Organisations representing these countries as National Contact Points, have indicated that this is mainly a result of lack of information and lack of contacts. FOOD-N-CO will improve the participation of INCO-countries by building a strong network of National Contact Points in both European and INCO-Countries, by intensifying the relationships between European and INCO-Countries and by supporting the research communities in INCO-Countries with tailor-made information and services.

The network will be built through a series of training sessions, information days, national training sessions, a brokerage event and a final INCO Conference. FOOD NCPs from INCO countries will be supported and trained. They will have the opportunity to promote their national research communities in various European countries and will learn to find the way into FP6 and FP7 projects. By mapping the competences and challenges in the various countries, a clear picture will arise, enabling EU projects to find the right partners in INCO countries.

At the final INCO Conference a Best Practice Guide will form the basis for further improvement of international cooperation in future Framework Programmes. The consortium consists of 7 EU Member States and 14 INCO-Countries from all parts of the world.