Benchmarking

Benchmarking is our core activity and finally provided the new name for the Networks. For the origin of the word ‘benchmark’ see the section on Name & Logo.

In our context, benchmarking means that we are comparing typical farms, production systems and enterprises and their economics horizontally (at one specific point of time) and vertically (over time).

According to the Chambers English Thesaurus, synonyms for benchmarking are (amongst others): criterion, model, reference, reference-point, standard, norm, yardstick.

• agri benchmark defines and makes transparent a standard / norm for collecting data, analysing cost and returns and presenting results which is homogenously applied in all participating countries and on all data analysed.
• agri benchmark uses cost of production as a criterion and a yardstick to measure competitiveness between agricultural farms and firms.
• agri benchmark uses computer models reflecting whole farm level, enterprise and production systems in detail.
• agri benchmark uses per-unit output figures as a reference point for comparing cost, returns and profitability on international scale (for example cost per kg beef produced).

About the ways of implementation and the methods applied, please see the section on methods and activities.