limited resources to devote to representation

5. Biocontrol: some positives
Fact that they are largely produced by SMEs is helpful
Profile in policy-making circles is increasing
Academic research has focused on registration problems
Opportunities provided by restrictions of synthetics

6. Development of IBMA Continuing progress in organisational development
Appointment of full-time staff member
Language contained in EU package (sensitisation issue and also potential for a new regulation to be developed for biopesticides)

7. Why firms need to devote some time to representation
Very constrained in time available because of product development, registration, marketing etc.
But if you take part you have to chance to shape what happens rather than having something unpleasant imposed on you
We live in the ‘Regulatory State’

8. Implications of the Regulatory State
The pressure for greater regulation is not going to go away
There are many societal drivers of that including attitudes to risk
Tendency for process to displace goals in regulatory agencies
Need to foster innovation (Greaves)

9. How to lobby (in Europe)
Be clear about your objectives – and their priority ordering
Have objectives that are realistic and feasible
Ensure that your message can be communicated in an interesting way to a wider audience

10. How to lobby in Europe (nationally)
It is helpful to have member states and their representatives pushing your cause
Do not overlook Perm Rep (also Scotland House)

11. How to lobby in Europe (the Commission)
What does the Commission want?
Easily digestible information
Legitimacy through consultation
Bodies to interact with that realise that what is achievable and what is not
A negative example is the REBECA demand to transfer resources from the CAP

12. How to lobby the Parliament
One is dealing with politicians
They have limited attention span and many demands on their time
They have career ambitions
They have ideologies
(Usually) they are not scientists

13. Identify sympathetic MEPs
Interests – are they interested in sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions?
Are they interested in small hi tech firms?
Is there a biorational products firm in their constituency?

14. Comment by a British MP
‘Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.’
Also relevant at EU level

15. There are uncertainties
The changing agenda
Trade offs may take place in the trialogue that undermine apparently firm undertakings
Political composition of the Parliament after 2009?

16. Conclusions Have confidence in your message
Biorational products can contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of food production
The European Union level is likely to become more important to their future
Niche actors need to build coalitions