i) Voice Expectation: Our expectations were to assist participants in more effective national participation in Codex work in their own country.

ii) Contribution of VOICE: The paper "Participation of Consumer Organisations in Codex Alimentarius - a step by step approach" prepared by VOICE was circulated as CI Resource Manual No.3 (15Sept.,2000) among the participants. (A copy of the document is available on request from Voice office)

iii) Other Deliberations: Participants were briefed on CCGP, Codex Task Forces on Animal Feeding and Biotechnology and CCFH. This was meant to familiarise the participants with the major issues of interest to consumers at these bodies.

iv) Ranking National participation in Codex: One of the exercises which we did with the participants at the workshop was to rank the effectiveness of consumer participation at national level among the countries represented during the event. Annex-C Shows the matrix. The rankings on a five-point scale were made as a consensus after discussions among all participants. A ranking of 1 shows the least effective and 5 the most effective consumer participation at national level in Codex. This also shows key criteria which can be used to measure level of participation at the national level in a given country.

v) Country and Region:Slovenia: Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia with a population of 300,000. The Country's population is about 2 mn. It is among the more affluent Balkan states with average income of US $ 600 to 800 pm. The local currency is Sit (Tolar) Slovenian is a distinct language, yet Serbian is understood and spoken. The family system is alive and influence of religion is stronger than in most of W. Europe.