1. Discussion on the Handbook – Overview of the Handbook update Berkeley Hill and Jan Karlsson – editors of the first edition

2. York meeting identified some issues (A) General updates/improvements  Poverty  Classification of rurality  Terminology relating to rural development instruments (inputs, outputs, results, outcomes)  Complexity of the farm concept and forms of ownership  More case studies  Better links between users and providers

3. York issues – ctd. (B) Increase utility to developing countries  Deeper coverage of developing countries  Recognition of diverse nature and statistical capacities  General principles of planning statistics for rural areas (core indicators etc.)  Problems of measuring living standards in developing countries Sub-group to carry planning forward(FAO,WB,DfID, LEI, IC)

4. Illustration of developing country problems Evaluation of FAO’s statistical work WB/FAO study Indicators for tracking results in less-than-ideal conditions (2008) Survey that was part of the Handbook 2205/2007

5. Carrying the Handbook forward York meeting proposed that this Rome meeting would be asked to:  List items to be addressed (see later)  Designate authors  Arrange and editorial process  Make provision for incorporation of new text in the electronic version (FAO website)

6. Proposed editorial arrangements Appoint Editorial Panel (General Editor and two Specialist Editors (OECD and LDCs) Encourage suggestions for authors from the whole Wye City Group Editorial Panel responsible for timetable FAO responsible for incorporating text.

7. Suggested new text I.1.4 Evaluating statistics and statistical systems II.1.8 Issues in measuring unemployment III.1.5 Example of rural definition based on small area statistics (England and Wales) III.3.1 Indicators associated with rural development stages IV.8 Case study – England rural statistics IV.9 Case studies – some developing countries

8. Suggested new text – ctd. V.3.3 EU update to 2007-13 RDPs V.3.4 Indicators in the EU annual report on rural development V.1.10 Combining datasets using GIS/small areas – UK experience IX.6 Expand to cover subsistence producers XIII.1.2 Examples of data sources expanded XIV.3-5 Further examples – Canada, Demark, others

9. Resolution needed for Confirmation of Editorial Panel approach Resources required for it to function Set date for meeting of LDC subgroup Mechanism to invite further suggestions for improvements (and confirm those proposed) and authors Consideration of further electronic surveys Set a timetable for updating the Handbook