Fresh produce has been mentioned in initial proposals for £90 million of agri-tech funding to establish Centres for Agricultural Innovation.
The Horticulture Innovation Partnership (HIP) said it has been “encouraged” by the inclusion of fresh produce in the ‘Prospectus for the Centres for Agricultural Innovation’, published last week.
HIP executive director Mark Tatchell said fresh produce is usually ignored by government proposals, but the lobbying by HIP has brought the sector to the front of minds. He said the process will be lengthy, with a closing date for bidders in October followed by a selected few being called back. The outcome for funding allocations for centres is likely to be this time next year, he added.
The HIP said it is now developing a proposal for a Centre of Agricultural Innovation for Fresh and Prepared Produce (CAIP), after consultation with value-chain businesses and the R&D community.
The centres will be hubs for collaboration between industry and researchers and aim to rebuild the capacity for applied research and industry links, which have been eroded in the past.
Ultimately, they will aim to use innovation and research to create growth for UK companies and international competitive advantage.
“The HIP has spent the past year rallying all aspects of the fresh produce supply chain to coordinate a proposal for a Centre,” said Tatchell.
“Earlier this year industry identified the key challenges it faced and backed the move to submit a proposal. A recent meeting with research providers to the fresh produce sector also helped to shape what could be delivered.”
There is still time to engage and the HIP is keen to hear from input suppliers, packers and processors. To get involved with developing an Innovation Centre for the fresh and prepared sector contact the HIP at info@hip.org.uk.
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