Thanks to a joint venture research in five EU member states - Germany, Spain, Ireland, Poland and the UK - farmers in Scotland now have the chance to make wider comparisons and benchmark in their supply chain.

According to Business Scotsman, the aim of this research called "Foodcomm Survey" is to examine the key factors that weigh on commercial relationships in the supply chain from farmer to retail outlets. The project, funded by the European Commission, should provide "evidence-based" policy recommendations and give a steer to future reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Philip Leat, head of the SAC's food marketing research team, says the 20 minutes it will take a farmer to fill in the questionnaire will be time well invested.

He said: "This project has been initiated in response to major changes in European food markets. These include reduced market support for agricultural and food products, globalization, new consumer trends and food safety regulations.