UK supermarkets could be involved in a new network aimed at pushing forward horticultural research using commercial land.
A DEFRA progress report on the implementation of the Taylor Review revealed a deal has been brokered between the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the NFU to rally growers and farmers behind the scheme.
The NFU said research responsibilities “should not be confined to growers and suppliers” and said supermarkets could be key to development.
The Taylor Review proposes to make use of existing commercial farms rather than create new facilities. There are already a number of demonstration farms or sites funded by both the public and private sector, including retailers, and the report urges an upturn in their number and co-ordination.
NFU chief science and regulatory affairs adviser Helen Ferrier told FPJ there had been a “general underinvestment” in research as the UK had not previously struggled to produce food. However, she called for an increase in public-private partnerships to “revitalise” the practical research on farm.
She said: “There has been too much focus on fundamental science as that’s where the funding has been. The focus should be on applied, practical solutions.”
Ferrier cited Waitrose’s sustainability partnership with Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences as a model which other retailers should follow.
Peter Dunn, head of communications at the University of Warwick, argued that dedicated research centres were what the industry wanted.
He said “endless meetings” over the future of Warwick HRI - which eventually merged with the School of Biological Sciences to become the School of Life Sciences but kept its facilities - had confirmed a desire from industry for devoted research facilities.
The DEFRA progress report on the Taylor Review assures that science and research funding will be maintained at £4.6 billion a year between 2011 and 2015.
It also announced the independent Task Force on Farming Regulation will publish its findings and recommendations in the spring before the government develops policy on farm.
The update revealed that DEFRA is working closely with the Agri-Skills Forum and new Advanced Training Partnerships will make awards for schemes in the agri-food area in the spring.
The news comes as the rural economy has been at the centre of activities during National Apprenticeship Week.
On Monday, business secretary Vince Cable outlined the government’s intention to increase the funding of vocational training by an extra £222 million a year to £1.4bn annually.
David Winn, industry partnership manager at sector skills council Lantra, said Hedon Salads was an “excellent example” of a flexible business, currently employing 39 apprentices. However, he said it is “bucking the trend in production horticulture” and the industry needed to appreciate the value of apprentices. He said: “[Farming minister] Jim Paice is clearly behind increasing food security and we have to be flexible in our approach to skills.”
The Spalding Horticulture Training Group is due to meet with John Hayes, minister of state for further education, skills and lifelong learning to discuss driving apprenticeships in fresh produce and encouraging youth into the industry today.
No comments yet