The Network is divided into four sub-groups, each led by one of the participants, to cover four component themes. The Network aims to foster horizontal cross-fertilisation of ideas between research workers in order to develop a new multi-disciplinary approach to address the special problems encountered in the European less-favoured areas..

                                                       Coordinator:    Dr J.A.Milne (MLURI)

Sub-group 1: Livestock production systems                                           Leader: Dr G. Zervas (AUA)

Sub-group 2: Rural development / agricultural policy                              Leader: Dr J.M.Vassallo (INIA)

Sub-group 3: Adding value to livestock products                                   Leader: Dr B. Revell (SAC)

Sub-group 4: Animal / environment interactions                                     Leader: Dr T. Lecompte (PNB)

At the start of the project, each subgroup leader will identify key researchers in their field to participate in the network. These sub-groups will operate under the general direction and support of the coordinator. These subgroups will provide the framework for the main integrative activities of the Concerted Action. The LSIRD is administrated by Jerry Laker at the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute.

A central element of the activities of the network is the organisation of a series of interdisciplinary conferences and workshops on key areas in livestock production systems.